Header options for a B-engine stroker in a Dart?

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Reddartowner

Reddartowner

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Picked up a clean 400 and am looking to go to a 499 stroker. What options do I have for headers if I want to keep power steering in a '68 Dart? Currently the car has a 383 with Schumacher headers, but I don't think the Schumachers will flow enough for the stroker......
 
I'd be willing to bet you're going to end up with fender well headers.
Power steering is super tight with 1 5/8 tubes on a small block in a dart.
 
Same block. So same headers should work. Why do you think the schumakers won't flow enough? What size are the tubes/collector?
 
Lustle said:
Same block. So same headers should work. Why do you think the schumakers won't flow enough? What size are the tubes/collector?
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The Schumachers are 1-5/8 tubes with a 2-1/2 inch collector. We're looking for hp in the 550-600 range on the stroker and I just think that's asking too much from 1-5/8 tubes.
 
Reddartowner said:
The Schumachers are 1-5/8 tubes with a 2-1/2 inch collector. We're looking for hp in the 550-600 range on the stroker and I just think that's asking too much from 1-5/8 tubes.
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Wayyyy to small. I run 1-5/8 tubes and 3 inch collectors on my 340. If you're around 500 I would say 1-3/4 tubes and 3 inch collector. With 550-600 I'd say either stepped (for better torque and power) or just straight 2 inch with 3-1/2 collector. I could be wrong though.
 
See what TTi has to offer but some fenderwell 1 7/8 or maybe 2" would be the best bet for power.You can do the tri y just expect to be down on power.
If you redid the collector larger and ran a 3" exhaust it may minimize the losses a bit but you need at least 1 7/8 tubes.

2" would better for lower gears/higher stall and more racing oriented but 1 7'8 will be make a nice street power/torque curve.
 
This will probably be a semi-daily driver, so reasonable street manners are in order. This is a manual trans car, so convertor stall speeds aren't an issue.
 
Reddartowner said:
This will probably be a semi-daily driver, so reasonable street manners are in order. This is a manual trans car, so convertor stall speeds aren't an issue.
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TTI offers 1 3/4" full length headers that claims to fit power steering. I have never seen these pictured with it though. A couple people here have said that they used them in this combo. I plan to get a set and try out when I get other things ironed out and the engine broken in.
 
Hedman B body headers have been used with anywhere from moderate to no modifications depending on how everything sits in the car.
 
You could switch to the Borgenson steering box, it's no bigger than a manual box.
 
5.7 hemi said:
You could switch to the Borgenson steering box, it's no bigger than a manual box.
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Those have yet to impress me. I have read of more than one failure on this site and seen a couple of others in person.
 
I didn't know that, thanks for the info.
 
RustyRatRod said:
Those have yet to impress me. I have read of more than one failure on this site and seen a couple of others in person.
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Hmm, interesting and especially so after a few people have suggested that same gear box to me. That sure doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies for it.
 
Furious65 said:
Hmm, interesting and especially so after a few people have suggested that same gear box to me. That sure doesn't give me the warm and fuzzies for it.
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Do a search, it should come right up.
 
I put my engine block in my 69 barracuda with the bell housing, z-bar & clutch fork. The car has manual steering. With very minimal mods to the Schumacher headers they fit very well. I also am going to build a stroker motor. 383 496 ci. I did my home work there is nothing out there for 4spd A body big block cars. Unless you want to do some chopping.
 
Cheapest possible option is a set of Hedman 78030 (B-body) headers. Only fits with B engine and manual steering, but does that quite well. Helps to shorten the column sleeve back to the firewall. BBD Tech pages have pics. Don't remember if they're 1-5/8" or 1-3/4" but for the cost compared to TTI, I'd gladly give up a few hp.
Fenderwell headers suck. They hit the tires, ground, body, roast your feet...
 
So if this car is mainly going to be street driven and only operated at peak rpm for maybe 5 to 10% of the time?and spend the other 90% under 3500 rpm I think the Schumachers will be fine, granted you'll be giving up maybe 10 or 15 hp on the top end but you already have a set of headers on the car that you know they fit. I would run what you have.
 
Go to the Schumacher web site where you'll find a header comparison
 
cawley said:
I did my home work there is nothing out there for 4spd A body big block cars. Unless you want to do some chopping.
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TTI does offer a modified Z bar to fit manual transmission cars. I assume it fits both the 2" and the 1 3/4".
 
If you change the TTi's #7 tube only slightly the crossshaft can be made to work.
Why they don't just build them this way in the first place is a mystery to me.

Dans383042.jpg

Dans383038.jpg

Dans383028.jpg
 
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