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headers for 68 c-10 w/1997 FI vortec 350  
jay hughey
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 01/06
Posted: 01/08/06
06:29 PM

I HAVE INSTALLED 1997 VORTEC 350W/ALL FACTORY FUEL INJECTION AND EMMISSIONS EQUIPMENT. I NEED SOME HEADERS TO FIT THAT HAVE THE EXHAUST OUTPUT ON ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE THAT GOES BACK TO THE INTAKE. CANT FIND ANY


 

 

 
oldBogie
Guru | Posts: 1195 | Joined: 08/03
Posted: 01/16/06
10:24 AM

You're right there aren’t any, you'll have to do some minor fabbing or use GM's left side Vortec exhaust manifold 12557828. Otherwise you'll need to purchase headers that fit an SBC in your 68 chassis so they can sneak around everything and get out of the engine compartment then modify them for the EGR connection. This is no big deal if you can do a little welding. The Vortec head uses the typical Chevy exhaust port and bolt pattern so the headers intended for the 68 chassis will fit the engine.


You will be welding so don't spend money on coated or chromed headers. You will want the GM Vortec EGR supply tube 10220275 if you don't already have it. Then you have a choice of ways to go. First is to purchase the Edlebrock kit ED2899. This consists of a bent tube and a flared end for welding to the header and a fitting that welds to the upper end of the tube which accepts the GM EGR supply tube. To locate everything start with the GM EGR tube in place at the intake manifold end, measure for the Edlebrock kit from a header tube closest to the end of the EGR tube. Drill a hole into the header, them weld the ED2899 adapter over the drilled hole. Or fabricate you own adapter from some steel pipe or tube of the same diameter as the EGR tube and a piece of steel of 3/16s to a quarter inch thick with which to make the connecting plate. This is just simple saw and file drill and tap work, it doesn't require any fancy machining. Lay up the pieces and tack weld them together. Then pull the header off the engine and weld the parts.


Or you can purchase a length of suitable diameter stainless steel brake tubing with fittings that will go from the EGR valve at the intake manifold all the way to the exhaust header. Drill into the header and weld in a boss with a hole threaded for a 3/8 to 1/2 inch NPT hole in it. Install a brass or stainless steel adapter into the adapter plate to connect the stainless brake line into the header. You can cover the brake line with fiberglass insullating tube made for spark plug boots and cables to prevent burning yourself while working around the engine. 


On the right side header down by the collector you'll drill a hole for an O2 sensor bung. These things can be had from most muffler shops, some parts stores or off the web.


The rest of the exhaust is just adapting the Vortec stuff to what ever you have or want.  Problem with 4 into 1 or tri-y headers is that the converter starts to get a long way from the engine and it gets hard to put enough heat into the things to light them off. Going to a single converter helps but plumbing after the collector can be a pain. Dual converters can be used, wrapping the lower tubes with insulation helps hold the gas temps up so it's easier and more dependable to get converter light off.


Bogie


I forgot to mention that whether you use the factory left side exhaust or the Edlebrock adapter kit you also need fitting GM 12552329.





Edited 1/16/2006 1:00 pm by oldBogie  

 
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