Block Hugger v Headers
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 480
Likes: 0
From: Springfield MO
Block Hugger v Headers
I have been looking into getting some new headers and i just got a new exhaust system installed to my stock manafolds. I was wondering the performance differnce and price differnce between (for the sake of argument) Hooker block huggers v super comp headers.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
"Block huggers" are a performance compromise, and generally cheaper than long tubes. It just depends on your wants and needs. Personally, quality long tubes is one of the best "bang for the buck" performance bolt-ons there is besides a good cam. Also, most any competent muffler shop can marry your new pipes to the headers.
I run Super Comps on my BOSS and love 'em.
Hans
I run Super Comps on my BOSS and love 'em.
Hans
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
Block hugger caution
I installed block huggers on my '80 with a GMPP 350 HO crate engine less than 2 years ago and had to replace them this year. Block huggers (not necessarily shorties) meet half way between front and rear exhaust ports on each side and go straight down from there.
I had two problems. The first was spark plug clearance. I had to remove the header to change a couple of the spark plugs, and I burned up 3 sets of high temp spark plug wires in 2 years, even with heat sleeves on the boots. The boots cracked and arced to the header causing misfiring.
The other problem was that the header/collector/down pipe ran too close to the motor mounts and melted the polyurethane out of them.
You can save some $$ on block huggers in the short term but you will pay more with interest in the long term. I highly recommend full length ceramic headers. An exhaust shop is going to have to modify your pipes with either type of header. The $$ difference between the two jobs shouldn't be much. Find a couple of shops that bends pipes and ask them about the price difference to mount block huggers vs. full length headers.
I had two problems. The first was spark plug clearance. I had to remove the header to change a couple of the spark plugs, and I burned up 3 sets of high temp spark plug wires in 2 years, even with heat sleeves on the boots. The boots cracked and arced to the header causing misfiring.
The other problem was that the header/collector/down pipe ran too close to the motor mounts and melted the polyurethane out of them.
You can save some $$ on block huggers in the short term but you will pay more with interest in the long term. I highly recommend full length ceramic headers. An exhaust shop is going to have to modify your pipes with either type of header. The $$ difference between the two jobs shouldn't be much. Find a couple of shops that bends pipes and ask them about the price difference to mount block huggers vs. full length headers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 95
block huggers have short tubes and no collecter length, pretty
much on them all you have is a place to bolt the exhaust pipe
to the end of the four tubes. tests show almost no gain
in block huggers over rams horns, go with an under chassis header
with 1 5/8 tubes.
much on them all you have is a place to bolt the exhaust pipe
to the end of the four tubes. tests show almost no gain
in block huggers over rams horns, go with an under chassis header
with 1 5/8 tubes.
Last edited by Little Mouse; Dec 13, 2006 at 04:21 PM.
