C3 1969 427 Ceramic headers - what are best?

[Blondie69]

Hi all
Pick your brains time. I am looking at Ceramic headers for my Big Block and wondering where to purchase them from? What make are the best fit without alteration required?
Has anyone changed theirs recently and what challenges did you come across? As nothing always goes to plan.
Thank you

 

[Roscobbc]

Hi Barb. I've used both Hedman and Hooker headers. I ran the black painted Hedmans for about 10 years with no issues - no ground clearance issues.......however the collectors were very close to the floor, especially on the drivers side.....and yes ones feet would get very warm in summer. The collector are relatively short and are fairly easy to link-up to existing system. I suspect that if you have cut-outs it might require some 'surgery'?
Ceramic coated Hedman headers for a '69 BB are 1 7/8" tube item 66891 currently @ $938.96
I currently have Hooker Super Competition Ceramic coated 2 1/8" i.d. headers. Universally recognised as being the very best on the market. They have been on the car for perhaps 12 years - they are starting to show tiny rust spots (much like chrome ones tend to). I simply use TCut to polish the surface and they shine-up really well. They performed significantly better than the Hedmans (especially over 4000 rpm with the specific 'tune' and capacity of my engine). But' (and this is a very big 'but') my Hookers (no longer available) have primary tubes that are 1/4" larger in diameter than the current 2123-HKR @ $1299.95 and 'hang' very low and far back in the chassis creating ground clearance issues. If considering these best check out dimensions before buying.
If your budget allows Hayward and Scott at Basildon will fabricate stainless headers and perhaps link-up to your existing system.

 

[Blondie69]

Thank you Ross for your experience with ceramic headers. I will look into them.
Yes clearance is a must as have only just had a new exhaust system put on and it tucks very nicely away.
The transmission is having to come out again ( leaking oil at the engine) so thought it would be a good time to make more changes and try to keep the engine cooler....if possible with a BB.
What's your thoughts about Doug ceramic headers? Having read many articles ( sometimes not a good idea as I get more confused ) Dougs have been mentioned.
Thank you