73silververt

going to rebuild engine, base model, not looking to hot rod but would like to add headers and maybe aluminum intake, so many header options, looking for exact fit, dont want to modify car or header, best looks that last, no sidepipes, any suggestions appreciated

my 76 ray

This is what I used. I had no problems with fit, but I do have rack and pinion steering.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bi...ette/year/1973

bluedawg

Hooker comp fits well. You can get the ceramic coated from summit.

drwet

Hooker Super Comp. Perfect fit. Might need minor grinding to clear spark plug wrench if you have angle plugs.

renovator

I just recently replaced the 30 year old Hedman headers in my 70 base w/ac, of which fit perfect with my 400 TH trannie. Long story short the old headers did not clean up as well as hoped for ceramic coating so I purchased the new Hedman 68300' s that should have fit well but the new design swept much closer to the block and would not clear my trannie. Returned them and then I ponied up for the Doug's from the advice of the guys at Summit and these fit perfect!! Appear to be well made.

johnt365

I know you dont want to hot rod the motor, but if you are going through the effort and expense to rebuild the motor and add headers and an aftermarket intake, then I would bet you a beer that there is an aftermarket cam choice out there that will add performance or mpg or something. There is 40 something years of technology in cams since then.

Are you looking for a block hugger header that will bolt up to the existing exhaust pipe or a long tube header that does not require any dimples or other mods? Adapting any long tube headers is going to require some cutting and welding to mate with your existing pipes.

I would not rule out a well thought out cam upgrade.

73silververt

thanks, theres something to smoke over, all of exhaust is going to be replaced so a long tube header would probably be my choice. the cam upgrade is probably a good idea too, nothing wrong with a little more power, better mpg would be bonus

johnt365

I have the hedman headers. I dont know if you have ever had headers before or perhaps its been long enough to forget about some of the issues they can bring. Here are some things to think about.

1. Heat- It can be hard on your starter. There are several ways to combat this but if you have never had a heat soaked starter, headers will help that...
2. Loose bolts- They come loose all the time. Again, several ways to combat this.
3. Fitment- Its why you posted. Just cause they fit in there doesnt mean its easy to do.
4. Leaky collectors- That 3 bolt collector flange can leak if it gets bent or as they get old.

They sound good and add noticable power. Here is a pic of how I fixed the leaky collector issue. Some header makers have other connection options. I had to use a sawsall and V-band clamps

Clamps installed just after crossmember for easy tranny removal.

Little Mouse

without calling it hot rodding make your engine more effecient get your compression up and get rid of the silly .390/410 lift factory cam. compression and lift are both your friends for extra torque.

donyue

Hello 73silververt, I put a set of 68300 Hedmans on my 77 with Dart Pro 1 straight plug heads. They fit with no clearance issues. However, I believe I might have the old design of this header as I bought the headers used and had them ceramic coated. Don

texas jim

"hedman direct fit" and they fit my '81 perfectly. No mods needed and reasonable.