Header Choices (Questions!)
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Header Choices (Questions!)
I am at the point that it's time for some headers...woohoo ! 
I am sure I want ceramic coated for heat reduction.
1974 Coupe - 350 L-48 Automatic with AC.
So....right to the questions...!
1) Long tube or short tube ?
2) Brand/Model ?
3) Best fit without have to "dent" anything ?
4) I still want to be able to get to my spark plugs !(not really a ? !!!)
5) I have AC.....issues ?
6) Other considerations ?
I'm not looking for the cheapest headers out there...nor the most expensive.....I don't mind paying for quality as long as everything works out ! I will trade money for headaches !
I suppose it goes with out saying that this is about adding horsepower...!
Thanks in advance!
I am sure I want ceramic coated for heat reduction.
1974 Coupe - 350 L-48 Automatic with AC.
So....right to the questions...!
1) Long tube or short tube ?
2) Brand/Model ?
3) Best fit without have to "dent" anything ?
4) I still want to be able to get to my spark plugs !(not really a ? !!!)
5) I have AC.....issues ?
6) Other considerations ?
I'm not looking for the cheapest headers out there...nor the most expensive.....I don't mind paying for quality as long as everything works out ! I will trade money for headaches !
I suppose it goes with out saying that this is about adding horsepower...!
Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
I don't need comments like that.
If you see a question from me - feel free to stay away....
I am looking for answers from helpful people....not your BS.
(oh....I can toe tap too...!)
("TOO" is spelled TOO... grammar check.)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i put in Hedman 68308 long tube hedders and they fit with no denting anywhere.i have no a/c or smog pump but i do not believe that would affect fitment.they were around $350. hd flanges and good quality.good luck.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Is yours a L-48 ?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,339
Likes: 546
From: Central Texas
I got a set of used ceramic coated Hooker Competion headers on fleaBay. They fit perfectly with no denting. The plugs are a breeze to get to as well. I was suprised at how easy they were to install and the price was right. I ended up buying the matching Hooker exhaust system and turbo mufflers from Summit Racing. It bolts directly to the headers and runs all the way back. I'm very happy with the setup. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,487
Likes: 83
From: Titusville Florida
Even a moderator has said that the search function is hit or miss at best! These forums are for HELPING each other
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
From: Sayville New York
Bill, those do look nice. I looked them up and it says the finish is thermal coated. Does that mean the great looking finish holds up to the heat? I had a set of hooker headers years ago on a car in high school that the black paint just burned off when I first started the car and they looked horrible ever since.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,789
Likes: 7
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield Virginia
I've had Hooker 2456-1HKR on my L-48 350 for ten years now, no issues. No need to dent and plugs are easily accessible.
Remove the plugs, jack up the car, install from the bottom, reinstall plugs
Remove the plugs, jack up the car, install from the bottom, reinstall plugs
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
I have a set of generic headers, no idea where they came from, but look like Hookers (well, not literally...) and with the aluminum L98 heads, I can no longer remove the driver's rear plug or the passenger side front plug because these heads have angled plugs. You'd have to remove the headers to get to them, or get a special socket or wrench that would fit under those bends.
Found this out last night, so I'm going to peruse the Snap On catalog I just got. Also going to have to go to copper header gaskets too, as there are exhaust leaks at the flange. Nothing that can't be solved by throwing money and time at it!
Just a consideration for your future build-up, whether you go with the aluminum heads on the L48, or go with a crate motor!
Found this out last night, so I'm going to peruse the Snap On catalog I just got. Also going to have to go to copper header gaskets too, as there are exhaust leaks at the flange. Nothing that can't be solved by throwing money and time at it!
Just a consideration for your future build-up, whether you go with the aluminum heads on the L48, or go with a crate motor!