lowered big block header options

[sbc10guy]

Hi guys i have found about everything i need for my sb to bb swap but i need advice on my header choice. I have a 69 with stock 67-71 big block frame stands. The truck is lowered about 4 inches and right now has long tube headers but i have no idea what ones. The current headers only rub on large potholes and would work for me. Just wondering is there a camaro or chevelle header that works for this or is a shorty header my only option if they work at all. Would love to here what you guys are running on your lowered big block trucks. Thanks

[jeh]

Sanderson BB8's worked good for me.

[vidman]

Hooker Chevelle headers work well. they do not hang down below the frame..

[sbc10guy]

Any specific year of chevelle header work better than others? I was thinking between 68-72. I just hate to order a set that doesnt fit.

[sbc10guy]

Also do you have any specific numbers of the headers that fit well. I have been leaning towards the 2455-3 hooker darkside as i used them on my chevelle and loved them.

[vidman]

I used the Hooker 2455 and the fit was ok. had to trim the frame in a few spots, plus the drivers side motor frame mount had to be cut a little, but for headers not made for the truck I am happy with them. The main reason that I used them was that the collectors don,t hang down very much.

[sbc10guy]

Ok. when you say trim the frame a little bit how much would you say you took off exactly. If i remember correctly i even had to grind a spot on my chevelle frame and thats what they were for. I really like how those are sitting in there though. Shouldnt be any ground clearance issues there.

[vidman]

If you look at the above pic you can see where the paint chips are where I had to trim the frame plus this pic of the top of the frame I had to do a little more trimming. No trimming on the drivers side was needed. I am also using Brodix heads so not sure if stock or other heads will put the tubes in a different location..

[sbc10guy]

Awesome. That doesnt seem too bad i think i may just order the 2455 series headers then. Thanks for the pics.

[sbc10guy]

Well i have been holding off on headers for a little while yet. I have been doing a little more research and it seems 2457 hooker headers are for the truck my year where the 2455 is for 71 up. Is there a reason 67-70 would use a different header style than 71-72. I just am looking for the best fit so if these 2457 headers are better i will go that route. Anyone have any knowledge on this issue?

[Captainfab]

I believe the 2455's are Chevelle headers as vidman stated above. Headers specifically for a truck will hang lower than the Chevelle headers

[lane620]

I put flowtech headers on my 69 an I am very pleased with the fit.I got chevelle/nova headers.I can take a picture tomorrow if u want.they don't drop below the frame rails an I didn't have to trim.

[sbc10guy]

That would be great, also if you had a part number to look them up on jegs or other websites. Thanks

[ItsRandy]

I have Hooker long tube 3.5 in. collector for a BB truck and they hang down a bit. I have only "touched" them twice on speed bumps in 9000+ miles. I don't drive it to the dump anymore.

I thought I had a better picture of how close the headers are to the ground...Oops.

[sbc10guy]

Hey guys just got my hooker 2455 headers in today and they are nowhere near fitting. They run directly into my crossmember. I have the mount that the bellhousing bolts to and the trans just hangs off the end. I have three questions. First if i get a mount for the rear of the transmission and remove the bellhousing crossmember will i still have fitment issues most likely. Second if that works will they still hit my clutch fork? Third if i return the headers and use manifold am i still going to run into issues with the bellhousing mount? Thanks.

[Captainfab]

The car headers will never work with the bellhousing crossmember in place. I don't think the headers will interfere with the clutch fork, but I can almost guarantee your clutch linkage won't work with the car headers. What trans do you have? If it is a SM465, I don't think it will have a rear mount provision.

[sbc10guy]

I removed the sm465 a few years ago and have a muncie m21 in there so it has the rear mounting location. Does that change your response on the clutch linkage interfearance? Another question, will an automatic crossmember work just mounted in a different location or is it way off height wise? Not sure where to get a crossmember at this time, or if i should just go manifolds.

[Captainfab]

All you need for a trans crossmember is an auto trans crossmember from a '63-'87 pickup, Suburban or 2wd K5 Blazer. One from a '66-'77 would be preferable. Then you can remove the bellhousing crossmember. As for your clutch linkage, that is dependant on the primary tube configuration. You might get lucky and it may work.

[sbc10guy]

Awesome information thank you very much. il go grab a auto crossmember and a new trans mount and give it a shot at least. I really want to run those headers. Thanks again it helped a lot.

[nlped]

Did you ever get this worked out?