Author Topic: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda  (Read 5548 times)

Offline DocMel

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HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« on: August 30, 2010 - 05:23:25 PM »
Here's the real deal for those considering the $170 Hedman headers (I got mine from Summit)

First:  YES, they do fit with NO mods.  Some helpful hints:

1.  Use a two post lift.  You'll  be going from the top and the bottom of the car as you work, and back and forth

2.  Disconnect battery, remove passenger side front shock

3.  Disconnect  (auto trans) kickdown linkage swivel bracket, remove spark plugs

4.  Remove starter and factory exh manifolds.   

5.  Remove front motor mount bolts

6.  Use a floor jack and jack front of motor motor up as high as it will go  (WATCH RADIATOR SHROUD WHEN YOU DO THIS!).  Install passenger side header  (Watch that you dont upset the balance while doing this if your car is also on a 2 post lift)!!

7.  Remove only the suspension componants required to get the driver header in.  (Look and use your common sense)   

This is the hardest part:   It will take 2 folks:  Lay on your back and hold starter in place between the new header and the engine block, (DO NOT bolt it in yet), while you slide the header up into place and your buddy helps from the top to hold the header and also help get it into place while you slide the header from bottom to top.  You'll never get it done with the starter bolted in place.  Move the starter around while the header is being put in place.   With header NOT bolted in place yet, snug the starter down onto its mounts first when you get everything in its approximate place, then place in the header gasket and snug down header bolts.  This procedure is a ***** trying to manhandle the heavy starter around while getting the header in place, but it only took about 5 minutes to get the header in place using my technique

Put everything back in place.  Wipe headers down with degreaser.  Heat up engine BRIEFLY a few times to set the factory paint on the headers  (It will still blister though in some places)

Drive and retourque header bolts a couple of times after the first few times driving

I have a 71 Cuda, Auto, PS, and the above worked for me with NO mods to the headers




Offline ntstlgl1970

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #1 on: August 30, 2010 - 06:37:43 PM »
Are these full length or shortys?
70 Cuda, 7.0L Gen-III Hemi, Viper T56 w/9310 gearset, 3.91's, Megasquirt MS3x v3.57, Innovate wideband, Firm Feel upper arms, torsion bars, springs and strut rods, QA1 DA shocks. I did everything on this car except the fancy paint stuff and I drive it...and I can't seem to stop messing with it....

Offline brads70

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2010 - 06:57:57 PM »
I found they didn't fit so well at all!
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=55942.0
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #3 on: August 31, 2010 - 08:29:43 AM »
I have yet to see a set of hedmans fit

Challenger - You`ll wish You Hadn`t

Offline Canadian Cuda

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #4 on: August 31, 2010 - 03:55:49 PM »
 :popcorn:
Geoff
70 Cuda 440-4, auto, 8 3/4 sure-grip

Offline 72hemi

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #5 on: August 31, 2010 - 05:30:14 PM »
Any pictures of them installed from above on each side, plus how far they hang down?
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline mopardave

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #6 on: August 31, 2010 - 05:46:48 PM »
I think it depends on what number your getting. the 78036 i put these on our 440+6 car NO fitment issues. real close to the gear. Put same set on my buddies 383 chall and only issue was clearance for the mini starter that was it. Wife 440 road runner no issues at all.  :2cents:
Mopar Dave
Rosevillemoparts.com

if I haven't replied to your post or PM email me direct    dradcliffe@mikeriehls.com




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71 FM3 Challenger RT
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2000 Dakota Quad Cab
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Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #7 on: August 31, 2010 - 07:08:22 PM »
I think it depends on what number your getting. the 78036 i put these on our 440+6 car NO fitment issues. real close to the gear. Put same set on my buddies 383 chall and only issue was clearance for the mini starter that was it. Wife 440 road runner no issues at all.  :2cents:

That was pretty much my case with the 78036's. Just a little work to get around the mini starter, and a couple of bangs to get around the power steering box. No biggie.    :2cents:

I just want to say ceramic coated headers are the way to go. Still some heat when you are driving at crazy speeds, but MUCH better than uncoated headers. No hot foot issues anymore for me.    :bananasmi

Mike

1970 Challenger - SOLD
2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

Offline tommyg29

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #8 on: August 31, 2010 - 08:18:41 PM »
my shortys didnt fit either. Had to crimp tubes to half size on each side to make them fit, and I'm so unhappy with them I think I want to put the hp's on instead. Just isnt enough room on the sides unless they are very specially designed, and seems like then its just the luck of the draw, cause I know for a fact my engine placement is spot on factory specs (the measurements from center crank, etc)
72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

Offline brads70

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #9 on: August 31, 2010 - 08:36:33 PM »
All the members that have had no issues with fitment, are you running power steering or manual steering? With manual steering box I could see it fitting ok but not with a power box? :clueless:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline mopardave

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #10 on: August 31, 2010 - 08:44:11 PM »
All the members that have had no issues with fitment, are you running power steering or manual steering? With manual steering box I could see it fitting ok but not with a power box? :clueless:

Brad,  yep all 3 have OE power steering and suspension. all use the same 78036 header, ceramic is nice.
Mopar Dave
Rosevillemoparts.com

if I haven't replied to your post or PM email me direct    dradcliffe@mikeriehls.com




70 FK5 Challenger RT/SE
70 FC7 70 Road Runner - Sold
71 FM3 Challenger RT
71 Cuda (in process for restoration)
73 F8 Challenger
1990 XJ - sold
2000 Dakota Quad Cab
2010 Ram Crew Cab 2500 4wd - sold
2015 Ram Crew Cab 2500 4wd Black Out

Offline Road_Runner

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Re: HEDMAN header fit on 440 in 71 Cuda
« Reply #11 on: September 04, 2010 - 11:18:21 PM »
I also had a major fit issue with my 383 Roadrunner's mini starter.  I could have dented them to fit, but I paid extra for the coating and there was no way I was banging on coated headers making them almost certain to rust there. 

Later, Jim
1970 383 Roadrunner Tor Red
1973 318 Barracuda Mist Green
2014 Mustang GT/CS Convertible All Black