Challenger 1971 - Headers

[cajunmojo]

I have 1971 Challenger with a 440 Six pack

Fixing to start a "what I call" a major project on it, replace my brake booster, installing a firm feel steering box and redoing the wiring. So I figure since I was at it, going ahead and replacing my headers. The headers on the car where on there when I bought it, they are what looks like shop made headers. Not name brand and they where "looks like hit with a hammer" to make them fit around the steering box. And I have already replaced my starter awhile back with a high torque starter.

My question is: looking for a header setup that offers the most room, for spark plugs and just in general.

Any help and or suggestions really appreciated

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Putting headers in an E-Body is not a fun experience.   

From experience, Doug's and TTi's are the way to go, but they cost $$$.


Welcome aboard here.   

[CHL2T]

Putting headers in an E-Body is not a fun experience.   

From experience, Doug's and TTi's are the way to go, but they cost $$$.


Welcome aboard here.   

Yeah, you pretty much need to yank the engine 3/4 of the way out to get em in there. If the ones you have aren't leaking and the only problem is the cheap hammer work, then I would consider myself lucky.....

[Chryco Psycho]

TTi is the first choice personally , Dougs is the only other one period , nothing else fits well .

[brads70]

I used ceramic coated headmans on my then 440, now a 451"  If you remove the torsion bars they go in easier from the bottom. Starter needs to go in before the header too.  The first set fit was horrible . but only on the drivers side, passenger side fit perfect.  Second set ( under warantee ) didn't fit much better. Ya nothing like beating your new coated headers with a hammer. I ground down  some of the raised numbers/letters on the power steering box as well to gain a little more clearance. Mine hit on the torsion bar, power steering box , starter and the steering column coupler. But other than that they fit great! 
Also I made shims to raise the motor slightly ( 1/4" on one side 1/8" on the other) which also helped.
I've heard some people had to hammer the TTI's as well , so that's why I went with the headmans ( used header paint on the hammered parts)
All in all.... YES it's a frustrating experiance.

[CHL2T]

I have headman headers on the Cuda with a 440 and I didn't have to do any hammering...... it has manual steering so that could be why

[curious]

TTI 1 3/4 all the way no hammering at all not sure about the install because mine were attach to the motor when it was installed from the bottom up I hope this help

[dodj]

I have headman headers on the Cuda with a 440 and I didn't have to do any hammering...... it has manual steering so that could be why

I have Hedman ceramic elite headders. No hammering required, power steering. But they are the same part number as Brads70's headders and he had to mod a bit. Not sure if the variances are car or headder or a little of both. But you will hear of fitment problems from someone with all brands. TTI's are probably very good but for over $700 a set they should be!

[rebelcuda73]

I don't know if this will help you but I installed hedmen headers in my 74 cuda with a 440 ,a833 trans and they fit great.I also installed a denso mini starter and was able to install the starter from the top with the header on.They are ceramic and are thicker than most out there.Originally I bought the hedmen 78036 which I was told by summitt they would fit,though when I went to install them the passenger side went on no problem but the drivers hung up on the power steering box. Called Hedmen up and was referred to Dave at hedmen he's their mopar man he understood the problem and exchanged the drivers side for a 78038. received the header and it installed with no issues.It was great dealing with Dave and I was impressed with the way that he and the company handled the issue, and plan on ordering from them for the next project. Good Luck!

[AARCUDADEN]

Headers are a big pain period. And from my experience noboby makes a perfect fitting header other than mentioned. Regardless a hammer is most usually required 

[71chmark]

I put Doug Thorley headers from Summit Racing on my 440 Challenger.  They fit great.  No hammering and thick flanges for a good seal.

[Chryco Psycho]

Are Dougs a seperate brand or are they Thorleys ?

[71chmark]

The paper work says Doug Thorley headers.   The headers themselves just say Thorleys.

[mint6551]

Hey guys, this post is pretty helpful im trying to do the same thing 1973 challenger putting in a 440. Seems like I had to hammer the hedders in the same spot, My question is does mopar or an after market company make a smaller power steering box to put in that would resolve most of the problem? Thanks

[brads70]

Hey guys, this post is pretty helpful im trying to do the same thing 1973 challenger putting in a 440. Seems like I had to hammer the hedders in the same spot, My question is does mopar or an after market company make a smaller power steering box to put in that would resolve most of the problem? Thanks

Yes Borgeson makes a Delphi box but it's speedy..... About 1k when your all done