1986 K10 Chevy Suburban Headers

[86-K10-Burban]

I have a 1986 K10 Chevy Suburban with a 350 in it. I want to put headers on the truck, but without taking the engine out or taking apart the truck to do them. A buddy of mine gave me some old headman standard duty headers. Driver side fits in perfectly but the passenger side just hits everything and I can't get them in. The truck also has aftermarket head studs on it so either that or the headers will most likely have to be trimmed. Anyone knows a set of headers that will slide on no problem without taking apart the truck? Open to suggestions as well. Thanks, any help appreciated.

 

[bucket]

Hedman make two styles of headers for these trucks. One style slides right in but hangs low and often rubs the spring shackles. The other style tucks very nicely but the passenger side is a bitch to install. I removed the starter and slid it in from under the truck. Took a lot of wiggling, but it did go in. And of course the spark plugs need removed.

 

[86-K10-Burban]

I have removed the spark plugs but haven't tried the starter. I will try that next. As well the after market head studs my truck has are just barely in the way of the header fully seating. Should I trim the header a little around ports or cut down the head studs?

 

[bucket]

Is it just the flanges that need clearanced? Should be fine if it's less than 1/8 inch or so.

 

[86-K10-Burban]

yeah its just the flanges, tomorrow I'm going to pull the starter and see if I cant get the header to fit in, as well I'm going to cut the head studs down first a little then maybe touch the flange if needed.