77 K10 LS Swap

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Crispy

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Crispy: Thanks for the link. In that application they are using a 4L80 trans. I am trying to use an NV4500 with manual clutch linkage. The clutch linkage is my clearance problem. The drivers side rear exhaust tube must exit the head an turn straight down for at least 15 inches to clear the clutch linkage. I am not saying the Speed ENG header will not work, but just I have not seen where anyone has tried it. Believe me, I would love use a set of stainless headers. BTW. I e-mailed Speed ENG, have not heard back from them.

Ah, yes. I forgot you were going manual. My apologies. Stainless is the way to go. I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of this, hopefully without breaking the bank.
Heres a pic of the speed engineering headers vs 5th gen camaro headers.
http://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/1979-k20-5-3-swap.21002/page-9#post-416315

Not sure if they would work but its at least a visual. The camaro headers require modification to the collector angle for tucked pipe routing.
 

Madhorn

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Oh man that looks like fun.
I was just looking the Speed ENG site again. Wonder if they would mix a set of headers? For example: Passenger side header from 25-1021 and a drivers side from 25-1039.
 

Madhorn

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Just send Speed Eng another email. Wish they had a phone number available
 

Madhorn

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This this the e-mail I sent to Speed Engineering.

I am working on a 77 Chevy K10 with a 5.3/nv4500/np205. I am interested in your long tube headers 25-1025. Will clear they manual clutch linkage?? Also, if that does not work is it possible to purchase a passenger side header from 25-1021 and a drivers side from 25-1039? It is possible, that this combination may work. Is there a tech support number I can call?? Thanks for your time

Here is the reply I received form Speed Engineering.

Thank you for your interest. Our C10 long tube headers will not clear the front driveshaft of the 4wd applications. Our shorty header part 25-1021, can be used, however it will still require the exhaust to be fabricated and routed around the front driveshaft. Our headers will be sold as the matched set as pictured, we are not able to mix and match headers from two separate kits. As a side note, we have not test fit the combination of our C10 long tube headers to the NV4500 to know of their clearance or potential issues.



I have seen a couple videos and some pictures of these headers being used in 73-87 4X4 trucks and blazers, all with auto trans. The only fitment issue mention are the casting ears on the auto transmissions. After taking a closer look at the DS header and taking some measurements on my truck, I am beginning to think it will clear the manual clutch linkage. Just not quite ready to pull the trigger on a set yet. I hate spending money parts that "might" work.
 

Madhorn

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Just received my PCM back from Brendan at LT1Swap. About a week and a half turn time, not bad. I hope to get back to work on the 77 soon. Currently I am in the middle of performing an AFM delete on my wife's 2015 Yukon, it dropped a lifter last week at 105K miles. Of course its out of warranty so I am stuck with fixing it my self. NOT happy with GM right now!!!!
 

Crispy

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When life drops your lifter. Throw a low lift cam and LS6 springs at it.

As for the front drive shaft issue I really hope what I've read on these threads is accurate or else I'll have bought parts that didnt work. Sounds like you will either spend time searching or money being a test mule on this. Funny to think they didnt test out fitment on a manual truck with how popular they are even if they arent the commonly found trans.
 

Madhorn

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Yukon just received an AFM delete kit from Texas Speed. Cam, lifters, springs and phaser kit, should add 50hp. Also needs a tune, so I picked up a Diablo I3 from Diablew. Will tune and fire it up in the morning.
As far as the 77 goes, I think I am going to use the stainless ram horn shorties.
 

Madhorn

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Yukon fired right up this morning, everything looks good so far. Can tell the tune needs a little tweaking but other than that so far so good. Back to the 77!!
 

Camar068

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10 yrs Air Force
awesome
 

Madhorn

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Engine wiring harness installed. Ready to install front clip. I have a line on some exhaust manifolds from a C5 vette, confident they work. But I just leaned that if they do not have the flanges, its around $150 for flanges with 6 inches worth of pipe. Not cool! Still may end up using long tube headers.
 

Madhorn

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Camar068: Thanks for the advice. I have already welded in a patch panel and braces for steering box cracks. It was the perfect time to do it.

BTW, I took a chance and ordered a set of Speed Engineering long tube headers (25-1025) along with a set of there spark plug wires (26-1002). After searching the internet for what seemed like weeks, I was able to find a few pics where these headers have been installed in K10s and C10s. The pics and the notes that went with them indicate that they will work in 4X4 and show that the manual clutch linkage will either clear or be close enough that it can be made to clear.
 

Madhorn

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Headers arrived today!!! They look great. I may get a chance tomorrow after work to try and install and check clearances.
 

rpcraft

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I have their shorty headers. I had to trim a little off the block, some casting pieces, and then also because I am using a on epiece 4l60E I had to cut the ears off the transmission but aside from that everything fit together really well. You are probably going to want to get some of the heat shields for the boots, even with their plug wires, otherwise they will turn into crispy critters.
 

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