Bout to do headers, any tips?

[Sloop0007]

I'm about to attempt my header install. Bought the shorty block huggers from raceinv.com. pretty cheap, $189.99 plus shipping. Pretty nice, 7/16" header flange, polished, 3" collector with optional 2.5" reducer. Plenty of room in the 69 d200 but never done headers before. Any tips on removal of manifolds? Installing headers? Can I run temporary flex pipe from headers to drive to the muffler shop without causing damage? Do you have to drain cooling system like I've heard? Anything is helpful. Btw I'm running 2.5" pipes into single chamber flow masters. Gonna be godawful loud.

[Jim100]

small block then yes there are some wet exhaust bolt holes. Unless you already have studs on those. I cant remember which ones however. Front and back both sides maybe?

[Sloop0007]

Sorry, forgot. 383 BB.

[wally426ci]

do you have an auto or manual? headers don't easily fit these trucks.

[swptln]

Use studs instead of bolts on the flanges. Unless you want to be constantly retighting them.
Studs are the best...

Mark D.

[Sloop0007]

I have a 4 speed manual. Looks to be plenty of room. They aren't much bigger than the manifolds. Bout the same size as the center dump manifold on the driver side. Just bigger tubes and collector. I will definitely look into studs though. The headers came with bolts but studs seem to be the way to go... wally did your lights go out during Sandy? I was with a group from Texas that worked in Baltimore getting power back. We weren't there long. Got sent to Jersey. Much worse there...

[wally426ci]

Hey Sloop, we actually kept our power this time around. If you ever make it back up, give me a shout!

[712edf]

Big block has the outermost exhaust bolt holes into water jacket too. Go with studs, just like they came from the factory.

Bucky

[Sloop0007]

Will do wally, thanks all

[theregularguy]

Use studs instead of bolts on the flanges. Unless you want to be constantly retighting them.
Studs are the best...

Mark D.

studs you say? i didnt know you called me out. sry its been a while since i been on here.