cast block-hugger headers

[kraeji]

I've had good luck with these Hedman Tight Tube Hedders. They should provide more clearance than the typical block hugger because of the flat collector design. About $200 for the SBC painted version from Summit Racing. They also have ceramic coated version for about $400.

have they come loose on you? did you get some replacement bolts?

 

[miker]

have they come loose on you? did you get some replacement bolts?

I used Stage8 locks from the start. I've never blown a header-to-head gasket with these headers. I did retorque the bolts after a few temp cycles. The bolts don't back out with Stage8 locks but the gasket will collapse slightly causing it to blow out if its left like this without re-tightening the bolts. On some bolts, I was able to get 1/4 to 1/2 turn after a few temp cycles.

I would probably buy the Split Locks instead of the Stage8. Split Locks are fairly new and were not available when I installed mine. The Split Locks looks like they are less "fiddily" to install over the Stage8s.

The only advantage of the Tight Tubes over the regular block huggers is the flat collector design of the Tight Tubes. It will provide a little more clearance just above the collector. I don't know the exact about and it probably depends on which one you are comparing it to, but I'd think in the range of 1 to 1.5 inches.

 

[kraeji]

I used Stage8 locks from the start. I've never blown a header-to-head gasket with these headers. I did retorque the bolts after a few temp cycles. The bolts don't back out with Stage8 locks but the gasket will collapse slightly causing it to blow out if its left like this without re-tightening the bolts. On some bolts, I was able to get 1/4 to 1/2 turn after a few temp cycles.

I would probably buy the Split Locks instead of the Stage8. Split Locks are fairly new and were not available when I installed mine. The Split Locks looks like they are less "fiddily" to install over the Stage8s.

The only advantage of the Tight Tubes over the regular block huggers is the flat collector design of the Tight Tubes. It will provide a little more clearance just above the collector. I don't know the exact about and it probably depends on which one you are comparing it to, but I'd think in the range of 1 to 1.5 inches.

Awesome.. Thanks! This is the info I was looking for. By split locks do you mean something like this:

http://www.apo.com.au/products.html

 

[miker]

Awesome.. Thanks! This is the info I was looking for. By split locks do you mean something like this:

http://www.apo.com.au/products.html

Yes.

 

[inthewall]

I have ram horn headers on my 40. They put out some serious heat.
My feet are always burning. Will block huggers help that problem?