I just got a 68 camaro and wanted to know if a 454w/headers will requiere any altering to the car and what problems you might of heard about in doing that.

 

no it shouldnt since I belive they came with a big block option. also if it didnt, just frame mounts and suspension upgrades to handle the weight.

good luck

 

I have a 68 camaro with a 454 HO crate engine with headers. If your Camaro has small block engine brackets youll need to replace them with big block engine brackets they look similar but the engine sets differently. I purchased and installed Hooker headers they fit fine you may need to make a small dimple on drivers side header due to steering box interference. Depending on headers drivers side may need to go in before engine or if engine is already in you may need to remove motor mount bolt and jack up engine due to again steering box interference. I recommend you install a gear reduction starter with this combo. First easy starting, second the starter motor is smaller in size and leaves more room away from the headers. Good luck.

 

Also you'll need to replace front coil springs to compensate for the extra 150-200 pounds in the front end. If you decide on HEI ignition its tight fit but it will fit. Your new problem is going to be traction

 

dont forget about the driverside valve cover if you have powerbrakes, it needs to be short

 

You will also need a BB heater core box or remove the heater . The engine will keep you warm enough anyway. By the way I have SB perches in mine I just attached them to the engine set the engine and tranny back in (m-21) hooked up linkage measured for square and reattached the perches to frame everything lines up works fine

 

all good points stated here.

the thing with headers is they vary from make to make. the steering box is almost always an issue. the stock booster for the brakes is usually another problem, although they sell small boosters to remedy this problem. you have to use low valve covers for the stock booster, but if you have rollers these won't fit. your distributor will wit fine unless you use small block mounts because they set the engine a little farther back then the big block mounts. if you are just running a small cap distributor, this will not be a problem though. you will need better front springs. as far as th heater box goes, they don't make different ones for BB vs. SB. all they do is take the same box and drill new holes. save yourself around $100 and drill your own and just weld in a little bracket inside it to hold you core from moving, then fill the holes in the firewall where the old lines came out.