Header Options for a 1975 GMC Jimmy with a 454

[Mike Phillips]

Anyone been there done that?

I bought a set of block hugger headers for a 454 off Craigslist for $65.00 and when I just now tried to install them I find they don't fit.  The passenger side header hits the motor mount and the frame and the driver's side hits the frame.

I need a set of budget headers that will 100% fit this application.

I'm not sure the first year a big block was available in the Jimmy/Blazer so this makes it a little hard to look up an application part number.

Any suggestions?

[82k5diesel]

Hedman headers make a set 68-81 pu/blazer 4wd bbc. List for 120 bucks in jegs catalog pn 500-69110.

[Mike Phillips]

Hedman headers make a set 68-81 pu/blazer 4wd bbc. List for 120 bucks in jegs catalog pn 500-69110.

Thanks!

Checked out the above headers on Jegs website and they offered up the Hooker, Jeg's brand and Dynomax equivelents which is a nice feature on any online store.

So while this thread is up and going, anyone have any experience or opinions on which of the 4 sets provide the best value and performance?

Hedman $153.99
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/69110/10002/-1


Jegs inhouse brand: $99.99
http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/30059/10002/-1


Hooker: $189.99
http://www.jegs.com/i/Hooker/520/2454/10002/-1



Dynomax:   $132.99
http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/85022/10002/-1



I need them yesterday. 


 

[Mike Phillips]

Called Jegs, with normal shipping the soonest I can get the headers is on Thursday, for about $40.00 they can get them to me on Wednesday.


 

[VileZambonie]

Here's the best cheapies imo from Jegs

http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/69820/10002/-1

Don't bother with an uncoated header

[Mike Phillips]

Thanks for the link to the Headman headers, they look like a good deal for my application.  Just ordered them, they'll be here on Thursday.




The Jeg's Tech guy looked at the foot notes and said that I must use the big block mounting hardware in order for them to fit?

I used the steel block mount from a 1986 Suburban that had a 454 in it but I didn't think to remove the frame stands out of the Suburban and see if they will fit my 1975 Jimmy.

Since I already have the motor into the Jimmy I guess I'll wait till Thursday to see if they fit, if they don't it looks like I'll have to pull the motor, swap out the frame stands and then see if they'll fit.


Anyone ever been down this road an already know the end of the story?

Ugh....

 

[Mike Phillips]

These Hedman headers come with a Ball & Socket style collector?  Never seen this before?  As long as this design works that's all that's important.




 

[ccz145a]

That is supposed to have superior sealing characteristics... no gasket just lots of surface area to prevent leaks and a wider angle allowable.

[Mike Phillips]

Here's the clearance I have to work with using the stock frame stands.







Here's the Suburban with the original frame stands still in it.

[VileZambonie]

You shouldn't have any serious issues. I would recommend you disconnect the battery, pull your spark plugs, disconnect the dipstick tube and bubble wrap the headers before you put them in though so you don't scratch them all up.

[Mike Phillips]

***Update***

The Hedman headers arrived Thursday.

Had to use a 4" angle grinder to cut off a sliver of frame on the driver's side in order to get them to fit.  There on now but there wasn't much wiggle room.  I'll add a picture later.

[Mike Phillips]

Tight fit...