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Sanderson Header Selection Tips for 1955-57 Chevrolet Passenger Car Applications

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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.

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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 CompatibilityCylinder HeadsTransmission
CC11Flaming River R&PStraight Plug3All

CC55
CC55-158

Stock
605
500
Borgeson

Straight Plug3All
CC55AP
CC55AP-158
Stock
605
500
Borgeson
Angle Plug4All
CC56Stock
605
500*
Borgeson
Straight Plug3All
CC57 7R&P
Straight Plug3
Angle Plug
Automatic
Manual6
C561Stock
605
Borgeson
Straight Plug3
Angle Plug
All
QP1000Stock
605
500
Borgeson
Straight Plug5All
US56 Unisteer R&P Straight Plug3Automatic
C567F2 All AllAll

* 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
TransmissionMounts
BB1
BB1MV
Stock
605
500
R&P (aftermarket chassis)
AllAll1
BB55Stock
605
500
“Some” R&P
AllSide2
BB56Stock
6053
5003
AllSide
BB57Stock
605
500
AutomaticSide4,6,7
BB6

Stock
605
“Some” R&P

All5Side
QP2000Stock
605
500
“Some” R&P
AutomaticAll 

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 currently only offers one header that fits factory chassis 1955-57 Chevy car applications, shown below in two sizes.

Header Part #SteeringTransmissionMounts
CSLS1
CSLS158
Stock
605
500
R&P (aftermarket chassis)
AllAll

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 #SteeringTransmissionMounts
CC409Stock
605
AllAll

Have questions regarding this information?

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