C2 - Header fit with the steering damper

[tigernut]

I have a 66 with manual steering/steering damper behind the front crossmember (standard stuff).

I wanted to buy the Hedman Elite thermal coated header, but they claim they won't fit with the damper. All their headers for the C2 Corvette state this.

Has anyone on this board installed Hedman headers with the damper? Hedman claims consumers make adapters to relocate it.

Anyone have headers that will work with the steering damper?

Thanks as always.
Doug

 

[JohnZ]

The steering damper isn't essential from a functional perspective; thousands of 6-quart oil pan non-power steering L76/L79/L84's were built without it.

 

[tigernut]

Thank you for replying JohnZ.

Found some good discussion on the damper at the "other" forum:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=401633&highlight=steering+shock

I think I'm going to go with the Dynomax ceramic headers. Seems that most people on both forums have been happy with them. We'll have to see if they'll co-exist with the damper, if not, I'll just remove it.

Doug

 

[Sky65]

Anyone using a steering damper with Hooker headers with side pipes? Any clearance problems?