Urgent: Need Advice On 454 BBC Headers For 71 Nova

[71Nova454]

Hey Folks,

New guy to the forum here. I'm posting this for my dad. He just bought a 71 Nova with a 1970 454 Big Block

Chevy motor in it. The car needs new headers and he's not sure what size tube to go with as well as

brand/model.

He's not sure what headers are on it and isn't sure what the previous owner installed.

The 454 has been bored over something like 50thou and is a streetable motor running at 9.5:1 compression. It

has a 750 Holly with a mild cam. The car is running true dual exhaust through Flowmaster Mufflers. A local

mechanic that does a lot of work on high performance engines told him the car was probably putting out an

estimated 450-470HP.

The car has a 4 speed transmission with a 3.73 rear-end.

The car also has power steering.

There's not much room to work with. He said the headers that are on there now only clear the power steering

box by about 1/4".

He's wanting to get some reasonably priced headers that won't affect the power he's getting from the motor and

the overall performance of the car.

So knowing all of that he asked me to find out...

1. What size header tubes would you recommend?

2. What's the best choice for Max. HP considering the clearance issue.

3. What brand/model would you recommend?

I guess the mechanic my dad took the car to said he's had some problems installing Hooker Headers in some of

his rigs. Reading some of the posts in this forum, I see that a lot of people seem to have problems getting the right

fit.

My dad's wanting an easy install and doesn't want to sacrifice any power. That's not too much to ask right?

He's been reading that perhaps sticking with the smaller 1 3/4" tube size might be better than the 2"+ sizes....Any

feedback on that also?

Hope to get some responses from ya'll...The sooner the better...The car has an exhaust leak now that you can

smell pretty bad while driving the car so he's looking to get the new headers installed ASAP.

Thanks for you time,

Michael

For My Dad, Terry

[396L35]

Welcome Mike... As for the header problem have you tried to call Summit or Jegs and talked to a tech??? I have never installed headers on a nova so I cant tell you what to look for but the only clearance problem I see would be the steering box collumn.. Sorry maybe someone else can chime in soon as they wake up... Mark http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[mnyenko]

To get a good header fit. You need to replace the small block frame and motor mounts with big block. That will give you clearance on the steering box. Hooker super comps are a good choice. Earl

[markjohnson]

mnyenko is correct in that you need to replace the frame mounts with the proper big block frame mounts. These are relatively cheap and any of the Nova restoration companies will carry them. They will move the motor away from the steering box giving you the clearance you need. As far as headers go, buy the Hooker Comps #2457 for $159 from Jegs. They have 2.00 primaries, great spark plug and starter access and are very easy to install. Trust me on this. Great header for the money and it sure beats paying over $400 for Hooker Super Comps.

[92646]

I went though this with my 1969 Camaro with the 454 and 540. I ran Dougs short 1.75 headers first and I was very impressed with quality but the tube interfered with the power steering box so I had to dimple it. I went to Hooker 2.0 super comps the next time and the fit was better. I installed the headers in the car with the motor in place and it was more work than expected. I would recommend pulling the motor out of the car and placing the motor back in after you put the headers in position. Then you can replace the motor mounts and stands at the same time. I went to urethane mounts and gained a little more clearance in place of the original style mounts. I also ended up replacing the exhaust system with a 3 inch system to work with the bigger headers because I was not happy with the transition from the 3.5 collector to the 2.5 exhaust pipes.
Mark Sheppard

[AutoInsane]

What are the coatings on the Hooker headers? Are they prone to rust after a while? I Jet Hot coated the exhaust manifolds on my CJ-5 10 years ago and not a spot of rust to this day. Might be a good time to get them coated when you buy them. I highly recommend it.

http://www.jet-hot.com/

They sell coated Hooker and other brands of headers for your Nova too:

http://www.jet-hot.com/pages/Precoats/Nova.htm

[92646]

I bought my headers coated from Hooker and the coating was not as good as I have seen on other headers. Be careful with the instalation because the coating can scratch very easily. I left the wrapping on the headers during the instalation and that helped. You might want to buy the header bolts with the clips that keep the bolts from backing out. I think they are called spec 8 or a name close to that. You might also check with Jet hot because they sell new coated headers at a good price.
Mark Sheppard

[Salvatore]

hey Michael, I agree with Orange County Mark. The coatings on the Hooker SC's don't last as long. I would buy the cheaper set of Hookers and get them coated yourself. Different header tubing size helps determine the fit also. You don't need Pro Stock sized tubes for the street. I love you west coast guys and especially your good used sheetmetal!!! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/drool.gif Sam

[MosportGreen66]

I have Jet Hot coating on the headers on my '70 Camaro and it’s not everything I've expect. Make sure there is no moisture in the garage where the car is and also take really careful care of the headers. I think Jet Hot advises you use some sort of polish for the headers. Make sure you follow their directions meticulously otherwise they will rust (Slowly).

