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

 

[Roscobbc]

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.

 

[teamzr1]

Here is some interesting exhaust systems that have chambered mufflers

Classic Chambered Exhaust Inc. - Home Page

www.classicchambered.com

 

[Blondie69]

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.

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]

Doug's (a division of Pertronics) only appear to offer side exhaust systems for C3 Vettes.

 

[Blondie69]

Great workmanship for the work already done. Definitely don't want to convert to side pipes.

 

[Roscobbc]

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]

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?

 

[Blondie69]

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?

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

 

[teamzr1]

Great workmanship for the work already done. Definitely don't want to convert to side pipes.

Shop used good grade of pipe and made the X-pipe to correct size for good flow but to create best exhaust pulses should be close to the engine and then for rest of length did not use Mandrel bends so final exhaust system is limited to the smaller diameter of bends
Not sure why on the left head had to do so many bends but in the end the exhaust flow is less volume as confined to the bends they did and adds some back pressure

This is a waste as example if using 2 1/2" pipe but bends reduced flow to like 2 inches

Overview of Mandrel Bending​

Mandrel bending is a specialized tube bending technique that utilizes a solid rod, known as a mandrel, inserted inside the tube. This method is essential for maintaining the tube's structural integrity during the bending process.

Key Features of Mandrel Bending​

• Structural Support: The mandrel prevents the tube from collapsing under pressure, ensuring that the final product retains its shape.
• Quality of Bends: This technique produces high-quality bends with smooth curves, avoiding creases or kinks that can occur with other bending methods.
• Material Distribution: During the bending process, the material is evenly distributed, which helps maintain the tube's wall thickness and overall strength.

Advantages of Mandrel Bending​

Advantage	Description
Prevents Structural Deformation	The mandrel supports the tube, preventing any deformation during bending.
Cleaner Bends	Results in aesthetically pleasing bends without visible imperfections.
Versatility	Suitable for various materials and wall thicknesses, accommodating different applications.

Applications of Mandrel Bending​

Mandrel bending is widely used in various industries, including:

• Automotive: For exhaust pipes and other components requiring precise bends.
• Aerospace: In manufacturing parts that need to withstand high stress and maintain structural integrity.
• Furniture: For creating tubular frames and supports.

This technique is crucial for projects that demand high precision and quality in bent tubing.

 

[Roscobbc]

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 View attachment 33233

Unless someone has personal experience using these on a Vette I'd be dubious about laying out good money only to have chop them up.....and then ruin any ceramic costing.