best fitting headers for BBC in 69 Camaro
 

First 69 I've owned with a 396 in it. Headers are uncoated and starting to rust. Who makes the tightest fitting headers, as ground clearance will be at a premium in the car.

I have Hedman 66001 on my 454. They have 2" primaries with a 3" collector. The ground clearance is good and I have very good access to my spark plugs and header bolts, however the clearance around my AGR Power Steering gearbox was very poor. It basically didn't fit. I had to ding the driver's side headers in 3 separate places to work around the box itself and the pitman arm. That was very frustrating. I also wrapped 2 of the primaries in a heat wrap to protect the steering box due to how close they run to the box. So there are some pro's and con's about these headers, especially if you have a power steering gearbox. There are pics of these headers on my website.

Lemons...everybody else is fighting for second. :D

The Lemons are good. Probably the tightest fitting headers I have had to install..... 1/8" in some spots. Here are my race headers with 2 1/4" tubes and a 4" slip collector. I did have to notch my stock motor mount rubber flanges to get them to fit though.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...Install003.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...Install004.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...Install005.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...Install006.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...Install007.jpg

Patriot Headers
 

I have Patriot Headers and they fit great other than next to the steering box, which I had to dimple one tube. This seems to be the norm unless you spend $1000.00 on Lemons. The Patriots in Ceramic 1-7/8" primaries and shorties for great ground clearance were around $300.00, under 200.00 in plain finish no coating or paint.

http://i45.tinypic.com/25k0hsl.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/23sfxxg.jpg

Hey Chad,

I've got a set of the Patriot cliptster headers, coated, with 1 3/4 inch tubes. My motor build changed (gee, what a surprise) so I'd like to step up to 1 7/8. The ones I have would be perfect for your 396.

They probably do have a scratch or two from mock up, but otherwise are in perfect shape. They have only been run on my engine test stand.

I'm in Tallahassee, so I could probably deliver them to your shop. That would give me a chance to say hello...

I just recently read your posts on the Tallahassee Muscle Car sight and had been meaning to drop you a line...congrats, it sounds like business in booming.

You probably don't remember, but we talked about painting my 67 a few years ago. We were supposed to try and get together, but I got really busy with work (probably the same for you) and my project got sidetracked...oh well. Frank at Prodigy Customs has it now and hopefully I'll be getting back by the end of the year.

Anyway, shoot me an email if you're interested in those headers. Since you sell parts, we might even be able to work out a trade...

Take care,
Jason