I am about to drop a 388 stroker in my 53 that has a CE M2 front end. I know about the block huggers that are very popular for this swap, but I'm hoping I can go a different route. This engine should make around 500 at the crank, so I'm hoping I can make something else work that would make more power than the huggers. I'm wondering if tri-five fenderwell headers would work on my 53 with the lower stance that the M2 gives? I would obviously have to do surgery or remove the inner fenders for these, and would like to have a full exhaust behind them. Anybody ever ran tri-five fenderwell headers on a 49-54? I'm trying to see what problems I would run into, and so far all I can think of is the tires hitting the pipes depending on size and wheel backspace. Anybody have any input on if this could work?
Ok I found a few old threads where it sounds like the headers below would work. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Small-Block-Chevy-1935-48-Fat-Fenderwell-Headers-Plain,3821.html I'm going to be running AFR 195 heads which I believe are square port, while these headers are round port with 1 5/8 primaries. Would this be a issue?
The round port will Not be a problem, BUT, if you have enough motor to warrant the AFR195 heads, then you may lose some power above 5,000-5500 or so with the smallish 1 5/8" tubing
Thank you for the help hotroddon. I wish these were available in 1 3/4 primaries, but so far this is as close as I have came to something that will work for my application. I'm thinking surely these would have better performance than a block hugger even with the smallish primaries.
Yes, they will be better than block huggers. Unfortunately we only make that early fenderwell header in the 1 5/8". What kind of power are you putting out? In our Doug's brand we offer a 1 3/4" that is intended for early Nova and might work with your MII suspension, D329. And even a 2" if you are making BIG power, D365 the Tri 5 fenderwell in Doug's is also a 1 3/4", but I personally think the Nova MIGHT be closer for your application. It is hit or miss though .......
Dynosim shows my combo at 550/535. Of course those numbers are made by a computer, so I don't really know what it will be in reality, but it should be a healthy engine none the less! And those D329's look great, I'd just be scared to pony up for them only to find its a no go! This car is a street cruiser only, no strip. And it sounds like the upper end is where the choking would occur anyways, so maybe I will be ok with the 1 5/8. I sure would love some nice 1 3/4 fenderwell headers though. As you said, it's all a crap shoot I guess!
Depending on your engine placement, you may have clearance issues with Tri 5 or Nova headers where they rise over the frame rails. A friend put them on his early Chevy (Nova type) and the rise was so close to the fender/hood ajoining area that it blistered the paint there. I think you'd do better with the Speedway/Patriot fat fender Chevy headers. I'm using them on my early Austin in my avatar, and they sit in far enough that tire clearance on your car should be fine.
Thank you for the help 1971. I definatley dont want my hood getting quite that warm lol. Are the Speedway headers made by Patriot or are they 2 separate deals? And which are you running, the Speeds or the Patriots? They look great on you ride and it's good to hear that they sit pretty far back for clearance, that was my main concern as my car doesn't have a gasser stance so I wasn't sure if there would be adequate clearance. Many Thanks!
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