I want to put a big block in my '50 Chevy business coupe and wondered what headers people are using. I'm prepared to modify the front suspension if necessary. Would tri 5 fenderwell headers work? Pics would be great if you have them, thanks.
These cars are enough trouble running a small block with stock steering. So to run a big block you for sure will need to change the steering setup. No idea on headers, but once you get the steering out of the way it should open up the space. Fenderwell headers may work.
That's going to be about the same mess as putting a big block in an early Corvette. = 58/62. Along with the steering issue you also have the front body supports right in the way. They get in the way on a small block swap but are going to be a real challenge on a big block swap. I've seen some real butcher jobs on V8 swaps in those bodies.
I would think if you can find some headers for a big block Corvette, they would probably fit about as close as any that are available. Go to a Corvette show and see if you can find some installed and notice if there are any obvious "odd" tube runs rather than the common 4 tubes to a collector. That might give you a start, and they might know someone who wants to sell some used ones.
Any details? What brand headers are they? Looks like you’ve modified the firewall a fair bit - is it still in the stock position or has it been moved back?
Tri-five headers- brand unknown. Pass side was to close to the fender -swap meet purchase. Second pair- Craigslist purchase, brand unknown- pass to close to fender. Took a piece of all-thread and slowly wrenched it away from pass fender. Didn’t hurt the coating to much. You have to do what needs doing. Yes firewall is cut back- 3 1/2 inches. Can’t stand looking at the stock firewall. As you can see I ran the firewall down to the frame to make up for those hideous body braces that collects all kind of crap, plus in the way. Running the firewall down to the frame also acts as a Heat-Shield for the headers. Let’s talk about the wiper motor. Yes moving the firewall back messed all that up. So I used a 1997 Saturn wiper motor, made a bracket, combining old with the new, two speeds, high- low. Straight axe came from a 60’s Corvette drag car, swap meet also. Speedway leaf springs. Firewall is clean as a whistle. I’ve heard crap about the radiator support rods, but who gives a crap.
1950 Chevy Business Coupe. Speedway Motors fenderwell headers for 55-57 Chevy. Part # 930C4 You have to heat and bend the passenger side collector inward to clear the bottom of the fender. Driver side I didn't have to. Firewall is stock and in stock location, but you have to do the normal modifications to install a SBC or BBC in these cars. The triangular ribs that run vertical down to the frame mounts have to come off. The original parking brake assembly has to be removed. On Big block installation, the passenger side frame mount at base of firewall has to be notched for the cylinder head to clear. I used Walton Fabrications motor mounts.
The Jalopy Journal
