Sanderson Header Selection Tips for 1955-57 Chevrolet Passenger Car Applications
Choosing the correct header set for 1955-57 Chevrolet passenger cars requires an understanding of every possible component or combination of components that can affect header installation compatibility.
Header choice is determined by more than the engine installed within these vehicles. While specific engine issues can affect availability of a compatible header, it is the combination of the engine choice and other components that determine header compatibility. For example, here are a few items to consider:
- Engine location (stock, forward, or setback); and mount style (front/rear, side; plus, are the rear horns removed?).
- Steering type (standard, power, 605, aftermarket CPP 500-series, or rack and pinion)
- Steering column (stock or aftermarket)
- Stock or aftermarket front clip
- Transmission type, and if manual, does the vehicle use a factory style Z-bar or hydraulic clutch setup?
- Then, if using a small block Chevrolet engine, what cylinder heads are on the application and are they straight or angle plug?
NOTE: The better version of the CC57 (in our opinion and shown in the image at right) is a custom header with the two center tubes sweeping rearward. We are hoping to persuade Sanderson into making this the permanent design of this header. Like this design? Please let us and Sanderson Headers know.
To help reduce some of the confusion and assist in selecting the correct header set, here is a list of component combinations and the corresponding Sanderson Header part numbers for 1955-57 (tri-fve) passenger car applications. Review each engine section to see the available header sets, but also review the notes on what helps to ensure compatibility.
On small block Chevy tri-five applications, it is important to verify the compatibility of all critical components.
Header Part # | Steering Compatibility | Cylinder Heads | Transmission |
CC11 | Flaming River R&P | Straight Plug3 | All |
Stock | Straight Plug3 | All | |
CC55AP CC55AP-158 | Stock 605 500 Borgeson | Angle Plug4 | All |
CC56 | Stock 605 500* Borgeson | Straight Plug3 | All |
CC57 7 | R&P | Straight Plug3 Angle Plug | Automatic Manual6 |
C561 | Stock 605 Borgeson | Straight Plug3 Angle Plug | All |
QP1000 | Stock 605 500 Borgeson | Straight Plug5 | All |
US56 | Unisteer R&P | Straight Plug3 | Automatic |
C567F2 | All | All | All |
* Engine location dependent
1 Full-length header
2 Fenderwell design
3 Must specify if Vortec-style spark plug spacing
4 Only compatible with GM-style angle plug heads (Not Edelbrock Victor Jr, etc.)
5 NOT compatible with Vortec-style heads
6 Must use hydraulic clutch activation
7 Currently, the better CC57 is a custom header with the two center tubes sweeping rearward. We are hoping to persuade Sanderson into making it a permanent part number.
The #1 issue on big block Tri-Five applications is simply Location-Location-Location! If the engine is the proper location, headers fit. If the header interferes with anything, relocate the engine into the proper location. The second issue relates to the combination of components.
Header Part # | Steering Compatability | Transmission | Mounts |
BB1 BB1MV | Stock 605 500 R&P (aftermarket chassis) | All | All1 |
BB55 | Stock 605 500 “Some” R&P | All | Side2 |
BB56 | Stock 6053 5003 | All | Side |
BB57 | Stock 605 500 | Automatic | Side4,6,7 |
BB6 | Stock | All5 | Side |
QP2000 | Stock 605 500 “Some” R&P | Automatic | All |
1 Proper engine location imperative to prevent driver side steering box and passenger side idler arm interference
2 Removal of stock rear mount horns required
3 Proper engine location imperative to provide steering box clearance
4 Requires use of Danchuck or Classic Mounts engine mount kit
5 Manual transmission applications require a hydraulic clutch setup
6 The BB57 fits applications with the engine moved forward for HEI distributor clearance at the firewall.
7 Not compatible with column shift
Sanderson offers one header for 348 and 409 “W” engine that fits factory chassis 1955-57 Chevy car applications. Although the CC409 may fit applications using aftermarket steering gears, we do not have data that confirms compatibility.
Header Part # | Steering | Transmission | Mounts |
CC409 | Stock 605 | All | All |