Headers that fit?

[X33RS]

I'm not good at searching but so far I haven't found anything that answers the question.   I've talked to a couple manufactures and they tell me either the back drive linkage has to be removed or I hear it doesn't clear a power steering box.  Google searches come up with all kinds of different answers that don't appear to be certain.  No pics, no feedback, etc..

  Is there a header that works without fuss?  Without removing reverse linkage?  I'm finding it hard to believe as popular as these cars are, there isn't a header that fits the intended application with factory equipment in place.

Thanks for any insight.

[BULLITT65]

do a search on the CRG, seems like I have seen a discussion on this in the past. I think the one Jerry M recommended cleared everything but, was quite pricey. hope I am remembering right.

[BillOhio]

http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=14115.msg123336#msg123336

Larry see if this helps

[X33RS]

Thanks Bill.  I did see that, and it is the most thorough discussion on them I've found yet.  But it still  seems to have skipped some key details that leaves unanswered questions.

It starts out with Doug headers that are supposed to work, then Gary mentions that Summit has them but no part numbers given and I've yet to find them there.  States they are made in 1 5/8 and 1 3/4.  I prefer 1 5/8 and it would be easier to package anyway.  Odd they are so hard to find a set that works with stock equipment.
  Later it's mentioned that Hooker headers work but no part number given.  There are at least 3 part numbers I've found for Hooker sbc Camaro headers, and they all have a disclaimer about back drive linkage.  Don't know which hookers they are talking about  .

So yeah, the answers I've found seem to be all over the place with nothing definite.  If worse comes to worse, I'll buy some cheap headers and start cutting/welding tubes.  Just seems I shouldn't have to do that for the most popular car in the world, lol.

[X33RS]

Bill,  Okay it did help.  Your post made me go back and search for Dougs headers again.  I guess it helps if you type it in correctly    Stupid computers, lol

I did find Dougs for $639 coated in 1 5/8 tube.  according to reviews they are said to clear, clutch, PS, and back drive linkage.  Part number DOU-D308

They are also offered in 1 3/4 tube with similar reviews.

I'll be buying a set of Dougs and trying them out.

[jdv69z]

I have the Doug's 1 5/8" Tri-Y headers on my Z, and they work no problem with the back drive linkage. I'm installing the new Hurst shifter at present, and I'll post a pic as soon as I've got it together. Years ago I had installed the Hooker Comp headers (not the Super Comp) which did interfere with the back drive linkage. So I took the original bell crank (the part mounted to the frame which pivots to move the 2 rods)  to work and had them fab me duplicate. Then I had to heat up the duplicate part I made and bend about a 1" offset into it. It then worked with the Hookers. So, it is doable.

In the case of the Hookers, at least, they make one header which fits multiple cars, not just the Camaro. That's probably why they aren't set up as ideally as they might be if they were Camaro only. 

[KurtS]

D308 sound like the right part number. I think it was stamped on the flange. Ouch on the price - at least they are coated.

Jimmy,
Can you post a pic of the ground clearance of the collector?

[69Z28-RS]

AND...  Free Shipping from Summit... 

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/dou-d308

I've always had headers on my car.  The ones on it when I purchased it finally 'rotted', and I purchased coated Hedmans, but they interfered with the back drive, and they also 'touched' the floor on one side, so I never ran them.   Currently I'm undecided how to put the car back together, as I have *perfect* original exhaust manifolds (stored since removed when new on a friend's Z28), and I've purchased an original smog system for returning my car to totally original condition ... but..  these Doug's headers are very attractive to me...

[jdv69z]

This help? Collectors are not much lower than the sub frame. Note that the shifter mechanism is removed in these photos.

[jdv69z]

Another view

[BULLITT65]

those tuck under the car very nicely. Thanks for posting Jimmy.

[X33RS]

Jimmy, as far as headers and ground clearance goes, I think what you have is as good as it gets.  Very few headers out there tuck up that nicely.   With a dozen cars in the stable, most have headers from various brands and nothing is that tight under any of the cars.

$630 for coated headers that fit that nicely is well worth the money.  I've spent $800 on headers that don't fit that good on a BBC application here.

Ground clearance is a concern on the Z because these things sit so darn low to begin with.  Great pics.

[KurtS]

Great pics.
They could be up a little bit more, but they did a nice job, esp compare to the crap that is out there....

[jdv69z]

And to think I bought them because of the Tri-Y design!

[JKZ27]

Jimmy, could you post a pic of the flanges at the heads showing spark plug and wire clearance, if you get a chance? Thanks.

[jdv69z]

Hope these help. Note that #6 is the toughest plug to get at. I use a shorty 13/16" wrench to tighten/loosen it. Then my fingers. The plug wire comes pretty close to the header on that cylinder as well.

[69Z28-RS]

Great pics.
They could be up a little bit more, but they did a nice job, esp compare to the crap that is out there....

The Tri-Y design is one reason they clear more components (overall less tubing and no area where all 4 tubes come together).   I thought I recalled that a Tri-Y design also helps torque, but my 'old memory' isn't as trustworthy any more.. ..  so I consulted google and found a Hot Rod Mag article on 'selecting the right header', and the pros of Tri Y headers are listed as:  "Tri-Y Long-Tube: Tri-Y headers came to popularity when they were used by Shelby for the GT350 Mustangs. The tri-Y design combines a short primary that is paired with another cylinder that is synchronized in the firing order into a 2-into-1 collector that steps to a larger diameter secondary tube. The two secondary tubes are then merged into a final 2-into-1 collector creating an overall length similar to a 4-into-1 design. The traditional design works well to build more torque from idle to 4,500-5,000 rpm, so they are very effective for street use, however, autocrossers and road racers also love them for their midrange torque and increased throttle response as well. NASCAR teams use a derivative design, called a 4-into-2-into-1 (4:2:1), which uses much longer primary and secondary tubes for higher-rpm effectiveness."

Full article here:   http://www.hotrod.com/articles/how-to-pick-the-right-header/

[JKZ27]

Yes. All great pics. Thank you.

[bcmiller]

Hooker Super Comps fit in a 68 with a 406, Dart aluminum heads and manual steering box without much fuss.

[69Z28-RS]

Hooker Super Comps fit in a 68 with a 406, Dart aluminum heads and manual steering box without much fuss.

What about the back drive?

[bcmiller]

Hooker Super Comps fit in a 68 with a 406, Dart aluminum heads and manual steering box without much fuss.

What about the back drive?

Not exactly sure what you mean. Has a Lakewood bellhousing and Muncie. Custom bent 2.5 inch exhaust with H pipe. This is in dad's car.

[cook_dw]

67 & 8 do not have the back drive (reverse lockout) linkage like the 9s..  Completely different  steering columns..

[bcmiller]

Had a brain freeze there for a bit.

Aftermarket Hurst shifter, tilt column. Reverse lockout, nope. Unless it helps the car go fast, it's not on the car!