Hooker headers...

[vmrod]

Oolala...

I have finally taken the step! I just placed my order for side-exit Hooker Headers!! I ordered them from Jet-Hot with the Sterling finish.

Hopefully, I can get them to fit my Dart II heads. The plugs are angled, but only slightly. Perhaps with shorter plugs and crossed fingers, I can install them without having to put a dent in them. (I don't mind damaging an egg to make an omelett, though..)

Once completed, I'll bust out some pics.

-Vic

 

[goingballistic]

The new Mid America catalog has the entire set up from Hooker, including side pipes and collectors for $1200.

 

[vmrod]

I actually got a better deal than that. (I didn't get the mufflers, cuz I will order spiral baffles instead.)
The setup I have is from Jet-Hot and has their 'Sterling' coating on it. (Reduces heat, prolongs life...etc.)

I am very happy with my deal so far. Now I just hope I can fit them!

 

[74bigblock]

you can get a whole setup from Barnett performance for 900 smacks in chrome. Less the inserts(130) thats 770 smacks!

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Sounds like you have been making some progress lately Vic.

 

[vmrod]

I pretty got my armouring hobby satisfied, so I can switch to the vette stuff again.

Lately, I installed a new Edelbrock 750 carb, an Edelbrock air cleaner, new front gas shocks (to match the rear), new ignition module, coil, advance springs and weights, now the new exhaust. I still have a few details that need to be addressed, but I'll get to them soon enough!

My wife has been actually encouraging me to spend more money on the vette. Wow! How can I resist that? I just got an aircompressor and air tools, so I am ready to waaataaaatatat on some nuts and bolts!

 

[Bob Chadwick]

I just got an aircompressor and air tools, so I am ready to waaataaaatatat on some nuts and bolts!

I'm jealous. I can't justify the price, yet.

Car goes to Paintdaddy for the Summer. When I get it back it will have a new coat of paint.

 

[Chuck-75]

Hey Ye'all I finally checked my hooker sidepipe headers on my ZZ-383 engine . but only the passenger side.(the engine is to close to the wall to trial fit the drivers side) the aluminum fastburn heads with angle plugs will work. the front plug (#1) is the closest to pipe,and should work with a 90% angle plug wire.the other 3 can use the 45% angle plug wire.and use some good wire looms to hold everything in place. I am checking this with AC Delco plugs R44LTS.
hope this helps.
PS I havent installed the engine because yet because Im just finishing a replace of the fuel tank. .
never seems to end. the suspension, then fuel tank. next engine tranny.

 

[vmrod]

My pipes will be delivered today!! If all goes well, I will start installation this weekend. How high must I jack up my car to install these things?

 

[vmrod]

Thanx for the write-up. It looks like all I need is another set of jack stands. I had my exhaust system taken down (then re-installed) a couple years or so ago, so it shouldn't be very hard to remove it again. I've got some new air tools that I wanna play with too.

Instead of the glasspacks or mufflers, I purchased Spiral Turbo baflles. They should be coming in early next week or so. I still need to buy some good header bolts. I'll likely purchase Factor-8 bolts, cuz I have heard good things about them.

When running my engine, there is an occasional backfire. I am detecting fluctuating manifold vacuum as well. I remember having this backfire for some time and just thought I needed a tune-up. Right now, I am thinking that I need to adjust my valves. (or at least one in particular) Either that or I have a burned valve seat. (I hope not.) I plan on doing a compression test on my cylinders once I remove my manifold and spark plugs to isolate the problem area(s). I'll install the sidepipes, then do whatever needs to be done on the heads. I wanna put new valve covers and gaskets on anyway, so this will be a good time to do it.

 

[John Kuzman]

Hey Tom -
I noticed that you removed the rocker panel covers during the installation. Did you have to do any cutting on the rocker panels after installing the headers?

 

[69vettester]

I had to do a slight radius trim on the plastic cover both sides. If I remember right it was mentioned in the instructions that I may have to do that if I had a 68 or 69 vette.
Something may have changed with the later model rocker panels and the hookers install with correct clearances? I dont know that but would be interested in hearing what Vic runs into when he gets installed.
Cheers
Tom

 

[69vettester]

OOps I deleted my post and url to my Hooker side mount install. Here is the url again.

www.weavermill.com/exhaust/hookers.htm

Thanks
Tom

 

[vmrod]

Coolatious! They are here and a stunning beauty! Allright, what are the recommended gaskets that I should get? I do not want to do this twice, so price is not really the issue. I want quality here.

 

[vmrod]

First, out with the old...

then a souped up trailer...

...then a single header somewhat in place.

I still need gaskets and header bolts...

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Use the Stage 8 bolts. You won't be disappointed. Mine have been in for 18 months with no problems.

 

[vmrod]

Well, I finally got everything back together!! First, I used the provided gaskets and header bolts that came with the sidepipes. The bolts will likely back out in time, but we will see. I figure that I can replace them later, if neccesary. 1 or 2 bolts were tough to tighten. A box end wrench didn't fit on them, so I used an open-ended wrench. Since I had to use a small wrench for the tight space, I wasn't too satisfied that I tightened it up adequately. Seems to be OK so far...

I installed STS spiral baffles inside the Hooker sidepipes. The installation was simple, and the exhaust sound is very nice. It is not too loud either! By drilling a hole in an internal cap, I could get it louder if I choose to. (I may experiment with this later...)

I used Accel 'shorty' plugs for cylinders #5 & #6. I also stuck one in #1, just for good measure. The closest gap from a spark plug boot to a primary tube is a hair less than 3/4". I may end up slipping an insulator sock around a wire or 2, but it should be just fine for my use. (still in 'project mode') I couldn't get a socket onto #5 or #6 plug, but I had a box end wrench that had just the right curve in it. All plugs are tightened up.

I did not have to cut the fender area or the rocker panels at all! I wanna clean up my rocker panels, then I'll post a pic or 2.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Post some pictures if you can Vic.

For the plugs, I had a plug socket with the cut on the end to accept a wrench, which made the plug removal much easier. I think the gear ratchet sockets worked so I had the ratchet action as well.

I didn't have any problems using standard plugs.

 

[vmrod]

I thought about one of those sockets, but I didn't have one.

Hey, are you going with a true-blue and white stripes? That's how I want to do mine.

I hope to order a 200R4 (4-speed auto) transmission within 2 months. My tranny is leaky, and I was never really pleased with it. I don't want to invest anything into it anymore.

I just need to do some tweaking here and there. The vette is really shaping up. I may be getting some more chrome parts and dress-up engine parts in a couple weeks. (water pump, pulleys...)

I'll see about puttin pics up within 2 days. You gotta see my wire looms! I bought some adjustable looms, then cut them up a bit per my liking. I haven't seen plug wires look so good! I just wish they looked as good near the distributor. I suppose they must cross-up somewhere!

 

[Bob Chadwick]

It's a look. I like it.

One of the overdrive trannies are probably in my future as well. I'm not having any problems with it now but that extra gear would sure make highway driving enjoyable.

Can't wait for the pics.