Have been reading alot about the T/A Shorty headers and am seriously considering buying a set for my 64' Riviera. I have a couple questions and would appreciate any help. I would like to install the headers soon and then later change the rest of the exhaust system ( matter of dollars at this time ) and by looking at the headers it seems that they might bolt up to the stock system. Any ideas? I think the install on the passenger side will be straight forward but not sure about the driver side. looks to be enough clearence for the steering box and the brake line from the master cylinder might just squeak by but not sure. Thanks for any input you might have. Lou
hi lou, i have the shorties in my '64. I'm pretty sure the exhaust pipes will bolt right up because that's how I had mine for about a month. They'll hang down extra low under the car (the exit of the shorties is lower than the stock manifolds). I didn't do mine -- the guy who built my engine bolted the old rotting exhaust up to the headers, and he never mentioned having to do anything special to get them to mate. you're right about the driver's side being tricky. Again, I didn't do mine but I know the power steering lines were removed, and the brake lines coming out of the master cylinder had to be bent away from the headers to clear. hope that helps, jeff
Jeff, Thanks for the reply and the information. I will plan on re-working the brake line and the power steering hoses are no problem. How do you like they perform? Lou
I wish I could tell you a clear answer about their performance advantage. Mine were installed at the same time my 170K mile engine was rebuilt, with a TA20 cam and some mild head work. The engine is certainly stronger than before but its impossible to say how much of that is due to the headers. Everybody including myself is curious to know, either from dyno or track results, exactly what gains are seen with these headers. I hope someday soon T/A will do some tests and post some numbers to put all the speculation to rest. I bought them because I had a little money to burn and I figured, "they can't hurt, right...?" Remember that your heat-riser choke won't work anymore so you'll have to adapt an electric choke onto your carter or replace your carb altogether (and everything that goes with that...) -jeff
The drivers side is indeed a difficult fight to put on. I had the power steering hoses off to replace with new ones, and one of the brake lines had to be disconnected for clearance when installing, and then bent for clearance when reconnected. I have made 12 runs before with the stock system, I'll have to wait until April before I can make some runs with the shorties and exhaust. I'll be sure to post when I've got results.
THe SHorties come with some adapter flared ends to weld to stock exhaust. I measured the difference in outlet location and the shorties are about 3" longer on the driver's side, a little less than an inch on the passenger side. See Photo
Ted, Appreciate the pictures and adaptor info. Looks like starter butts right up next to the bottom of the header. I'll hold my breath when I get to this part. And thanks to everyone who responded. I have a complete picture of what this project will entail. I should replace the power steering lines anyway and since I have had them off and on when I swapped the steering box last year it will be easy. Used a plumber's basin wrench to get at the lower fittings. Anyone recommend the tools needed to redo the brake line? Bending and flaring are not best skills. Lou
anyone got a sound clip of how the nailhead sounds with these headers i have a set for mine but its gonna be a while before i hear them at work anyway if you can put up a soundclip id be more than happy cause i havent heard my car start up for a long time and its getting shady cause i forgot how my car sounded.
