Budget 440 headers

[SludgeWizard]

Hey y’all, I’m in the process of getting a new to me 440 ready to go in my 73 Fury gran coupe. One of the last pieces of the puzzle is headers. I’m having a hell of a time finding headers that A, aren’t $1000+. And B, fit C bodies without having to hammer them to hell. Any recommendations?

 

[mgm1986]

I installed a set of Hedman mid-length headers in my '68 300. I had to tighten them a couple times after a few heat cycles but haven't had any leaks since. Also, I had them powder coated which lasted all of 30 seconds before it flaked off from the heat. I would suggest high temp paint.

Hedman Hedders 78070 Hedman Street Headers | Summit Racing

I am running a mini-starter (which works great) and my block is from an RV and there was a small "ear" on the block that I had to grind down. Not sure if this is the same for all blocks but it was in the way and it didn't seem to be necessary. I attached a picture of this for reference. I was working on an engine stand for fitment to the block but I installed the headers after the engine was installed back in the car.

 

[SludgeWizard]

I installed a set of Hedman mid-length headers in my '68 300. I had to tighten them a couple times after a few heat cycles but haven't had any leaks since. Also, I had them powder coated which lasted all of 30 seconds before it flaked off from the heat. I would suggest high temp paint.

Hedman Hedders 78070 Hedman Street Headers | Summit Racing

I am running a mini-starter (which works great) and my block is from an RV and there was a small "ear" on the block that I had to grind down. Not sure if this is the same for all blocks but it was in the way and it didn't seem to be necessary. I attached a picture of this for reference. I was working on an engine stand for fitment to the block but I installed the headers after the engine was installed back in the car.

View attachment 745301

These look like they might work out perfect. Thanks for the rec!

 

[496 polara]

I have run the hedmans in two C bodies and they worked fine. Need a small starter fyi.

I think these would be perfect in a heavy c body but my they have gone up!

Big Block Mopar Tri-Y Under Chassis Headers

 

[polara71]

Experience for you to ponder. I ran Hooker Headers on my 71 Polara a million years ago. They were pricey in 1984. They fit nice but hung low. They would frequently bottom out and blow out the flange gaskets. The heat they threw off would bake starters which sucked because I had to loosen the header at the head to gain room to drop the starter. Heat shields didn't help.
Good luck in your Header endeavor.

 

[496 polara]

I also like the hooker super comp headers for c bodies. Have an old used set and bought a new ceramic coated set a couole years back when holley had a big sale around this time of year.

 

[SludgeWizard]

I’d love a set of hookers but good lord I cannot justify the cost, especially as I’ve also heard that they tend to have some clearance issues on C bodies. I’ll likely get a mini starter and just go with the Hedmans, I need a new starter anyways!