Headers-will these fit?

[dshanks]

I found these on ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8006746750&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

I was thinking about buying them, but after researching them, I have some reservations. Hooker replied to my inquiry by stating that they have never made shorty block hugger style headers for the c3, because some parts interfere with the install, mainly the steering box. Yet the seller states he personally removed them from his 74 in order to return it to stock. When I mentioned what Hooker said, he explained that they were "custom made, hence the 'super comp' badge" (which we all know is BS, thats a standard product line!).
Any opinions on this product? Could the seller have rack and pinion steering that could allow this install?
also, any opinions on shorty headers in general?
Im posting this also to educate anyone else that has seen them and may want to purchase them, but might have questions first.

Derrick

 

[purpleRac3r]

I have a 1974 coupe with a 350 in it that I put block-hugger style headers on. Mine are Patriot headers that I purchased from Jeg's new for less than the Hookers on e-bay are used. Mine are also ceramic-coated. They fit with absolutely no interference with any parts on the car. However, the driver side collector flange is very close to the motor mount. I'm going to have to fabricate a metal heat shield in order to keep from melting my polyurethane motor mount. Beyond that, they're great! The Hookers look very similar in shape to the Patriots. They should fit with little difficulty. But shop around - I think you could get a better price elsewhere.

 

[dshanks]

I have a 1974 coupe with a 350 in it that I put block-hugger style headers on. Mine are Patriot headers that I purchased from Jeg's new for less than the Hookers on e-bay are used. Mine are also ceramic-coated. They fit with absolutely no interference with any parts on the car. However, the driver side collector flange is very close to the motor mount. I'm going to have to fabricate a metal heat shield in order to keep from melting my polyurethane motor mount. Beyond that, they're great! The Hookers look very similar in shape to the Patriots. They should fit with little difficulty. But shop around - I think you could get a better price elsewhere.

Thanks for the info. I think I will opt to go with a new set from Summit instead of rolling the dice on ebay. Now I just wish I could decide on a brand. I know which headers have a good reputation, but does anybody have any hints on which headers NOT to buy. Does any brand stand out as junk, or something I should avoid?

 

[curtis]

I run Hooker headers. Just the competition ones not Super Comp. good fit, easy install and no leaks even when some of the bolts worked out to only finger tight.

 

[Evolution1980]

Thanks for the info. I think I will opt to go with a new set from Summit instead of rolling the dice on ebay. Now I just wish I could decide on a brand. I know which headers have a good reputation, but does anybody have any hints on which headers NOT to buy. Does any brand stand out as junk, or something I should avoid?

Can't tell ya what not to buy, but I was given the impression from long time mechanics and metalworkers that Hedman headers are of slightly better quality than Hooker brand. My 2¢...

 

[Jack]

In addition to blockhugger, shorty & longtube ... Hedman also makes a C3 header that's a bit different than all others ... it turns out toward the rear of wheel opening ... it is designed to be used with sidepipes. It is NOT like the hooker sidepipe. It's about $136 at summit ... and can be used w/ the $160-$200 sidepipe muffler sets.
JACK:gap

-edit- Hedman P/N 68280 side for sbc C3
http://www.hedman.com/pages/popular-photos/68280.tif

Hedman P/N 68210 side for BBC C3
http://www.hedman.com/pages/popular-photos/68210.tif

BTW ... a local racer friend of mine has for sale a brand new never run set of Hooker SuperComp longtube headers for C3 w/ sbc. Complete w/ reducers etc. He sold car before install. I think he'd take $300 but no less ... I've already tried for less. I looked at em ... they're perfect. I did buy an OE C3 hardtop from him.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Get the long tube headers rather than the shorty. The ram horns breat pretty well and the shortys will be no improvement.

I have the Dynomax ceramic coated and they are holding up.

 

[Thumper]

Those headers will fit as long as you don't have angle plug heads. They may still fit, but getting to a couple of the plugs might prove near impossible.