BB Headers

[squareton]

I have my 82 k20 suburban and Im looking to get either a 632 built or a 598. The 632 is a tall block and the 598 a regular 9.8 block. Before I order the engine which takes 12 week to be in line does anyone know whether the tall block will work with headers or should I go with the regular block? Also I found some sanderson iron headers or sanderson shorty headers with 1-7/8 tubes, Id rather use larger tubes with such a big engine but havent found any that list working with this truck. I read on here that chevelle headers work but idk what year to order or if theyll work with ac or not. Can anyone help me with suggestions? Also I found some bbc frame brackets that were listed to work on the 82 but the reviews are terrible. I didnt know the 82s never had big blocks!

 

[nvrenuf]

What frame brackets? You shouldn’t need to change anything on the frame to install the motor, just the appropriate motor mounts.

I’m running the Sanderson shortys and I’m very happy with them BUT I think they’re small for a motor that big. Check with Stahl or Maddog for big tube headers for these trucks.

 

[bucket]

Header fitment will have a lot of variables. It's likely that there isn't a big tube header out there that won't require a ding here or a frame/bracket notch there. If trying to keep the cost under control (I'm guessing that cost isn't a big factor here) then the Chevelle/Camaro/Nova/Impala type headers are a good choice. And again, each brand is different. Some brands fit Camaro and Nova, but not Chevelle or Impala. But Nova headers are known to fit trucks (I have two that run them) and so are Chevelle headers. But not all Nova headers fit Chevelle and not all Chevelle headers fit Nova... but both are known to fit a truck. See how it's hard to say what will fit without trying it?

 

[squareton]

What frame brackets? You shouldn’t need to change anything on the frame to install the motor, just the appropriate motor mounts.

I’m running the Sanderson shortys and I’m very happy with them BUT I think they’re small for a motor that big. Check with Stahl or Maddog for big tube headers for these trucks.

Thanks i didnt know the brackets would work, any idea which motor mounts I need to look for? I think 85 is the first year for the bbc should those work? Ill check on the headers, I dont mind dinging them a bit just trying to get a good idea before I spend the money on something that wont work. Do you think your sanderson ones would work with a tall deck engine? Id rather get the big boy 632 but a 598 stock deck should do just fine too lol

 

[squareton]

Header fitment will have a lot of variables. It's likely that there isn't a big tube header out there that won't require a ding here or a frame/bracket notch there. If trying to keep the cost under control (I'm guessing that cost isn't a big factor here) then the Chevelle/Camaro/Nova/Impala type headers are a good choice. And again, each brand is different. Some brands fit Camaro and Nova, but not Chevelle or Impala. But Nova headers are known to fit trucks (I have two that run them) and so are Chevelle headers. But not all Nova headers fit Chevelle and not all Chevelle headers fit Nova... but both are known to fit a truck. See how it's hard to say what will fit without trying it?

I saved money for a house that isnt going to happen this year so I budgeted 20k or so to get this done, ill save money where I can but am trying to keep the headers under 700 because I imagine a custom 3 inch exhaust is in this things future. What size pipes are your nova headers? 70-72 bb nova headers? Yes this is confusing, Im hoping I dont order a set and it doesnt fit. Im reading that some fit 2wd squares and some fit 4wd squares and now i read you have to change the transmission bracket so the pipes can go under it lol

 

[bucket]

I saved money for a house that isnt going to happen this year so I budgeted 20k or so to get this done, ill save money where I can but am trying to keep the headers under 700 because I imagine a custom 3 inch exhaust is in this things future. What size pipes are your nova headers? 70-72 bb nova headers? Yes this is confusing, Im hoping I dont order a set and it doesnt fit. Im reading that some fit 2wd squares and some fit 4wd squares and now i read you have to change the transmission bracket so the pipes can go under it lol

Your stock small block mounts will work. The big block will bolt in exactly where a small block was. Yes, there were differences in mounts for various years and applications (cars, mostly), but it was for packaging.

Crossmember clearance also varies greatly. Different brands and models of header will have the collector outlets in different locations and angles. There are also several different crossmembers used on trucks. The exhaust will go above or below the crossmember, just depends on what parts you have.

Both of mine are installed on 2wd's, both low deck engines. One set is Hedman, meant for a '68+ Nova. The other set is an unknown brand, removed from a '70 Nova SS back in the 90's. Both are small tubes. I have a new set of Hooker headers that I bought well over a decade ago, for an Impala. Iirc, their application list says they are for a Nova as well. They have 2" primaries. Oddly, the catalog lists them now as 1 7/8" primaries, so they either changed them or it's a listing error.

 

[nvrenuf]

I used Off Road Design’s motor mounts. Im also using their engine crossmember but that’s a want not a need.

As for fit, I’d imagine a tall deck (and possibly raised runners in the heads?) could create fitment problems for any header not built for that. I’d search for someone that’s actually done it or a manufacturer that can clearly answer that question.

I still doubt that 1-7/8” is enough header to adequately support a motor like that, go bigger and let it breathe.

 

[squareton]

I used Off Road Design’s motor mounts. Im also using their engine crossmember but that’s a want not a need.

As for fit, I’d imagine a tall deck (and possibly raised runners in the heads?) could create fitment problems for any header not built for that. I’d search for someone that’s actually done it or a manufacturer that can clearly answer that question.

I still doubt that 1-7/8” is enough header to adequately support a motor like that, go bigger and let it breathe.

The only headers I've found over 1-7/8ths were Stahl or the mad dogs mentioned above but those are fenderwell headers so they're out. I guess I'll look fir some 2 inch nova headers and see if they'll work. I'm fine with keeping the inches down to allow a better fit with a 9.8 block, I just want good effortless power but still want ac lol

 

[Fastduramax]

I’m feeling your pain big daddy I’m about 4 weeks from delivery of my 572 and this lack of header choices for K series trucks sucks ass to say the least !!!!

 

[Fastduramax]

Yo Squareton we need to start a radiator thread I’m torn on that one also lol….

 

[nvrenuf]

Yo Squareton we need to start a radiator thread I’m torn on that one also lol….

Get the wide 4 row radiator (+ shroud and hardware) for a 6.2 diesel. You'd need to change the hose necks to fit stock hoses but it works nice.

 

[Fastduramax]

Thank you nvrenuf but you really think that will be adequate? It sure would be nice after pricing a Griffin and electric fan combo $$$ then again it’s protecting a crazy investment so better safe than ugly sorry lol

 

[nvrenuf]

I get the need to protect the investment. I run the 6.2 radiator and it works well for my current mild roller 454, in my old K10 I ran a regular width gas 4 row with a pretty frisky 468 (.600 lift roller, Dominator, etc) and I never had trouble overheating racing in mud bogs or wheeling. Both set ups used a factory shroud and a belt driven 7 blade fan with a severe duty clutch. Lots of folks poo poo a belt driven fan but they really work extremely well if you have all of the correct parts (clutch, 7 blade fan, etc).

 

[Fastduramax]

Thank you John great information, I did a quick search on the Rock Auto site an no 6.2 rads available, switched motors to the 7.4 and this was the best spec'd one in my opinion correct me if I'm wrong.... Also a wide verity of severe duty clutches, no seven blade fans so far but the least of any worry...

 

[Fastduramax]

Construction Plastic Tank Aluminum
Core Depth (IN) 2-1/4
Core Height (IN) 20-1/4
Core Row Quantity 2
Core Width (IN) 28-1/4
Inlet Connection (IN) 1-5/16
Outlet Connection (IN) 1-9/16
Trans Oil Cooler (IN) 8-1/2