Thread: How do I get headers to fit '65 Chevelle w/ angle plug heads???

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Hello Everyone! Haven't been around in awhile, I hope everyone is doing well! ... I sold a friend my old AFR heads w/ angle plug heads. He had his motor built with these, installed the motor in his car & now the headers won't bolt on! It's a '65 Chevelle, 383 w/ either Hooker or Headman 1 1/2" headers {I'll try to find out for sure which make}. Anyway, any ideas on what he can do? Is there such a thing as shorter spark plugs? He put the headers on & the plugs wouldn't go in so then he put the plugs in first & then tried to get the headers on. Still no luck..... THANKS! Bill

Yup, shorter plugs are available. Makes more room for the wires, too... Not sure that the 1 1/2" tubes are going to be big enough for a 383 with good heads?????

Thanks Dave! hmmm, yes that's right 1 1/2" headers probably aren't big enough for a 383 w/ AFR heads! Didn't even think of that as I was too bummed that I sold him heads that wouldn't fit his application. I will tell him about the shorter plugs. I just left the Summit web site & they list Headman Headers that fit angle plug heads but say "Chev aluminum only". So I'll call them tomorrow & see if maybe they also fit AFR heads. The Headman's were in either 1 5/8" or 1 3/4" so these would be better for him anyway.... Thanks again Dave..... Bill

PS, NO THE HEADMAN DON'T WORK WITH THE AFR HEADS.....

i would look at the 1 3/4 headers if it is a hp or big sbc the tubes may just not be i the right spot even with the just shorty plugs the last sbc headers with angle plugs i did a cut and weld the front tubes you could if you have the room is add a spacer by using a header flange and header gasket to move the header away from the head for more room but ? just would be better to buy a set that fit

Thanks Pat! yes the HP/TQ should be around 450/470 or so. I'm guessing at this because he has the heads/cam/carb/ignition/comp, etc that I had in the 413 sm. block that I had in my '32 {he bought my parts, just used his own 383 block, crank, rods, pistons.}. So basicly the same motor just 30 less cube's. My 413 was 460/499 Hp/Tq.... I've checked headers for him & the only company I've found so far that makes them for the AFR angle plug heads is Stahl & there $1020-1070.... But like you said he needs the 1 3/4" tubes but as of now the money is holding him back. First thing will be to try the Accel 'shorty' plugs just to get the car running. From what I found out he needs plug #416S.... Thanks again Pat... Bill