Headers for a K5
 

I have my K5 apart to have the heads done. It's a 400 SBC. The drivers side exh manifold is cracked and I am thinking about installing headers. What brands have you guys used and like? I have always been a Hooker Headers guy myself.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

I’m a fan of hooker. One thing I would suggest is get a set that are ceramic coated. If not they put off a lot of heat. I’ve tried Doug Thorley tri ys in the past and they wouldn’t clear the shackle on the passenger side. I’ve heard Doug’s headers will fit. Pretty much the same header but he’s the original. Thorleys I believe is owned by his ex wife. They were mid length so I can’t attest to full length clearing the shackle. Buy them from Summit Racing because if they don’t fit you can return them for a different set.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

I am a fan of Sanderson's. X2 on the ceramic coating. I have swapped the same set on two different engines on my Jeepster, with no leaks. That said, I have rams horns on my Blazer and am happy with them.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

Heddman the only thing I ever found that would clear the mechanical clutch linkage on a manual trans truck.

But I ditched mine years ago for the 2 1/2" Corvette Rams Horns and would highly recommend that for a truck solution unless maximum power above 4500 rpm is your goal.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

My 70 Blazer has Hedman from the PO and still had to alter the linkage.
Wasn't done very well, but works for now. I too plan on 2.5 manifolds.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

Headers will just give you leaks and grief and will do nothing on a stock engine. Buy yourself a new set of cast manifolds, bolt them on and forget about them.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

I ditched my headers for a set of 2.5 inch rams horns. I got tired of the leaks, the droning noise, and having to crawl under the truck to change a couple of the spark plugs.

Re: Headers for a K5
 

Unless you're making north of 400hp, headers are merely for sound. By the set of ram horns for a fraction of headers, and spend the rest on a nice bottle of whiskey. You'll be much happier over the long run.