lowered c30 454 what headers to use

[rustynu612]

i have a 1986 c30 crew cab dully 454 that is lowered 6/8 and i am looking for what headers to use to tuck up in the frame rails long tube. any suggestions? hopefully direct bolt up an no modifications? i was told that Nova or Chevelle headers would work but wanted to see what others were using

 

[TotalyHucked]

I'm blanking on the name but there's a guy on here with a yellow 454 truck that used Chevelle headers and they stay tucked up in the frame pretty good IIRC

 

[Radiohead]

I'm blanking on the name but there's a guy on here with a yellow 454 truck that used Chevelle headers and they stay tucked up in the frame pretty good IIRC

Catbox

 

[TotalyHucked]

That's him! @Catbox

 

[Catbox]

Here I am.

Yes, I have a set of 1968-1972 Nova headers on my 454 and they fit like champs.
I have the SM465 manual transmission and they clear the Z-bar linkage with room.

Here is a photo of my dirty gifted to me set of headers from a buddys big block Nova.

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They went right in from below and have had many many miles put on them.
The dents in the tubes were from the previous owner having to adjust them for his fit.

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Looking under my truck this is what you will see of the exhaust....

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You can clearly see just how tight they tuck up in there.
The front crossmember is much higher than the lowest part of the entire header.


Placing my head on the ground of my stock height truck, you can see the collector hiding up in the chassis.

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[Catbox]

I will also note that I have a late model mini starter from a 1997 V-8 on the engine.
I am not sure if that helps with how easy they went in.
We run those starters on all the Chevys in the driveway now.

 

[Redmanreaction]

@Catbox:
Do you only run 454’s? If you also run 350’s, do older Camaro’s work well for matching up shorty headers?

 

[nvrenuf]

Sanderson makes really nice mid length headers that would work well on a lowered truck.

 

[Catbox]

@Catbox:
Do you only run 454’s? If you also run 350’s, do older Camaro’s work well for matching up shorty headers?

I currently only have the one 2wd square body with the 454 in it.
I *think* the small block headers work as well, but I cannot verify it at this time.

I have small blocks.
I have small block headers.
But not in the correct configuration.

4wd's I have no clue about if the car stuff crosses over.