Hedman street rod headers are engineered specifically for classic hot rod builds where space is limited and every component must fit precisely. Traditional street rods, especially early Ford platforms like the iconic 1932 Ford roadster and similar pre-war chassis, often have tight engine compartments that require carefully designed exhaust routing. For more than 70 years, Hedman Hedders has worked together with professional builders and experienced hot rod enthusiasts to develop header designs that deliver the clearance, features and look they expect for the timeless build style.
Hedman's Street rod headers are regularly found bolted to the engine of some of the nicest looking roadsters and hot rods displayed at major events around the world, including the renowned L.A. Roadsters Show in Hedman's background, where craftsmanship and clean engine installations are essential. Hedman offers two primary header styles for these applications. Traditional style Block Hugger headers and our patented, super close fitting Tight-Tubes™ headers. Both designs are engineered to deliver reliable fit, excellent clearance, and respectable performance in traditional street rod chassis.
Professional builders often choose Hedman headers because they provide solutions where ordinary exhaust headers will not fit. Whether the project is a traditional hot rod, a custom street rod, or a compact engine swap installation, Hedman street rod headers are designed to provide dependable clearance while maintaining proper exhaust flow and long-lasting performance.
Designed for Classic Street Rod Chassis – Engineered primarily for use on Deuce Coupes and similar traditional street rod builds where space is extremely limited.
Made in the USA – Manufactured by our metal working craftsmen to strict quality control standards to ensure a precise fit and long-term durability.
Compact Header Designs – Hedman offers both Block Hugger and Tight-Tubes™ header styles to accommodate different engine bay layouts and clearance challenges.
Improved Clearance for Steering and Frame Components – Designed to clear steering shafts and the tight frame rails commonly found in early chassis.
Durable Finish Options – Available with or without Hedman’s HTC® or Black Maxx™ ceramic coatings to provide corrosion resistance and long-lasting good looks.
Street rod headers are compact exhaust headers designed for classic hot rod chassis where engine bay space is limited. These headers are commonly used in early street rods, roadsters and custom hot rod builds where steering components, frame rails, and suspension systems leave very little room for traditional header designs.
Hedman’s standard Block Hugger header design is ideal for replacing factory exhaust manifolds or engine swap projects that do not have a header designed specifically for the application. Our Block Hugger headers have an low profile that keeps the tubes close to the engine block for maximum clearance in tight engine compartments. Only Hedman Tight-Tubes™ headers offer more clearance.
Professional car builders and seasoned gearheads use Hedman’s innovative Tight-Tubes™ headers because the collector tucks the header tubes and hook-ups against the engine block for more component clearance than any ordinary street rod headers. The larger volume collector design provides exhaust flow that surpasses standard block hugger style headers.
Hedman street rod headers are available through authorized Hedman dealers nationwide and internationally. To locate an online or local retail speed shop, use our dealer locator to find a distributor near you.
Important Fitment Note: Unless otherwise stated in the information provided on this site, all Hedman Hedders are designed for use on stock cylinder heads. The use of aftermarket cylinder heads, or cylinder heads not original equipment on the listed vehicle, may result in component or chassis interference, as well as spark plug clearance issues. Always consult the cylinder head manufacturer before purchasing headers for use on aftermarket or non-stock heads, or contact the Hedman Tech Department at 562.921.0404 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time).
