Which headers for 86 k10 pickup with zz4 crate motor?

[english_5064]

Hi Guys,

I got a new zz4 crate motor going my auto 86 4x4 k10. I've been looking for headers that fit the angled plugs with D-port heads. I'm looking for long tubes with ceramic coating, 1 inch and 5/8th primary tubes and 2.5 inch or 3 inch collectors are fine. 

I'd like to spend no more than about $500.

Thanks

[Canadian 4X4]

Welcome!

[cvbear]

We have a ZZ4 Motor in our '84 C10.  We used Hedeman Model 69080.  IIRC, these have oval tubes but their tech support assured me that it was standard practice to use oval port headers on the D shaped heads.  Ours have worked fine so far.  I lost one of the gaskets when I was not diligent about keeping the bolts tight.  Replaced it with a copper one (also paid more attention to keeping the bolts tight!) and have not had any problems since.  Ours are not ceramic but I know they come in a ceramic version, I did not get it because of the cost.  Current set is noticibly rusty already.  Maybe for the next set I will get ceramic.

[english_5064]

Thank You.

I'm thinking about getting Headman Headers model 66099. Anybody have any experience with these? Are the gaskets they provide quality?

Does anyone know if any bracketry will have to be modified on the turn key zz4? I would asume that GM would provide bracketry that would fit most headers since 90% of the people who bought a crate motor would install headers.

[cvbear]

Our ZZ4 came with the serpentine belt, there were no bracket issues with the headers.  Ours look pretty similar to the part number you mentioned, just sightly larger primaries.

[1980c10]

I just bought these for my truck, I don't have on yet but they look good for the price.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BIG-31500FLT/

[english_5064]

Its good to know that nothing should have to be modified, but I guess I'll find out when I get them installed.

Do you think its necessary to have 1"3/4 primaries for a stock zz4? I plan on keeping mine stock and thought that 1"5/8 would be plenty.

I don't think those Flowtech headers would fit angled plugs with out fitment/modification issues. Also, the zz4 has D-port heads.

[cvbear]

I absolutely do not think the 1 3/4" primaries are necessary.  That is what the GMPP literature specified so that is what I got, but I do not think they are necessary and I doubt I could tell any difference between 1 5/8" and 1 3/4".  For the same $ I did not see any reason not to get the 1 3/4" ones.

[english_5064]

I think GM planned on people upgrading the zz4. When I bought my turn key, GM gave me a 770cfm holly carb. That is way to much carb for this motor stock. I promptly sold the holly and I'll use my freshly rebuilt edlebrock 1406 600cfm carb. It should give me better fuel economy and drivability.

[1980c10]

Its good to know that nothing should have to be modified, but I guess I'll find out when I get them installed.

Do you think its necessary to have 1"3/4 primaries for a stock zz4? I plan on keeping mine stock and thought that 1"5/8 would be plenty.

I don't think those Flowtech headers would fit angled plugs with out fitment/modification issues. Also, the zz4 has D-port heads.

My flotechs work fine with my vortech heads, I did, however, run the plug wires below the headers.

[english_5064]

Yes, those Flowtechs should work fine with Vortec heads. The Vortec heads are completly different than the heads provided on a zz4, which has angled spark plugs and D-ports. I think the Vortec heads are straight plug oval ports. There are clearance issues with angled plugs. Some people have reported that certain brand headers work and some have reported melting plug wires with other brands. I was looking for a set that claimed they fit angled plugs and be done with it.

[bowtieman82]

why dont you try some hooker headers. and the holley that came with is with so that you will make the power that it says it will make. now it will not make as much.

[english_5064]

I called Hooker, they were my first choice for headers. They told be the didn't make a header that fit angled plugs for my model truck. Headmen guaranteed zero fitment issues, so I went with them. I understand I will loose some performance using the Edlebrock carb instead of the Holley, but I will gain in many other areas such as drivability and gas mileage. Since I won't be racing my truck and will be using it as a daily driver in the winter, I figured why not go for the better drivability. I do still have the Holley carb if I want to switch back. I don't see any performance loss using headmen over the hookers.

[bowtieman82]

theres nothing wrong with headman i think they are just as good. now the edelbrock i dont this is better, it u tune the holley right it will get u good gas mileage and work great in the winter. i run one on my truck for 10 years in wyoming and the winters there get to -40 so if it works there it will work any where. if u take your time and set it up right. now i run a demon 625, there just like a holley.

[three8six]

@bowtie a 770cfm carb is huge for a naturally aspirated small block