Hooker Header install issue -- Advice
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hooker Header install issue -- Advice
I began installing Hooker headers and sidepipeson my '69 Coupe. Everything went on pretty much alright, however, one of the primarys on the right side is pushing up on the bottom of the body where it comes out. The left side seems to have enough clearance (about 1/2"). The engine was rebuilt in '93 and i think that somehow the engine position might be causing this. I'm thinking of putting the car on a lift, loosening the engine mount and seeing if I can move it at all. If anyone has run into this problem or has any idea of a solution please help me out. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 3
From: On an island surrounded by sharks Hawaii
Is it hitting the body or the rocker panel?
Some people with sidepipes, like myself had to trim their rocker panels/lower part of body directly behind the rocker panel.
I think if you lift the car and try to move the motor mount that won't help but I am not sure about that part of your plan. HTH
Some people with sidepipes, like myself had to trim their rocker panels/lower part of body directly behind the rocker panel.
I think if you lift the car and try to move the motor mount that won't help but I am not sure about that part of your plan. HTH
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,711
Likes: 43
From: San Antonio TX
Your body mount on the side that's hitting is probably flat or gone. Don't think pursuing the engine mounts will take you anywhere productive.
Corvettes are also not like steel-body cars. Each one is unique as it rolled off the assembly line so things like headers will fit differently from car to car.
Corvettes are also not like steel-body cars. Each one is unique as it rolled off the assembly line so things like headers will fit differently from car to car.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
This is without the rocker panels. It has been suggested that i can jack up the motor, remove the mount on the left side and file it slightly to lower that side of the engine and allow the header to sit correctly on the side. It sounds pretty dramatic but if it will work i'd be willing to do it because i don't want to cut the body or have it get burned or melted at that spot. I just want it to be perfect, though i get the feeling i'm going to have accept a certain level of imperfection. If i did have to cut the body what might this do to the "restorability" of the car since the cut would be covered by teh rocker panel. My goal is to make any modification i do somewhat reversible since it is a matching #s car.....
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
Originally Posted by dcsbh
This is without the rocker panels. It has been suggested that i can jack up the motor, remove the mount on the left side and file it slightly to lower that side of the engine and allow the header to sit correctly on the side. It sounds pretty dramatic but if it will work i'd be willing to do it because i don't want to cut the body or have it get burned or melted at that spot. I just want it to be perfect, though i get the feeling i'm going to have accept a certain level of imperfection. If i did have to cut the body what might this do to the "restorability" of the car since the cut would be covered by teh rocker panel. My goal is to make any modification i do somewhat reversible since it is a matching #s car.....
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,216
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
I recently installed Hooker headers and side pipes also. Each side is slightly different. One side had a slight clearence problem to the body, so I bolted the headers up real tight to the head and kicked the collector a litttle bit. Actually, put my foot on the collector and bounced on it a few times. Fits perfectly now. I did have to cut the under door trim pieces on both sides. I don't think i would mess with the motor mounts unless absolutely necessary. Sounds like a lot of work compared to messaging the headers. I'm sure there are dimential differences on different headers, and I'm positive that the cars are not all exactly the same, but that does not necessiarly mean something is wrong. Somethings just need more prosuasion. Good luck
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hooker Header Install -- More Advice needed
After looking at the instructions more carefully i realize that the trimming at that spot is mentioned. However, i have found that when i line up the tabs on the tubes to the holes in the frame the door cannot open. This is true on both sides. The right collector seems to be in the right position but the left one seems about .5 " lower and .5" farther from the body. I am considereing using a level and ruler to measure and drill my own holes. It seems that this is my only option, but if i do it carefully it will end up looking ok and working fine.
Has anyone else had to deal with this?
Has anyone else had to deal with this?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
I was in the same situation early this year with my new hooker Headers/Sidepipes.... I cut the body as directed & could not open the passenger door when I was done.... the sidepipe was in the way!!!
I stood on the sidepipe one time (I'm over 270lbs) & the door works fine now & the sidepipe seems to look just like the other side!!!
I stood on the sidepipe one time (I'm over 270lbs) & the door works fine now & the sidepipe seems to look just like the other side!!!
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Hooker Sidepipe Installation advice continued
I looked at the instructions closer and realized that the trimming in that one spot is not unusual. However I'm still having problems. The passenger collector seems to be in the correct place, however the drivers side is sitting about .5" lower and 3/4" farther from the frame. Also, when i line up the tabs to the holes in the frame on both sides the door can't open. I'm considereing using levels and rulers to line up the tubes and drill new holes in the frame so that they sit straight. Has anyone ran into this issue or have any suggestions because i am very reluctant to do this. Thank you.
