Hooker Side Pipes and Angle Plug heads. HELP

[69MyWay]

I am posting this for Lucky7's81.

He is running angle plug heads on his small block and plans on running Hooker side pipes. The folks at Hooker told him they are not designed for angle plug heads.

I am virtually certain this has been done before (ZZ crate motors have angle plug heads, and there are plenty of those around with side pipes).

So...who has done it, and what needs to be modded?

Thanks!

 

[1979toy]

I'm sorry that I can't help you with which one's work and which don't but I have seen photos of angle plug heads with Hooker sidepipes that had more sparkplug room than my straight plug heads and others that didn't fit at all. The angle of the spark plug is not the same for every manufacturer's product. Do a history search in that other Corvette Forum C-3 section, that is where the pictures were posted.

 

[matchframe]

I once had a set of GM 2.02 angle plug heads with Hooker Headers, but the were not sidepipes. The biggest problem I had was the plug wires being burned on the pipes. I had to get a set of wires that had the angle boot in order to keep them off the pipes. I also wrapped the wires with an asbestos tape (most likely can't get this type of tape today, but something similar) to keep the wires from being burned. The plugs were a bear to change as well. I had to loosen the headers in order to get a socket over the plugs.

Hope this helps!


Bill

 

[mrvette]

Chris, the Schoenfeld #151 header is what I just got from them 129 bux....and they fit any head/plug....any diameter you want..I bought 1 5/8ths....they are un equal length headers, but the fellow explained that in fact a dyno loves equal length headers, but a car running on the track does NOT....makes a bit of sense...
and at any rate, adding an exhaust pipe as us street guys do....they say it makes NO differance about pipe length, so it's finding a set that works in the engine compartment....period...
and these fit anything or combination in shark engine compartment, and make plug wiring a breeze.....and steering mods no troubles....hell with the rest of the headers, these work and are cheap....

GENE

 

[Thumper]

I have a ZZ4 and am going with Hooker Sidepipes. I also read where Hooker states that you can't use them with angle plug heads.

On a test fit to the engine on the engine stand, it's tight, but very doable. A friend has recommended Accel header plugs, which are shorter than regular plugs, which look like they would give me some additional room. I can get the plug wire on the plug, but it's just about touching the header tube. I can gain some additional room by dimpling the headers right where the plug wire comes close. .

I haven't sent my headers/sidepipes out for ceramic coating yet, as I want to make sure I've made all of my "modifications" to the headers before coating.

 

[groovyjay]

First one running ZZ4 and Hooker sidepipes is (Olivier) GrandSportC3, try IM him I'm sure he can help you get the right answer!

 

[Thumper]

I just looked at GrandsportC3's website and it appears that he does not have a ZZ4 in his 68. ZZ4 heads have centerbolt valve covers and his are the old style.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Chris,
running the angle boots in combination with NGK R5671 plugs should clear. the NGK's are a standard thread size, but have much shorter/smaller ceramic section. they give you about 3/4" more clearence. it will be two weeks before i am home to completely varify my guess, but hopefully it works. Brian

 

[69MyWay]

Wow, we just tried them out and they fit perfect.

He bought a set down at the Eckler's show. We tested them on the engine stand. There is plenty of room with the ZZ crate motor heads.

He is a happy man at the moment.

So...no worries afterall.

 

[Thumper]

Great news.

 

[groovyjay]

Good stuff!

 

[GrandSportC3]

I just looked at GrandsportC3's website and it appears that he does not have a ZZ4 in his 68. ZZ4 heads have centerbolt valve covers and his are the old style.

Indeed... I don't have a ZZ4... I have almost 150 more ponies .. I also have straight plug heads.. However - I've been told by several people that they had no problems installing the sidepipes with the angled plug heads...