I am planning to install my recently completed 406 into my '82 Z28. I see quite a bit of info on "headers" and some of it I do not grasp.

By "shorties" do you mean headers that will conect to factory type Y pipes? This is strictly a daily driver street machine, my main concern right now is having clearance for my drivers side dipstick. The stock manifolds cover the 406 dipstick location completely. I have used the Edelbrock "TES" and they managed to meld my A/C box fairly quickly.

Any advice would be a big help.

Thanks, Andy

 

Well, that's not exactly what "shorties" means, since nobody makes shorties that hook up to factory 3rd gen y-pipes. It simply means that the primary tubes are "shorter" than the typical 30"+ full-length type header tubes. The rest of the exhaust tubing is then easier to route and maintain ground clearance under the car.

You could probably get by with 1-5/8" primary headers on a street car, but 1-3/4" would be better. SLP is the only outfit making 1-3/4" primary tube shorties.

You shouldn't have any problems with the dipstick tube with any of the 3rd gen shorty headers available.

 

Is there a better system than the Edelbrock TES for street use? The SLP system seems pretty expensive to me.

 

Hooker 2055 are pretty popular. Nice 2.5" to 3" y-pipe.

Hedman makes a set for dual cats that looks good on paper, but I haven't seen them personally.

Both of those have 1-5/8" primaries.

 

Thanks, 2055 it is!

 

The Hedman 68470 set is a good set too. Thats what I have.

 

Both of the headers mentioned do not seem to include any "Y" pipe? Is that a seperate item?

 

Mine was a separate part.

 

Would it be possible for you to post some "installed" photos?