Designed for tight-clearance classic builds, these Ceramic Coated Center-Dump Block Hugger Headers fit compatible Gen 1 Small Block Chevy V8 engines ranging from 265 to 400 cubic inches in vehicles manufactured through 1959. They feature 1-5/8-inch primary tubes, 3/8-inch head flanges, and 3-bolt collectors, with collectors and mounting hardware included.
Constructed from steel with a protective ceramic-coated finish, their compact center-dump design keeps the primary tubes close to the engine block. They are intended for compatible street rods, select 1955–1957 Chevrolet full-size cars, and 1955–1959 Chevy and GMC trucks.
Important fitment exclusions: These headers are not compatible with angle-plug cylinder heads, GM side engine mounts, clamshell-style motor mounts, or chassis with crossmembers or steering boxes obstructing the center exhaust ports. They are not intended for vehicles manufactured after 1959.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Certified Automotive Experts |
| Product Type | Center-Dump Block Hugger Headers |
| Material | Steel |
| Finish | Ceramic Coating |
| Engine Family | Gen 1 Small Block Chevy V8 |
| Engine Displacement | 265–400 CID |
| Primary Tube Diameter | 1-5/8 inches |
| Head Flange Thickness | 3/8 inch |
| Collector Configuration | 3-bolt |
| Included Components | Collectors and mounting hardware |
| Vehicle Production Years | Through 1959 |
| Mounting Configuration | Front or custom engine mounts |
Compatible engine displacements:
Common applications:
These headers are intended for compatible vehicles manufactured through 1959 using front or custom engine mounts.
Not compatible with:
Verify engine mounts, steering configuration, and chassis clearance before purchasing.
Clearance varies by chassis, engine mounts, and steering configuration. Test-fitting before final installation is recommended to check for interference around the center exhaust ports, crossmembers, and steering components.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which engines do these headers fit? | Gen 1 Small Block Chevy V8 engines ranging from 265 to 400 cubic inches, including the listed displacements. |
| What are the primary tube and flange sizes? | 1-5/8-inch primary tubes and 3/8-inch-thick head flanges. |
| Are collectors and mounting hardware included? | Yes, both collectors and mounting hardware are included. |
| What type of finish do these headers have? | A protective ceramic-coated exterior finish. |
| Will they fit vehicles manufactured after 1959? | No. They are not listed for vehicles manufactured after 1959. |
| Are they compatible with angle-plug cylinder heads? | No. Angle-plug cylinder heads are listed as incompatible. |
| Is test-fitting recommended? | Yes. Chassis, engine mount, and steering clearance should be checked before final installation. |
WARNING: RACE / COMPETITION USE ONLY
This part is built and sold only for racing vehicles used solely in closed-course competition. Once this part is installed, the vehicle may never be used, or registered or licensed for use, on a public road or highway. Off-road or off-highway use is not competition use. Installing this part on a vehicle used on public roads may violate the federal Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(3), and state law, and may result in civil or criminal penalties, failed inspections and loss of registration. Emissions laws vary by state. Check yours before you buy.
NOT LEGAL FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA ON ANY POLLUTION CONTROLLED MOTOR VEHICLES. THE SALE, USE OR INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT MAY ALSO BE ILLEGAL NATIONWIDE UNDER THE FEDERAL CLEAN AIR ACT (42 U.S.C. 7522(a)(3)).