How could I find out if these headers would fit my Vette?

[Stallion]

My buddy Just took off a pair of nice headers off his lowrider ('66 Impala). He said I'm welcome to have them. But he didn't know too much about them, so before I rip out my engine how can I find out if they'll fit in my Vette?

Thanks!

 

[Stallion]

Anybody??

 

[kiwi vet]

Hey Stallion


You dont mention which brand or part number to check.:confused

However assuming this info is not avalible, take the headers to your friendly local exhaust shop who stocks vette headers for an 78', and see if they match.

Corvette engine bays are a lot smaller than the trusty ol" Pala, on my L81 I have L81 Hedman Headers and they are a b..... (female dog) to get in, tolerances are really tight to the tranny (abiet 700R4) and the std steering.

My advice, for what its worth, if they are free, check out the exhaust shop, if they arent, save up and get a new set. Its probably cheaper in the long run.

Good Luck, which ever way you go!

Kiwi Vette

PS: You shouldnt need to take the engine out to get them in!

 

[fine69]

Anybody??

Hi Stallion,

You will also want to consider whether or not yours or the Impala has A/C and auto or manual transmission or not. My motor is currently out - and I have a set of Dynomax headers, and those are the kinds of details I was asked.... I'm not sure if I'm gonna use em yet or not.

 

[Stallion]

Alright, I'll talk to my buddy and see if he can give me any information or numbers. I'll get back to you with details asap.

 

[Stallion]

Alright, here's the specs on the headers:

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=7920&prmenbr=361 These are what he has to sell me...
Chevrolet/Pontiac/Buick/Oldsmobile Cerama-Coat Headers
289-86001 Cerama-Coat Headers,
1967-69 Camaro, Z/28
Camaro, Z/28 1970-81
Chevelle/El Camino 1964-77
Chevy II/Nova 1968-79
Monte Carlo 1970-77
Full Size Cars 1965-76 | View Product
$259.99

Doesn't say Corvette. This is the Corvette "model":

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=7925&prmenbr=361
These are the Corvette specific ones...
Cerama-Coat Headers,
Corvette 1963-82, 283-400ci
$259.99

What do you think? Will his work for me? How different are those pairs of headers?

 

[bossvette]

Notice how close the first bend is to the exhaust face on the Vette headers compared to the big car set

 

[Stallion]

So you don't even think it's worth a shot to fit the big Chevy headers in? What could possibly crimp up the space in that area to not allow the other headers in?

 

[bossvette]

So you don't even think it's worth a shot to fit the big Chevy headers in? What could possibly crimp up the space in that area to not allow the other headers in?

Its usually a minor issue like the steering column or box

Unless thay are free and you have access to a welder and tube bender I would pass, but if you had access to the above you could make your own.

 

[JohnZ]

So you don't even think it's worth a shot to fit the big Chevy headers in? What could possibly crimp up the space in that area to not allow the other headers in?

There are enough interferences and fit problems with headers that are designed for Corvettes, much less trying to cobble a set to fit that aren't made for a Corvette to begin with; save yourself the trouble and get a set for a Corvette (that others can confirm actually fit and don't interfere in many places, which will narrow your choices considerably).