C3 1969 427 Ceramic headers - what are best?

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Blondie69

CCCUK Member
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

Roscobbc

Moderator
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.
 
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Blondie69

CCCUK Member
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 😊
 
Roscobbc

Roscobbc

Moderator
Doug's are great for side pipes - they seem to have taken over where Hooker have left-off after Hooker discontinuing many variants. Hooker were 'the name' for headers once. Not sure if Doug's do a suitable header for your car (side exit header....yes, underfloor I'm not too sure) ..I'll take a look for you later.
Be careful relating to options like power steering and specifically a/c. Some headers won't fit with these options. My Hookers wouldn't fit an a/c car.
 
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Blondie69

CCCUK Member
Roscobbc said:
Doug's are great for side pipes - they seem to have taken over where Hooker have left-off after Hooker discontinuing many variants. Hooker were 'the name' for headers once. Not sure if Doug's do a suitable header for your car (side exit header....yes, underfloor I'm not too sure) ..I'll take a look for you later.
Be careful relating to options like power steering and specifically a/c. Some headers won't fit with these options. My Hookers wouldn't fit an a/c car.
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Thank you. Yes have read that clearing the spark plugs is also an issue. I need to be sure on the correct ones as they are not cheap. Thank you for your help.
 
Roscobbc

Roscobbc

Moderator
Off-the shelf-underfloor headers will obliviate the use of your electronic cut-outs in their current position. The header collectors will sit much further towards the rear of the car and probably under the footwells. Shorty generic non-specific headers may allow the use of your cut-outs in a similar position but will possibly create clearance issues with the clutch linkage or other parts. Someone will need to fabricate some piping and bends between the collector reducers and exhaust pipes, hopefully incorporating your cut-outs. What diameter are your rather nicely fabricated exhaust pipes?
 
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Blondie69

CCCUK Member
Roscobbc said:
Off-the shelf-underfloor headers will obliviate the use of your electronic cut-outs in their current position. The header collectors will sit much further towards the rear of the car and probably under the footwells. Shorty generic non-specific headers may allow the use of your cut-outs in a similar position but will possibly create clearance issues with the clutch linkage or other parts. Someone will need to fabricate some piping and bends between the collector reducers and exhaust pipes, hopefully incorporating your cut-outs. What diameter are your rather nicely fabricated exhaust pipes?
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2.5 inches diameter. I think shorty are the only option due to clearance issues. Been looking at these tonight but don't have any reviews 😕 Screenshot_20260611_223516_Chrome.jpg
 
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