Hello.
I certainly feel you on the cast iron headers. $300 by the time you add in the flange kit and shipping!
Wow!
Hedman makes a header for the 63-79 Chevy trucks that will clear the center frame crossmember
and allow room for the clutch linkage to the block.
The tubes are looooooooooooong (36" to be exact). It should help with low end torque. If you do decide to go this route I recommend ceramic coating. Inside and out - outside only is a waste of money. Check some of your local or online shops for pricing. It'll set you back about the same amount you'll pay for the headers (around $140) but they'll last you a many many years if you take care of them. If you don't have them coated you'll rust out five or six additional sets of headers over the duration the ceramic coating will last. More money up front but worth it in the long run.
I have a set on a 292 now that are not ceramic coated. I coated them with 1200 black stove paint and they'll last longer than traditional high temp paint. But they're gonna rust out too. I already have a backup set ordered and these
will be ceramic coated.
Let me know if you want to see pictures.
-magic mike-
