← Back to The High Performance Parts

Part Number: CAE-015-C

Ceramic Block Hugger Headers – SBC

-17%

$299.99

$359.99

Availability: 8 In Stock

Ceramic Coated Block Hugger Headers for Gen 1 Small Block Chevy V8 | 265–400 CID | Certified Automotive Experts 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...

$299.99

$359.99

Ceramic Coated Block Hugger Headers for Gen 1 Small Block Chevy V8 | 265–400 CID | Certified Automotive Experts

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.

Key Features

  • Compact Center-Dump Design: Designed for tight-clearance classic Small Block Chevy installations.
  • Steel Construction: Features a ceramic-coated exterior finish.
  • 1-5/8-Inch Primary Tubes: Designed for compatible Gen 1 SBC V8 engines.
  • 3/8-Inch Head Flanges: Provides the specified flange thickness.
  • 3-Bolt Collectors: Includes collectors for the specified exhaust connection.
  • Included Hardware: Mounting hardware is included.
  • Protective Ceramic Coating: Provides an exterior finish without changing header geometry or routing.

Product Specifications

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

Compatibility and Fitment

Compatible engine displacements:

  • 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, and 400 cubic inches.

Common applications:

  • 1923–1949 street rods with Small Block Chevy engine swaps.
  • 1955–1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, 210, and Nomad models using front engine mounts.
  • 1955–1959 Chevy and GMC Task Force trucks.

These headers are intended for compatible vehicles manufactured through 1959 using front or custom engine mounts.

Not compatible with:

  • GM side engine mounts introduced in 1958.
  • Clamshell-style motor mounts used from 1973 onward.
  • Angle-plug cylinder heads.
  • Frames with crossmembers or steering boxes positioned directly beneath or beside the center exhaust ports.
  • Vehicles manufactured after 1959.

Verify engine mounts, steering configuration, and chassis clearance before purchasing.

Installation Considerations

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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)).

Recently Viewed Products