Headers for ZZ4 Aluminum Heads

[Hugh R.]

I had an engine built for a swap in my '71 Coupe (to preserve the original engine). It's a 350ci/375hp with aluminum D port heads. I have A/C and have brackets for it and the alternator. Hedman #43505 was my first choice but they are not available for months. I don't have enough knowledge to make another choice as these were from Ecklers and that's all they have. Can anyone suggest a fairly resonably priced set and the best place to order. Thanks in advance.

[Jim T.]

Re: Headers for ZZ4 Aluminum Heads

I had an engine built for a swap in my '71 Coupe (to preserve the original engine). It's a 350ci/375hp with aluminum D port heads. I have A/C and have brackets for it and the alternator. Hedman #43505 was my first choice but they are not available for months. I don't have enough knowledge to make another choice as these were from Ecklers and that's all they have. Can anyone suggest a fairly resonably priced set and the best place to order. Thanks in advance.

I have a ZZ1 and used original exhaust manifolds on the aluminum heads with D ports. I used C4 exhaust manifold gaskets and have 2 1/2 exhaust pipes through mufflers. Used my original factory AC compressor mounting pieces. Will headers allow you to mount factory air system?

[Hugh R.]

Re: Headers for ZZ4 Aluminum Heads

The headers I originally ordered had a bracket for the A/C and, one for the alternator. I'm assuming the same type header design by another manufacturer would allow me to still use those brackets. The problem I'm having is finding headers for the D-Port heads. Shorties or tight tucks would work if I could find them with "D" ports.

[Paul D.]

Re: Headers for ZZ4 Aluminum Heads

Hugh,
Before you spend a lot of time searching for D port headers, consider Jim's advice. I was never a big fan of the "adaptor brackets" used to mount the old type AC compressors on engines with headers. They consist of heavy gauge sheet metal and I just don't think they are as strong as the old cast manifold. Unless you are trying to wring every last ounce of power out of that motor at very high RPM, you will not suffer power loss using the factory manifolds. Some say that shorty type headers offer no advantage over the Corvette's factory ram's horn center dump manifolds. Performance gains are normally found using the tuned, long tube headers. If your heart is set on headers, do some research in the aftermarket (beyond Ecklers). I seem to have read somewhere that most use standard headers with the D port heads with no ill effects. I seem to have read an article somewhere that did a comparison study with long tube VS shorty and standard VS D port specific. Maybe try a Google search.

[Jim T.]

Re: Headers for ZZ4 Aluminum Heads

The headers I originally ordered had a bracket for the A/C and, one for the alternator. I'm assuming the same type header design by another manufacturer would allow me to still use those brackets. The problem I'm having is finding headers for the D-Port heads. Shorties or tight tucks would work if I could find them with "D" ports.

Hugh the reason I used C4 Corvette exhaust maniflold gaskets on my ZZ1 d-port heads was exhaust leaks using my original 70's cast iron exhaust manifolds. Wish I had used the really good C4 exhaust manifold gaskets before I installed the manifolds on the ZZ1 crate engine before installing the engine. This would of saved a lot a work when the engine was in the car with the AC compressor installed. No leaks with the gaskets yet. The C4 gaskets are cut for the D-port heads.

[Hugh R.]

Re: Headers for ZZ4 Aluminum Heads

Thanks Paul and Jim. I think I'm going to go with Hedman's 68128 Long Tube Headers and D-Port gaskets.