Hooker 68-72 big block Chevelle headers fit my 69 C10

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by Greg B

BossHogg69 this is by far the best header thread I've seen especially with your pictures of both headers mounted. I chose the Hedman headers because of your detailed explanation and am waiting to get them so we can mock them up and build my 3" stainless steel system. Well done!

Glad the info could help you out. I'll add a bit more - I just installed a new 532" BB, and the 1.75" Hedman chevelle headers I had were way too small, so I was looking for a 2.125" header to satisfy the needs of the engine. I tried a Dynatech 2.125" x 3.5" Camaro big block header and got the passenger side to fit after cutting & extending a couple of the tubes, but the driver's side was a total no go, mostly due to the #7 tube kick up to get around the steering box on a camaro (which is rear steer) so I got a set made.

Custom Craft in Ft. Smith, AR made these and I had them weld on the ball & socket flanges instead of using regular three bolt flanges. They coated the mufflers and the headers as well. I will be finishing the tailpipes myself and sending them to Custom Craft for coating to match the headers. These are 2.125" x 3.5" collector. They really did a good job - nothing hits, they tuck up tight and I can change the oil filter without unbolting the header. You can see where they kicked in the #1 tube to clear the clamshell mount & bracket. Starter clearance is good as well. Everything installed easily from under the truck without any cussing or throwing tools!

[chris mc bride]

Looks too dang good to drive on street. I thought I was building big motor for street truck with little 496. Maybe a racing buddy will have good deal on big bore block and I can get 565 together.That would be fun.

I'd bet yours is blast to drive.

[nikwho]

I was reading this old thread, thinking about ordering a new set of BBC headers for my '68 GMC C15. I see that some guys are having luck running 68-72 Chevelle headers. I wanted to add that not all of hehe will work. I'm currently working on making a set of Hedman #68196 headers work. They are NOT a bolt in affair! At least not with my '86 C10 crossmemver and lower control arms, with the control arms being the major issue. I've had to do some cutting and re-routing. Just wanted to post so guys don't think "if one 68 Chevelle header will fit, they all will". I'm having conflict with frame rails, as well as lower control arm pivot bolts.

[BossHogg69]

Originally Posted by nikwho

I was reading this old thread, thinking about ordering a new set of BBC headers for my '68 GMC C15. I see that some guys are having luck running 68-72 Chevelle headers. I wanted to add that not all of hehe will work. I'm currently working on making a set of Hedman #68196 headers work. They are NOT a bolt in affair! At least not with my '86 C10 crossmemver and lower control arms, with the control arms being the major issue. I've had to do some cutting and re-routing. Just wanted to post so guys don't think "if one 68 Chevelle header will fit, they all will". I'm having conflict with frame rails, as well as lower control arm pivot bolts.

Where did you mount the '86 crossmember in the '68 frame? What kind of motor mounts are you using and what position are they in? We need a little more info here. The 68198 headers I used are basically the same exact header, but the ones I used are the Hedman 'Elite' (.375" flanges, 14 ga tubes), and the 68196 you're using are the 'street' header (1/4" flanges, 18 ga tubes) - they are both 1.75" tubes, 3.0" collector and follow the same bends. I'd be willing to bet they are built on the same jig.

[nikwho]

The '86 crossmember bolts right into the '68 frame. So, it kind of positions itself in there. The conflict was with the very wide lower control arm shafts. I'm using the LOL (Performance On-Line) tubular frame mounts, that are also bolt in, with regular NAPA rubber engine mounts. It's the #2 exhaust tube that was the primary conflict. Had to re-route it outboard of the #4 tube.

[orange70c10]

Sorry Guys, been out for a long while. Two Stent's in a artery had me down, so I've been collecting parts. I like the idea of the car headers for lowered trucks. Need advise on engine and trans mounts, (tubular)? Found a good, 454 block, crank, 781 heads etc. Just need a th400. I'm am limited on what I can do physically because of my vascular desease, so any advise would be very appreciative!