I would just powder coat them flat white. http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[markjohnson]

Gotta agree with the fact that Hooker's coating is terrible and doubles the price of the headers. I bought my set new coated from Hooker and within a year they were just peppered with surface rust. I'd avoid the Super Comps and just get the #2457 regular Hooker Comp headers and a couple cans of VHT Hi-Temp paint. Pick your own color but I like traditional white!

[71Nova454]

Thanks for all the replies so far fellas...Going to talk to my dad tonight and pass along this info to him.

so what size tubing should he be looking for?
Anyone know what size tubing the Hooker Comp #2457 are?

I doubt he's looking to get the ceramic coated ones as he's looking for something durable, that'll provide good performance and will just bolt on without any dimpling, etc.

If possible he's wanting to do this without lifting the motor...I'm not sure whether the motor mounts are for the big block or small...From what I've read that can make all the difference on the clearance issues.

Thanks again,

Michael

[396L35]

Hooker Comp #2457 are 2" primary tubes...

[markjohnson]

Those Hooker #2457's are 2.00 inch primaries, which is a great size for a big block. As long as you make the very small investment in the proper frame mounts, you won't have to take a hammer anywhere near those nice new headers. Spark plug clearance is great and you they are a very easy install without having to lift the motor to put them in place. Great header, great price, easy install. You're all set.

[Xplantdad]

And this just goes to show why this site is such a cool place to hang out...LOTS of good info here http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beers.gif

[VintageMusclecar]

Not to sound contrary to what's already been discussed, but a 2" header is a bit large for a relatively mild street BBC. A 1 3/4" header will easily support well over 500 HP, usually with the added benefits of more low end torque, plus they almost always fit better and offer better spark plug access than the larger tubes do. I haven't priced any lately, but they used to be considerably more affordable than the larger tubes as well.

Just something to think about.

Eric

[WILMASBOYL78]

I used the Hooker comp model on our 68 BB Nova and they worked great. We fit them to the car and then sent them out for coating. They look great and sound awesome! The folks at NNN may be able to help you with some recommendations on this project and any other Nova stuff you need. 717-252-4192

wilma http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/3gears.gif

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
Not to sound contrary to what's already been discussed, but a 2" header is a bit large for a relatively mild street BBC. A 1 3/4" header will easily support well over 500 HP, usually with the added benefits of more low end torque, plus they almost always fit better and offer better spark plug access than the larger tubes do. I haven't priced any lately, but they used to be considerably more affordable than the larger tubes as well.

Just something to think about. I fully agree with Eric! http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggthumpup.gif

[azcamaros]

I agree with Sam and Eric, 1-3/4" primary tube size is the best fit for your application. About 10 years a go I used a set of Dynomax brand headers with the factory coating on a 70 BB Nova with great results; larger tubes are not always the best applicaton for mild street motors IMO.

[markjohnson]

A 454 is a big motor and it needs big headers. Me and my friends make fun of big blocks when we see small block-sized 1 3/4 headers on a nice Rat motor. Might as well keep the exhaust manifolds. "You need back pressure" is a myth that header companies tell you when they want you to buy their inferior cheap, small tube headers or small mufflers.

[VintageMusclecar]

[ QUOTE ]
..."You need back pressure" is a myth that header companies tell you when they want you to buy their inferior cheap, small tube headers or small mufflers.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's not about "back pressure", it's about velocity.

But, to each their own. I'm not here to argue (or even debate) the subject.

Eric

[azcamaros]

Amen Eric

[Jeff Murphy]

Go here or have your engine builder go here: HeaderDesign.com (http://headerdesign.com/) http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/scholar.gif

Register at the site and use their calculators. You'll get accurate information for your particular engine's characteristics (including things like "Exhaust Port Length in Cylinder Head", "Performance Factor (how will you use this engine)", etc. You won't be sorry (and you'll probably find out that VintageMusclecar was right on the smaller tubes). Then you can find the right header manufacturer for you based on price, fit, etc.

The big tubes always look tougher but aren't necessarily the right performance answer.

[71Nova454]

Thanks again guys...Yeah, when I talked to him last night he was saying he's been thinking of keeping it small...So 1 3/4" seems to be a pretty common recommendation.

Since he's having this mechanic in town do the job for him, he's wanting to work with him as much as possible. (Don't want to piss a good mechanic off..especially in a small town).

Dad likes Hooker Headers but since the mechanic has had problems installing them, dad's looking at other brands. Since all headers rust eventually he's not looking to spend a ton of money on them.

-Michael

[lowmile]

I have run FloTec headers. They fit perfect, yes even better than Hooker. You can get them already coated and they hold up fine. A set of coated Flo-Tecs will be about a 100 bucks cheeper than uncoated hookers. m

[71Nova454]

Thanks again guys...I guess he's found a header shop up in Eugene Oregon and headers and performance exhaust is all that they do. I think he's going to take it up there and let them fool with it. I guess they've got like 200 different styles of headers.

Dad started having second thoughts about having someone work on his car that has a tendency of blowing their tops! Can't say I don't blame him. He also found out today that the ones that are on there are Hedman Headers...Not sure about the tube size though.

He's leaning toward the FloTec's...