Hookers FTW
I purchased my black Hooker headers and 4" side pipes quite a few years ago, about '92. I was afraid of the noise so I got the glass pack inserts as a compromise. They were not as loud as I thought they would be and I never had a problem with officer Fukarre. Performance was great, sound was awesome, and they fit my 75 L48 really fine. I didn't have the clearance or quality control problems as mentioned earlier but maybe they were produced in USA back then.
Before I got the Hookers I had the under the car ceramic coated headers with the large stainless tubes and good low restriction mufflers. Being the rebel I tend to be, I removed all the smog equipment including the cat converter. The combo ran really well but a trip from mid Michigan to Cedar Point one summer convinced me to make some changes as my right foot nearly cooked from the extreme heat radiated by the exhaust pipe. Plus, since I previously owned a 68 with side pipes this 75 just never rose to that level before installing the Hookers.
After many years running with the black Hookers my experience has been mostly positive. First thing you learn and you only have to go through this one once. When exiting the vehicle you give the side pipes due respect and you train any passenger how to avoid any unpleasantness prior to getting in. Yes, the pipes can get quite warm. I never had to install any heat shields though as I had to do for the under the car headers previously mentioned.
Most recently I found one of the bolts on the pipe from cyl 7 of my Trick Flow 350-400 aluminum heads came loose and I found it just in time as it was about to be lost forever. I haven't noticed any others coming loose and the gasket seems to be holding ok. I think I dodged the bullet this time. I will check these bolts more often in future.
The latest change I have made was to install these,
Dynamic Exhaust Systems, <https: dynamicexhaustsystems.com=""> and they are on the bleeding edge of the noise curve for sure but the sound is so very awesome. They remind me of how my 68 with the side pipes sounded. Truly legendary. You will likely have to settle for listening to your tunes at home and may have to roll up the windows to carry on a conversation. I gladly gave up both in favor of the rumble and the roar.
As for horse power, well I find the classic appearance, the good gas mileage, and the awesome rumble to be fair exchange for a few ponies that may have gone astray.
My car is currently being fitted with the 3.36 diff and having the TH400 rebuilt and very soon I plan on some serious summer cruising.
In short, like the decal that came with the headers, "I Love My Hooker Headers".
One thing that kinda bothers me is the prospect of having to replace them some day as corrosion is sure to happen eventually and recently hearing of the quality control problems apparently associated with the Mexico Mfg. related here. Well, as I always say, enjoy what you have while you have it because it can all be gone in a heartbeat.
Hope this post helps you decide.
As for long trips, the pipes drone on a bit but I don't mind. My hearing, modified during three tours in Nam, now requires hearing aids. I just take them out when driving. The noise isn't that loud. Come over and I will take you for a ride and you can decide. Better yet, risk it. You are young and can recover just fine. Think of all the fun you will have getting those juices aroused at 30M!
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They sound beautiful, they have 1 5/8" vs 1 7/8" primaries that every side pipe system seemed to have. I wanted 1 /5/8" for mine.
