What headers to buy for a 383 on my 68 charger?

[ChargedNJ]

So i think i might have just bought headers for a class A motorhome   Based on my google search for "headers 79130", the result was hedman model #79130 and the dimensions match...1 3/4" tubes, 3" collector.  I'll call them tomorrow to confirm, but it looks like i crapped out!

[cudaken]

 Charged NJ, I think you are screwed if you cannot get your money back. Unless they are fender well headers (you cut out the inner fenders to install) I have never seen a set of BB B bodies Headers look like that!

Guess there is a reason they have never been installed!

Cuda Ken 

[ChargedNJ]

i knew it was a risk, so if im stuck, i'll have to live with it.  I'll try Hedman in the morning to confirm and if i am in fact screwed, i'll call the guy i bought from and see what he says.

[ChargedNJ]

so i've got to tell you guys this story.  I think we're all used to getting screwed by others when it comes to buying stuff second hand (and often even with new things).  So i called Hedman today (super nice guy) and they confirmed i got Hedmans for an 85 camper van, lol.  So i text the guy i bought them from and explained what the situation was and he immediately apologized and explained he was told they were for a bbody.  he told me right away to bring them back and he'd give me my money back.  I'm going to see if i can make them fit, but my hopes are slim...from what i gather from you guys, even headers designed for our cars are tough to fit.  If they dont, i plan on bringing them back next week or the weekend after.  I'll keep you posted on what happens, but i thought i'd share as its nice when you get to interact with decent people..i know its a small thing but kind of restores your faith in humanity.

[ChargedNJ]

So, i finally got a pair of Hookers (never gets onld saying that).  Any advice as to where i can go to get installation directions/advice?

[Cooter]

Most likely, you Wil need to loosen motor mounts and jack up engine on each side your working on one at a time.

I like to remove spark plugs.
starter will most likely need to be upgraded to the high torque "mini" starter.
might even need to knock a loose steering drag link.

[Canadian1968]

I just got finished installing a set of Hedmans on my 440.

Jack up car a good 2ft.
I am not sure if the 383 is the same as 440 block ,  but your two bolts that run threw the manifolds on the passanger side, go into the coolant passages. So make sure you drain your coolant !!
remove old manifolds.
remove studs ( unless your using them instead of bolts)
remove spark plugs
Remove center bolt from both motor mounts
place jack under oil pan,  use a piece of wood 2x4, 2x6 whatever you got, between your jack and pan so you dont' crush the oil pan.
Jack motor up approx 2-3 inches.
remove wires from starter.  Your probably going to have to pull the starter as well .
Install headers,  few bolts to hold in place, drop engine back to mount positon., Check clearances
Try and install stock starter, may need to drop headers and install with starter at the same time.
Make sure you put in your gasket !, Bolt up the header and move on to the passanger side. !!!

[XH29N0G]

I just got finished installing a set of Hedmans on my 440.

Jack up car a good 2ft.
I am not sure if the 383 is the same as 440 block ,  but your two bolts that run threw the manifolds on the passanger side, go into the coolant passages. So make sure you drain your coolant !!
remove old manifolds.
remove studs ( unless your using them instead of bolts)
remove spark plugs
Remove center bolt from both motor mounts
place jack under oil pan,  use a piece of wood 2x4, 2x6 whatever you got, between your jack and pan so you dont' crush the oil pan.
Jack motor up approx 2-3 inches.
remove wires from starter.  Your probably going to have to pull the starter as well .
Install headers,  few bolts to hold in place, drop engine back to mount positon., Check clearances
Try and install stock starter, may need to drop headers and install with starter at the same time.
Make sure you put in your gasket !, Bolt up the header and move on to the passanger side. !!!

Most likely, you Wil need to loosen motor mounts and jack up engine on each side your working on one at a time.

I like to remove spark plugs.
starter will most likely need to be upgraded to the high torque "mini" starter.
might even need to knock a loose steering drag link.

I think this is good advice.  .....   I ran into problems because I do not think I had the car up high enough, and was hesitant to remove the steering links.  I think these would have let me do it.  Ultimately, I did get it up high enough to put in without removing the links, but it was not without some cursing.  On mine, the stock starter still fits, but has to go in with the headers and it may be that a mini starter would be easier.  Yours is not a manual transmission, is it?

[ChargedNJ]

Holy crap, really..2 feet off the ground? As in bottom of tire needs to be 2 ft off or just underside of car? No issue with the motor mount but am hesitant to mess with steering links. Nope..not manual. There are some old rusty headers on there now so hopefully no clearance issues. Thanks for the advice fellas!

[ACUDANUT]

Only Factory HP manifolds for me.   Headers are a pain and starter killers.

X2

[Canadian1968]

No the tire doesn't have to be 2ft ,more so the car. I placed my jack stands at the crossmember intersect points. You want to be able to slide under the car comfortably. I have the entire car jacked up right now so that might be different if you jack up only the front. 

I strongly suggest a second set of hands to help lift the header up from the bottom!!

[ChargedNJ]

holy crap this is hard