DD7, DD8 , and DD9

The Sanderson DD7, DD8, and DD9 header sets fit small block Chrysler 318-360 engines in a variety of A-Body and E-Body vehicle applications. We are providing some extra information to help determine the correct header for your application and additional notes related to these headers and the vehicles they are designed for.

• First, these headers are only compatible with automatic transmission applications. They can work with some hydraulic clutch setups. However, we do not have a list of compatible kits.
• These headers require that the engine does not use an oil filter adapter or uses an aftermarket configuration that relocates the filter or directs the filter down. The early A-body adapter that points the filter rearward, for example, is not compatible.
• The passenger (right side) header is the same for all three sets. Therefore, the difference between the kits is in the driver side header. This is due to variations in steering gears, steering shaft, mounts, and other components.
• Some vehicle applications use the obnoxious Chrysler steering shaft coupler body at the end of the column that is about the size of a small house (an exaggeration of course, but this component is ridiculously large). If your vehicle uses this coupler it may interfere with the header on some applications. We suggest replacing the obnoxious coupler body (generic image shown below) with a more efficiently-sized aftermarket unit.
  
• Engine location is always important regarding header fit, no matter the engine or the vehicle. Be wary of those who claim that certain Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth vehicles require a special “location-correcting” engine mount kit to align the driveline to a factory or improved spec. Using these kits can prevent the proper fit of your headers.
• Chrysler Corporation sometimes installed a variety of steering gear styles on these vehicles. If there is a fit problem, it is usually related to power steering gears. There are “some” instances where the specified header for the application will simply not fit. Often, this is as simple as exchanging the driver side DD8 or DD9 header for the DD7. In rare cases, none of the standard Sanderson driver side headers will fit. A custom (modified) driver side header at substantial additional cost is the only solution for these vehicles.

The Header Sets

• The Sanderson DD7 was originally designed to fit 1970-76 Plymouth Duster and 1970-74 Barracuda applications. However, this also includes 1970-74 Dodge Challenger, 1967-79 Plymouth Valiant, and 1967-1976 Dodge Dart.
• The Sanderson DD8 was designed to fit 1967-69 Plymouth Barracuda, 1966-69 Dodge Dart**, 1967-69 Plymouth Valiant**, and similar applications.
• The Sanderson DD9 was designed for 1966 and earlier applications, specifically the 1964-66 Plymouth Barracuda, 1960-66 Dodge Dart, 1960-66 Plymouth Valiant, and similar applications.

** You may have noticed these vehicle applications (the model years) overlap both the DD7 and DD8 header sets. We suggest using the DD8 on those vehicles with manual steering. On power steering applications, it is, unfortunately not a clear choice as to which header works best. PLEASE, carefully look at the images of the DD7 and DD8 headers to determine which is best suited for your vehicle. It is here where we often do not know which header is correct until it is test-fit on the vehicle. Be aware that there is a difference between the Dodge and Plymouth steering systems even though they are both A-body vehicles.