Anyone using Speed Engineering Headers???

[Steve Cole]

In particular, these:





Part number 25-1021

I am looking for feedback on how well they fit, how well they are made, etc. Also info on the long tube versions.
Thanks!

[v30crewcab]

looks like the ones we are using in the 66 suburban we are building. seem to fit nice.

[Steve Cole]

Wow, a reply already! Thanks for the quick reply. Any clearance issues with the spark plug wires or oil dipstick tube?

[v30crewcab]

its not running yet, but the dipstick works fine. pass side wires are fine, driver side won't work. needs aftermarket wires.

[1970 CST Short Wide]

Nice looking set. I used Sanderson which look just like these and the fit perfect

[Steve Cole]

Awesome, thanks!

[sprint_9]

Couple pictures of the long tubes and how they hang.

Let me know if you want any specific pictures of them and I can get them.

[coreyjhen]

Originally Posted by sprint_9

Couple pictures of the long tubes and how they hang.

Let me know if you want any specific pictures of them and I can get them.

Whose motor mounts are you using?

[racecougar]

Went with their longtubes and engine mount adapter plates, along with stock type mounts and the original I-6 perches. They fit well. The only modification was welding on a V-band to the collectors.

[coreyjhen]

Originally Posted by racecougar

Went with their longtubes and engine mount adapter plates, along with stock type mounts and the original I-6 perches. They fit well. The only modification was welding on a V-band to the collectors.

Looks nice. Your radiator and hoses look like the factory put them in, too.

[Steve Cole]

Hey Sprint, couple of questions: 1. Can you post a "side view" version of the first couple of pics you posted? And 2. Do you see any clearance issues with the column shift linkage or spark plug wires?

Thanks!

Same question for Racecougar! (If you didn't re-locate your coils)

[racecougar]

Originally Posted by coreyjhen

Looks nice. Your radiator and hoses look like the factory put them in, too.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Hey Sprint, couple of questions: 1. Can you post a "side view" version of the first couple of pics you posted? And 2. Do you see any clearance issues with the column shift linkage or spark plug wires?

Thanks!

Same question for Racecougar! (If you didn't re-locate your coils)

I used a '71 column and a Lokar shift linkage. The linkage required a slight bend, and the driverside O2 sensor bung is plugged (I installed a bung at a better angle in the exhaust just after the collector).

[Steve Cole]

Thanks Racecougar! Two more questions: Is your engine in the "stock" location? and, I am loving those V-band clamps, did those come from Speed Engineering as well?

Thanks.

[sprint_9]

Originally Posted by coreyjhen

Whose motor mounts are you using?

73-87 c20 with SBC to LS adapter plates

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Hey Sprint, couple of questions: 1. Can you post a "side view" version of the first couple of pics you posted? And 2. Do you see any clearance issues with the column shift linkage or spark plug wires?

Thanks!

Same question for Racecougar! (If you didn't re-locate your coils)

Havent gotten far enough into my build to know anything on the shifter, but it looks like that has been answered already. I did a little on plug wire mock up and they will be tight but manageable. I am relocating my coils so I have MSD wires, the wires I got have either a 90 or multiangle, up to 45 degree straight boot. Id like to use the 90's and run down behind the headers for that clean look, I just dont think there is going to be room between the bell housing and the header to make that happen.

That plug wire clearance brings up another point that was already mentioned, and that is header to block clearance. They are fairly tight, Im going to run a wrap around blanket in hopes of avoiding any starter issues. I also had to cut a small amount out of the block on the drivers side. There is a square boss toward the rear of the block that doesnt do anything, I cut about a half inch off of that to get 1/4 inch of clearance, so it is basically flush now. No one else has mentioned this block interference so maybe that is my gen 4 block, I am not sure.

Now while I may seem to say the SE headers are tight and in general talk down on them a little above, I did also try a set of Doug Thorley long tubes. And to be fair the SE headers were alot better in my opinion. With the DT headers you didnt gain that much block clearance, and plug wire routing looked nearly impossible. My SE headers came with straight exhaust flanges while the DT's were warped. Overall some of the key things that DT had going for them was the warrenty, ceramic coating, and thicker tubing (flanges are the same), although that thicker tubing was steel vs. stainless. DT didnt hang as low either, but I like the look of the header peaking down and through the wheel well

[Steve Cole]

Wow! A lot of great info here, thanks for taking the time to post this Sprint_9!

At this point, I am leaning more towards the mid-length headers but the clearance issues on the passenger side have me concerned. I may just give up and rum Camaro manifolds and be done with it.

[Steve Cole]

I ordered a set of these yesterday (p/n 25-1021). I know some people have said that they are very close to the starter and bellhousing area and I was concerned about that but I talked to someone at their shop and he told me these were recently redesigned to allow more clearance in this area AND they now come with V-band connections! This is a bonus to me. Plus, the price was reduced slightly so they are cheaper than before!

[meenaggie]

Yes, you are correct. The clearance around the starter and bellhousing is independent of engine location and the suspension setup. Posts 61, 62 & 63 in the thread below show some more pictures of the Speed Engineering headers including the passenger side. Not my truck or thread but thought it would help.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=679537&page=3

[72again4x4]

Hi Steve Cole,
I have them on my swap but it's a 4x4. Not a single problem. Welds are great, came with everything needed to install and no leaks so far. I've had them on for about 6 months but only 500 miles. Never had long tubes on anything so no comparison there but the fit was great and no interference or tight spots on either side. Sorry about the pic, I can take some installed if it helps.
Roger

[Steve Cole]

Thanks for the post Roger, and all that posted! Very valuable info here! Hey Roger, do you have a side view or installed view? I assume you are using the mid length but I can't tell from the pic.

Thanks to all!

[72again4x4]

I will take some new ones when I get home and post them. I'll take pics of both sides and show you the clearance.

[Steve Cole]

Originally Posted by meenaggie

Yes, you are correct. The clearance around the starter and bellhousing is independent of engine location and the suspension setup. Posts 61, 62 & 63 in the thread below show some more pictures of the Speed Engineering headers including the passenger side. Not my truck or thread but thought it would help.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=679537&page=3

Thanks Meanaggie, that is most helpful! This is the first time I have ever seen these particular headers installed and frankly, I am concerned about the starter/bellhousing clearance like you mentioned earlier. Aside from that, they look great. It seems that the long tubes don't have those clearance issues.

[sprint_9]

Took some pictures of the long tube to bell housing clearance today.

On the drivers side you can kind of see the square block that was cut at an angle to give me clearance. On the passenger just kind of showing an overall view, pretty close to the transmission bell housing starter kickout. Also it looks a little deceiving on the frame side as my shock bracket isnt bolted down on the passenger side picture.

[Steve Cole]

Hey Sprint,
Do you see there being any issues with the starter so close to the pipes?
Thanks,

[racecougar]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Hey Sprint,
Do you see there being any issues with the starter so close to the pipes?
Thanks,

I've had zero issues. No discernible difference in starting whether the engine is hot or cold.

[sprint_9]

Originally Posted by Steve Cole

Hey Sprint,
Do you see there being any issues with the starter so close to the pipes?
Thanks,

No, Im going to run a blanket so that should cure any heat build up beyond what would be normal.