BritishV8 Forum

General Category => Engine, Transmission, & Rear Axle assy. => Topic started by: 383 TR7 on June 14, 2010, 07:46:41 AM

Title: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: 383 TR7 on June 14, 2010, 07:46:41 AM
I recently purchased a 1976 TR7 that has a Chevrolet small block 383 stroker in it. Currently it has cast iron stock exhaust manifolds on it and I would like to upgrade to a set of full length headers.

I talked to a local speed shop and they told me they could build me a custom set but it was going to be around $1500.

Does anyone know if there is a set of headers from Hooker, Heddman, etc. that will either fit or fit with minimal tube modifications?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Here's a picture of the new toy.


triumphfrompassengerrear.jpg
triumphmotor2.jpg
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: DC Townsend on June 14, 2010, 09:30:03 AM
Have you looked at any of the block hugger headers? Lots of choices including Hedman's "tight tubes" which appear to fit very close to the block. Not much of a Bow Tie guy but, from the picture you posted, it appears they might provide you with a solution.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: WedgeWorks1 on June 14, 2010, 09:31:58 AM
You are going to have a lot of modification to a set of any headers you buy for the Chevy V8. To my knowledge no one make header for the Chevy small block in a TR7. You might want to buy a cheap set to get the header flange and portion of the tube and then buy a kit thta has all the bent tubing and collectors and make your own. It will be labor intensive but cheaper than paying for custom.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: 383 TR7 on June 14, 2010, 11:26:13 AM
Thanks for the suggestions.

I was hoping there was a set of headers that came close but just needed a couple tubes moved or something. I looked at Hooker and Hedman and they both have weld up kits.

Maybe I can mock something up and see if I can match it to a pair of existing headers.

The tight tubes and shorty style headers would probably work but will be my last resort.

I'll do some more checking, someone has to have done this before.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: BlownMGB-V8 on June 14, 2010, 12:09:15 PM
Take a look at V8 Vega headers, they might be real close since it is also a small car. About the only real obstruction you have is the crossmember and most of it would be behind that anyway.

JB
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: ex-tyke on June 14, 2010, 06:43:16 PM
There's a few Chevy small block "block hugger headers" on the market.
eg

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Ceramic-Block-Hugger-Shorty-Headers-Chevy-sb-sbc-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ead8fc8d9QQitemZ200480377049QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Might be worth buying and then modifying to fit your application if necessary.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: 383 TR7 on June 15, 2010, 07:38:24 AM
After taking another look last night block huggers won't work. Since they are a center dump it would land right on top of my motor cross member.

I found that headers from a late 80's, early 90's Suburban look like they may work. I also found that Schoenfeld makes a forward swept sprint header that may work also.

I'll update with any progress I make.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: bplus on June 16, 2010, 07:03:57 PM
Take a look at sandersonheaders.com  They make several different types of
headers for the small block chevrolet, some are rear dump too, might help in
your installation.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: 383 TR7 on June 18, 2010, 07:37:00 AM
Sanderson has some headers that look like they would work. However I've read some pretty bad reviews of their products so I'm skeptical. I'm really starting to lean towards just a nice pair of Chevy ram horn cast iron manifolds.
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: Dan B on June 18, 2010, 10:55:59 AM
How did a 76 TR7 get to be a convertible?
Title: Re: TR7 Chev V8 headers?
Post by: mgb260 on June 18, 2010, 10:45:10 PM
Speedway Motors has 2 1/2"dump Ram's horn manifolds. Smooth castings, flow as well as block huggers,reasonable price.