73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

by Elkyerik Mon Feb 25, 2019 9:29 am

I'm in the process of installing a hopped up 1970 454 Big Block in my 73 El Camino and I'm trying to track down a set of headers that will fit my chassis without interfering. The car is lowered 2" with drop spindles and I'm planning on using the right height Big Block engine mounts. The was original equipped with a 454 so it has the double hump transmission cross member.

Ideal I'm after long tube headers with 1 7/8" or 2" primary, I suspect ground clearance could be an issue that I would need to address so mid length could also be an alternative.

If any of you guys now about anything that will work please let me know. Part numbers and source of the part would be much appreciated.

73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations? Img_2610

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Mon Feb 25, 2019 3:00 pm

Very nice Camino you got there. Looks like a 75 front clip? I would recommend trying some mid length Hedman Hedders. I've installed them on my 75 Laguna and 87 El Camino and both are dropped 2 inches in the front. I have no clearance issues with speed bumps etc. and they seal with a ball type socket fitting which can be rotated for better fitment near your engine. There is also no need for a gasket at the collector which sometimes like to leak.

73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations? Imag0410

73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations? Imag0411

by 73ss Mon Feb 25, 2019 6:31 pm

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g9110/overview/year/1973/make/chevrolet/model/chevelle

I am running these. I didn't have any fitment issues, A little tight on the lower pass "A" arm mount, but they clear. Pass side sits lower than driver side. I have scraped a few times on that side. Probably will not work for you with it being lowered. I have stock ride height. Some of the comments mention starter interference, I am running a mini starter so I have plenty of room. These are 1 7/8". If I had went with the 2" probably would have had to massage a few of the pipes.

by bracketchev1221 Tue Feb 26, 2019 11:12 am

Depending on how radical the engine is, keep the primary as small as possible. You can get a 1 3/4" header and 3" collectors like these.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hed-68190

by Elkyerik Wed Feb 27, 2019 3:49 am

Thanks for getting back to me guys. Sounds like I'm leaning towards mid length style headers to gain some clearance.
The 454 engine got a GM dual plane intake and cast iron rectangular port heads with 10,5:1 compression and I'm running a comp cams solid nostalgia plus version of the legendary ZL-1 camshaft with 262 on the intake and 272 on the exhaust @.050" lift. valve lift is 0.581 on the intake and 0.622 on the exhaust.

What do you guys think about primary tube size? I got the feeling that 1 3/4" will be a bit on the small side.

by bracketchev1221 Wed Feb 27, 2019 7:49 am

Its going to depend more on the flow of the exhaust over tube size. Headers can handle a lot more power than people think. If you are set on mid length headers, a 1 3/4 or 1 7/8" header is plenty. I ran my 565 on the dyno with 2 1/8" headers and made 980 hp. So I do not believe a street 454 with half the HP needs a 2" header tube. All it does is create fitment issues. I have 1 3/4" headers on my 500 hp 468 in my Chevelle now.

by Elkyerik Wed Feb 27, 2019 7:54 am

Good point the there Ray, I think you're right with what you say about primary tube size. I'm planning on running straight 3" exhaust trough a flowmaster super 10 muffler. What do you think about the camshaft that I got in this engine? I know it's kind of stone age but I really like the way it sounds.

by bracketchev1221 Wed Feb 27, 2019 8:59 am

As you say there is better choices out there. But I wouldn't worry about it. The cam and heads will need rpm to work well, but I think it will still be healthy for the street. Converter and gears will help make it go.

by Elkyerik Wed Feb 27, 2019 9:02 am

Plan is to use a Tremec TKO 600 manual transmisson with 3.91 ratio in the rear end. do you know a good place to source a 4 speed pedal assembly for for a 73-77 GM A body?

by bracketchev1221 Wed Feb 27, 2019 11:55 am

Then the gear and having a manual will definitely be more forgiving. The car will be fine.

by g3chevy / Mr Pontiac Wed Feb 27, 2019 1:52 pm

Elkyerik wrote:Plan is to use a Tremec TKO 600 manual transmisson with 3.91 ratio in the rear end. do you know a good place to source a 4 speed pedal assembly for for a 73-77 GM A body?

Parts Place has a good set listed on Ebay. Here's the link.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/73-77-Chevelle-Laguna-El-Camino-Manual-Transmission-Conversion-Kit-10/271864282635?hash=item3f4c5fbe0b:g:ECoAAOSwMNxXWDPO:rk:4

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73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

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Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?

Re: 73 El Camino 454 headers recommendations?