[BestDamnGarageInTown]

I am looking for the cheapest set of Large tube headers for a SB chevy. Every where I look all I find is big tube for big block. Where would you guys look?

 

[techinspector1]

I am looking for the cheapest set

Bad way to start in my opinion. Cheapest price means cheapest construction.

Depends on application. A street/strip motor up to and including 355 would do well with 1 5/8" primaries. 383 and larger, depending on rpm's, might do better with 1 3/4" primaries. Hedman makes a nice header. If you were using a very large motor and buzzing it, you might opt for 1 7/8" headers such as Hooker Super Comps. The reason you don't normally see pipes bigger that this offered for a small block is maybe because they don't work.

What's the motor size and what is the intended use of the vehicle?

 

[BestDamnGarageInTown]

383 12.5-13:1 CR,alum heads, 205/160-215cc runner

 

[techinspector1]

This is just my opinion, not based on any scientific facts. Up to 7000, 1 3/4" Hedman or Hooker. Over that, 1 7/8" Hooker Super Comps.

 

[ericnova72]

What car or chassis?? There are some relatively cost effective sources for certain body styles.

 

[BestDamnGarageInTown]

Square frame chassis,Body is a 79 triumph spitfire, car weighs 2800lbs

 

[ericnova72]

Ha Ha, good luck finding any pre made header to fit, you are looking at having to go custom unless you can get lucky and find something for a different application that might happen to fit or fit with just a few mods. Take a look at Schoenfeld Headers, maybe you can use or slightly rework a Modified or Sprint header, I always give them a look and have used them a few times.

I used Schoenfeld SBC Street Stock 1 7/8" for a '78-87 GM metric chassis when I did my mini-tubbed 10.5" Radial Vega, I let the header decide where the engine had to sit, still ended up with 6 3/4" engine set back but wanted 8". I wasn't going to spend $700+ for custom headers, these were $179.

Getting ready to do a Straight axle Gasser w/ a Vega body and I'm going to let a set of IMCA Modified over-the-frame side exit headers decide engine location for this one too. It was the only way to find a cheap fenderwell header.

 

[BestDamnGarageInTown]

Where is a good place to research this? As far as big tube goes, I am guessing that to big will hurt me?

 

[ericnova72]

1-3/4" should suit your needs, or 1-7/8" if top end power is a priority. Schoenfeld Headers has a web site with lots of pics, and they sell flanges and pipe bends for do-it-yourselfers.

I don't think you will find anybody that can tell you what will fit for sure, your car too much of a custom project and not popular enough for anyone to make a swap header for it.

Too big isn't an issue with the primary pipes, but too short really is - 30" minimum length.

 

[techinspector1]

Headers by Ed has pieces to make your own also.
http://www.headersbyed.com/

Also, you might talk with some of the manufacturers about fenderwell headers. There may be a set that you could adapt.
http://www.roadsters.com/engines/#Headers