Hooker Headers installation questions/help
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 101
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From: Ocean Gate, New Jersey
Hooker Headers installation questions/help
I just purchased a set of JetHot coated Hooker Headers & Sidepipes for my 1973 350 c.i. and plan to do the installation myself in a few weeks. I have a couple of questions and am looking for installation advice.
1. Exhaust header bolts - I have read some horror stories, any way to avoid problems?
2. Exhaust header removal - this would seem to be straight forward, are there any other parts that are in the way and need to be removed?
3. Hooker system installation - any experience/suggestions?
4. What do you do with rear body contour opening for the old tail pipe extensions?
5. I have the L82 (285hp) engine and wonder how I can estimate the Horse power increase when the Hooker Headers are installed.
1. Exhaust header bolts - I have read some horror stories, any way to avoid problems?
2. Exhaust header removal - this would seem to be straight forward, are there any other parts that are in the way and need to be removed?
3. Hooker system installation - any experience/suggestions?
4. What do you do with rear body contour opening for the old tail pipe extensions?
5. I have the L82 (285hp) engine and wonder how I can estimate the Horse power increase when the Hooker Headers are installed.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
As far as the bolts go I have Stainless Steal socket head cap screws. I have had to modify a few of them to fit properly but they work better than the ones that come with the headers. They don't rust and look good. I do use Permatex High temp silicone on the gaskets for a good seal. I have been able to remove and reinstall the same gaskets by using this. I also use Anti Seize on the bolts that go into the aluminum heads. Can't help with the sidepipes as mine are under the car exhaust.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Originally Posted by Dan1973conv
I just purchased a set of JetHot coated Hooker Headers & Sidepipes for my 1973 350 c.i. and plan to do the installation myself in a few weeks. I have a couple of questions and am looking for installation advice.
1. Exhaust header bolts - I have read some horror stories, any way to avoid problems?
USE "Stage 8" or any of the other brand locking bolts.
2. Exhaust header removal - this would seem to be straight forward, are there any other parts that are in the way and need to be removed?
Straight forward, remove exhaust pipes then manifold bolts.
3. Hooker system installation - any experience/suggestions?
Hardest part is getting the headers into the engine bay. They need to come up from underneath and the car has to be a couple feet off the groud (as it says in the Hooker instructions)
4. What do you do with rear body contour opening for the old tail pipe extensions?
Don't know, I have a 78'
5. I have the L82 (285hp) engine and wonder how I can estimate the Horse power increase when the Hooker Headers are installed.
1. Exhaust header bolts - I have read some horror stories, any way to avoid problems?
USE "Stage 8" or any of the other brand locking bolts.
2. Exhaust header removal - this would seem to be straight forward, are there any other parts that are in the way and need to be removed?
Straight forward, remove exhaust pipes then manifold bolts.
3. Hooker system installation - any experience/suggestions?
Hardest part is getting the headers into the engine bay. They need to come up from underneath and the car has to be a couple feet off the groud (as it says in the Hooker instructions)
4. What do you do with rear body contour opening for the old tail pipe extensions?
Don't know, I have a 78'
5. I have the L82 (285hp) engine and wonder how I can estimate the Horse power increase when the Hooker Headers are installed.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: FL.
Should go on about like mine did. Not real difficult. Helps to have another pair of hands in the engine compartment to start the exhaust bolts, while the other pair of hands hold and move the headers from underneath.
Here some pics of the install.
http://www.weavermill.com/exhaust/hookers.htm
Ecklers sells the panels to cover the hole left by the original exhaust. The panels were used by GM if the car was a side mount exhaust option from the factory.
Here some pics of the install.
http://www.weavermill.com/exhaust/hookers.htm
Ecklers sells the panels to cover the hole left by the original exhaust. The panels were used by GM if the car was a side mount exhaust option from the factory.
Last edited by 69vettester; Mar 12, 2006 at 03:55 PM.
