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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Forum: C3 HVAC, Fuel, Emissions, and Exhaust

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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 8/6/06 3:08pmMessage 1 of 7
c
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Edgewood, KY - USA
Joined: 10/26/2003
Posts: 339
Vette(s): 1981, Black/Black, Engine bumped to about 400HP.Ext/int mostly stock.

Hi guys,

When I had the 350 rebuilt last winter, I had the heads replaced with Edelbrock E-Tec 170 vortec heads.  I have completed break-in with the factory exhaust manifolds and am now ready to buy headers.  I believe I have heard that the exhaust port on vortec heads is .4 inches higher on the head than standard heads, so I am worried that standard headers to fit a late model C3 Vette will not drop down enough to clear the floor pan or other clearance problems.  Also, Edelrock and Hedman have both advised that I will need headers specifically designed for vortec heads.  Anyone know why?  Can anyone who has put vortec heads on their Vette provide any insight?  If you've done it, please let me know what heads and headers you used.

Thanks! 

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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 8/6/06 4:08pmMessage 2 of 7
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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans

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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 8/7/06 5:14pmMessage 3 of 7
j
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Joined: 7/12/2004
Posts: 38

The intake ports on the vortec are different...but.  My understanding, and experience on my own vortec heads to 73 era ramshorn manifolds, is that the exhaust ports are the same.  (I've always hated headers.  Big horsepower gains, but pain in the rear otherwise.

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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 8/7/06 5:39pmMessage 4 of 7
r
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
Joined: 1/22/2006
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
I think Jack is right. I put the vortec heads on my 66 with side exhaust....no problem.  Just had to change the valve covers because the bolts go through the center of the valve cover.rearn2go7238936.7380208333
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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 8/11/06 5:52pmMessage 5 of 7
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WEST SENECA, NY - USA
Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2381
Vette(s): 1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.

PM w/pics sent. I running Vortec heads w/headers.

Sarge

Sarge8138940.7454398148


GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

3.54 Dana 44
'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
Sequence #3975




Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.


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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 8/11/06 7:24pmMessage 6 of 7
s
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The Woodlands, TX - USA
Joined: 1/27/2006
Posts: 67
Vette(s): 1969 Coupe, Red, L88 Tribute

I put Vortec heads on a '76 that I had.  I ran the same Hooker headers with no problems.  The exhaust ports are "D" shaped.  You will want to make sure the header gaskets do not restrick exhaust flow.  The Vortecs are a huge improvement over the stock heads!  If you are running 882 head castings, I highly recommend Vortecs.

Steve

SMSCORVETTE
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Headers for ’81 with Vortec heads?

Posted: 9/23/06 12:50pmMessage 7 of 7
O
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St. Peters, MO - USA
Joined: 9/19/2006
Posts: 6
Vette(s): 1978 Pace Car
Try "Street & Performance"   www.hotrodlane.cc   They make a set of headers for vortect heads. 
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