SBC long tube headers for best ground clearance

[BrazilianZ28Camaro]

Hello Everyone

I hope this is the correct place to put this question.

I''m selecting parts for a new hot street 350 engine build and Id like to get a long tube header recommendation for a '69 Camaro equipped with PS, A/C, TKO five speed manual and two inches drop spindles. 1 5/8" or 1 3/4" primeries ,ceramic coated headers will be ideal.

Ground clearance is critical, but I prefer long tubes instead of shorties for better power.

I've contacted Dougs headers for a PN# recommendation/confirmation but didn't get any answer yet.

Hear your experience with header fitment, brands and Ground clearance will be nice.

Thanks is advance,

Diego

[rustbucket79]

I would be interested in their response, I'm looking to order a set of their 1 7/8" long tubes for my 79 Camaro drag car that sits on the bump stops and will end there again after the launch and would like to know the bulk of the tubes/ collectors is above the bottoms of the subframe rails.

[BrazilianZ28Camaro]

I would be interested in their response, I'm looking to order a set of their 1 7/8" long tubes for my 79 Camaro drag car that sits on the bump stops and will end there again after the launch and would like to know the bulk of the tubes/ collectors is above the bottoms of the subframe rails.

This one I can answer Buddy.
I got a set of Dougs #D326 for my SBC 427 '71 Z28. She's pretty much sit like yours.The header ground clearance is the best possible IMHO but the collectors can't be above the subframe, because they're 3.5" OD. The part is very good quality.

If your car have stock lower control arms they will need to be notched a little, otherwise they hit the headers a t full suspension extension nd make SURE the H member is straight.

You can see a video in my signature to have a clue of my car's stance.

[rustbucket79]

Hey thanks for the reply and heads up on the control arm clearance I'll definitely be checking that out on mine, ordering them this morning.

[MadBill]

If you really need to improve clearance, you could always find headers with or convert to flat collectors: https://www.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=htt ... mrc&uact=8

[6.50camaro]

I would be interested in their response, I'm looking to order a set of their 1 7/8" long tubes for my 79 Camaro drag car that sits on the bump stops and will end there again after the launch and would like to know the bulk of the tubes/ collectors is above the bottoms of the subframe rails.

I have Hooker super comp 1-7/8" primary x 3-1/2" collector on my 72 camaro . It start so low at one point the k member had about 2-3/4 to 3" of ground clearance .They fit very nice . Same issue with #3 pipe on control arm at full travel . I'm using travel limiters on the upper a arms so the only time its an issue is when doing suspension work on the front . No problem with the bolts used the header bolts with the 7/16 12 piont heads or allen head bolts only a couple neeed minor massage with a small ball peen to get the clearance needed to install bolts . Hope this helps as another option rustbucket. Dan

[ssdoug]

I have a 68 with a 406 . Tried Hooker 1 3/4 super comps Dougs 1 5/8s . I now have Dynatech 1 3/4 step to 1 7/8 by far the best fitting most ground clearance Hope this helps.

[rustbucket79]

Thanks for lending me your thread Diego, Doug's D326 headers on order, thanks to the others who posted for my benefit. These will be replacing 1 3/4 Super Comps, they served me well since I purchased them in the early 1990's.
They're a bit cheaper, 16 rather than 18 gauge, plus the name seems catchy to me......

Cheers,

Doug

[BrazilianZ28Camaro]

I have a 68 with a 406 . Tried Hooker 1 3/4 super comps Dougs 1 5/8s . I now have Dynatech 1 3/4 step to 1 7/8 by far the best fitting most ground clearance Hope this helps.

This sure helps !!

I took a look at Dynatec but couldn't find any header set for first gen SBC Camaro, only second gen sbc.

Is your car lowered too?

Thanks for reply.

[BrazilianZ28Camaro]

Thanks for lending me your thread Diego, Doug's D326 headers on order, thanks to the others who posted for my benefit. These will be replacing 1 3/4 Super Comps, they served me well since I purchased them in the early 1990's.
They're a bit cheaper, 16 rather than 18 gauge, plus the name seems catchy to me......

Cheers,

Doug

You're welcome!

Let us know how she did with the new headers!

[Newold1]

MYself if I was after new headers I would not buy any set that is not stainless. You might want to talk to the people at Kooks headers. They are masters in stainless headers and I have seen sets so beautifully tucked up tight in Corvettes that you need heat shields to eliminate heat transfer. Not saying you want them that tight but semi-custom header builders like this generally take more time for expert fitment than do the big production catalogue header manufacturers. They are not cheap but the quality and fitment in good stainless headers isn't either.

[rfoll]

Headers for dirt circle track are designed for a tight fit. I have a 78 X body and could not find a reasonably priced set of 1 3/4 headers to fit an angle plug head. I ended up with Schoenfeld street stock headers. They are so tight I have to run a very short oil filter.

[rustbucket79]

Dynatech's are nice but I wanted a 3 1/2" collector. Shoenfelds are nice too but we have no dealers in Canada and there is mention on some of them not working with some starters, short oil filter, etc.

Looking forward to getting back on the strip, it's been 4 years.

[BrazilianZ28Camaro]

Headers for dirt circle track are designed for a tight fit. I have a 78 X body and could not find a reasonably priced set of 1 3/4 headers to fit an angle plug head. I ended up with Schoenfeld street stock headers. They are so tight I have to run a very short oil filter.

I'll take a look on these.

Thanks for reply!

[rustbucket79]

Headers showed up, my goodness they are works of art!

They are pretty close in terms of placement compared to my Hooker 1 3/4 Super Comps but final impressions won't be until Saturday when the engine goes back in the car. Hopefully the cross member clears them, or it will be sacrificed for the greater good.

Installing a flexplate shield this time around, and between my mid plate and the firewall, I'm not sure which is going to be the bigger challenge.