Headers on fj40 chevy 350

[Brandon rescue]

Hi,

I'm confused with what type of headers to put on my fj40. It's a 1971 with a 71 chevy 350 conversion and a chevy power steering system. The guy who had it before me added these headers that have holes in them so I'm trying to find a pair that can fit. I have pics if u need to see them to see the space I'm left with. I was told that I can't just put any headers on because the engine needs some short of back pressure for heat or the valves can burn up. Any suggestions on brands for headers that I can buy? Thank you

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! There are two different styles of header that may be used. Block-huggers fit between the engine and the frame. Thru-the-fenders style goes out over the frame and thru a custom cutout in the fenders. Lots of performance companies make block huggers, but not too many do the other ones. Pics would help. John

 

[Brandon rescue]

Dear inkpot,

are there any Blockhugger headers made for fj40's with 350's in them? If so are there any brands for these types? I have somewhat a budget but don't want to spend more than 600 bux for headers. Just wondering about that..?

Thank you

 

[Lake Rat]

I am going through this very thing right now. I got Summits block hugger headers and mocked them up on my '78 with a 350. These will work. There is no specific block hugger header for a SBC in a 40. They are universal sort of and made for situations where a regular style header will not fit, like a hot rod or other custom application where regular header will not work or fit. The '78 I'm working on came with fender well headers on it. I didn't like them(I do, but not for this application) as they left the mufflers and other parts of the exhaust system exposed to the elements (ROCKS), because the exhaust ran under the rocker panels. Block huggers will work, these odd applications are what they are made for. Then you can run your exhaust inside the frame rails. Mine clears the power steering pump (chevy) and the starter. Shop around, Jeg's Summit and other performance places carry them. Sorry for the hi-jack...it's over now...

 

[fieldsken1]

just get block hugger headers they are all the same except the coating they use. you might want to get cermic to control the heat

 

[bikersmurf]

Why headers?

Another popular option are ram's horn manifolds.

Likely only cost you $100 and they'll never rot out.

 

[73fj40lc]

Hooker Super Competition block huggers is what I run. Running these headers I gain HP as opposed to rams horn that you typically loose HP.

 

[Enigma]

x2 for rams horns, even though I've yet to install them as I foolishly bought another pair of the AA fenderwell headers to replace my rotted out AA ones.
Lake Rat is totally correct, the AA style look nice, but for a 40 that function is lost as your only exhaust option is exposed and outside of the frame rails.

And if you do get AA ones, ceramic coat them. My new ones are rusty already even after painting with high heat paint.

 

[bikersmurf]

From what I've read there is little or no advantage to block huggers over ram's horn manifolds. I'm running an RV cam for low end torque and mid range power. High rpm wot hp is not even on my radar.

 

[Brandon rescue]

Thanks for the replies I took all advice and decided to go with the block hugger headers. Now the existing problem i have is the battery stand has to be changed. Does anyone know of a aftermarket bracket to hold the battery?

 

[HeadCase]

Ram horns...

 

[yzftaco]

This....

From what I've read there is little or no advantage to block huggers over ram's horn manifolds. I'm running an RV cam for low end torque and mid range power. High rpm wot hp is not even on my radar.

 

[thebigbully]

I went with the ram horns. Just be careful tightening them up to your exhaust pipes as it's easy to brake off the mounts on the manifolds.

I'm using 2 3/4" exhaust and bottles and the sound is STELLAR!!!!!

I fabricated my battery box to go under my drivers seat and used an Optima battery. I also wired in a master control switch to shut down everything while still seated.

Hope it helps.

 

[Bret]

You can also use Sanderson's if you are looking for more bling than the ramshorn provide. Hard to beat the ramshorns for value and function though.

Sanderson QP1000 is a cast iron performance header set for small block Chevrolet engines that are installed in a variety of classic and street rod applications.

 

[lone gunman]

you will probably have to fab a bracket. but if you cant do that you could try this MAF 4+Plus FJ40 Dual Battery Boxes (second one down)

 

[Brandon rescue]

THANX! I went on manafre and got the new single battery stand that mounts to the right front tire shock pin or mount thing. And went on summit and bought headmen block hugger headers. They fit great! The power steering setup made it very close but overall it was a success. Now the next step is magnaflow exhaust!

 

[fieldsken1]

heres a few picture of my system. its true dual not 2 into 1 into 2

 

[Shawn Russell]

heres a few picture of my system. its true dual not 2 into 1 into 2

Interested in your tranny mount. Did you make it? Get some photos of it?

Thanks
Shawn

 

[fieldsken1]

i made that one but its the same as the aa mount. its pretty simple to make. i did buy the rubber from aa

 

[pbgbottle]

i ran headers and dual exhaust for years .but the exhaust was always getting in the way. i finally switched to ram horns and single exhaust and i love it . went from dual 2 inch to a single 2.5 inch exhaust . i actually thought the engine felt a bit more pepier with the single ,weird. huh