LS Shorty Headers for FJ40

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Hi all.

I am building a FJ40 based buggy with a 5.3 LS for a customer and I would like to know if any of you have any experience with finding an exhaust header that fits. The main issue is the tight frame rails, but the motor mounts and front driveshaft are potential problems as well. I am looking at three different shorty headers.

Doug's - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/dou-d3333-r/overview/make/chevrolet
Hedman - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hed-62560/overview/make/chevrolet
JBA - http://www.summitracing.com/parts/jba-1812s/overview/make/chevrolet

I'm not concerned with having to modify them, that's not a problem, I just want to start with the best overall fit.

Thanks

 

[theside00]

We use hooker block huger headers and have had good success with them. Them dump in the middle straight down which gives you room to go under the oil pan for drive shaft clearance. Another option that might work is using new 5.3 manifolds. They dump high and towards the back, might be able to route the exhaust away from the drive shaft.

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

It's weird I didn't see a listing for those Hookers at Summit. They're cheap too.

I've tried two different pairs of factory manifolds (one truck pair and one Camaro pair) and neither of them will fit. The passenger side is tight, but the driver's side dumps right onto the frame rail.

Thanks.

 

[theside00]

I dont know if there is a difference but the manifolds on this engine is what we have used. We have actually installed this motor into a couple of FJ60's and it has fit no problem. I know the 40 frame is tighter but still might be a chance.

http://www.chevrolet.com/performance/crate-engines/e-rod-lc9.html

I forget the part number for them and Im not at the shop to look them up.

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

The one's pictured in the link appear to be similar to the aftermarket ones sold by companies like Hooker. I fear that they would not work and then I could not modify them. At least with a tubular manifold (header) I can modify them.

BTW- the E-rod...whoever came up with that idea should be given a huge raise. What a great idea.

 

[Chi-Town]

Stock CTS-V manifolds flow very nicely and are nice and tight to the block

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Those CTS-V manifolds look just like the cast Hooker manifolds.

We decided to try the cheap headers from Advance Adapters. They were only $220 from Summit and they look just like the Doug's headers ($400) but they don't have any flanges.

http://www.advanceadapters.com/prod...-generation-3-ls-series-v8conversion-headers/

 

[theside00]

From the looks those should work. I think the only manifold that would work with that setup would be a rams horn one but I don't think they will fit on a 5.3.

The E-Rod is the best route to go. Making them California smog legal was the best thing they could have done.

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

Received the headers today. They are made by Advance Adapters to be used with their own motor mount package. Well, the motor mount bracket needs to be cut for them to clear. Rather unexpected...

Anyway, I like that they have small primary tubes as this is not going to be a race buggy.

I'll post pics once I get to that stage. (I should do a build thread on this truck)