Hooker Header Installation
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
Hooker Header Installation
headers in before or after?
We are about ready to put the new 350 engine in the '77 Vette project. The owner bought Hooker side mounts for it. Should we install the headers after the engine is in or before? Normally, this is a no-brainer, but since they are chrome and beautiful, we would be taking a chance on damaging them while installing the motor if we lay them in first and the put the engine on top. However, it could also be that it is not possible to install them afterward, or we would be taking just as big a chance of damaging them trying to squeeze them in. Any thoughts?
We are about ready to put the new 350 engine in the '77 Vette project. The owner bought Hooker side mounts for it. Should we install the headers after the engine is in or before? Normally, this is a no-brainer, but since they are chrome and beautiful, we would be taking a chance on damaging them while installing the motor if we lay them in first and the put the engine on top. However, it could also be that it is not possible to install them afterward, or we would be taking just as big a chance of damaging them trying to squeeze them in. Any thoughts?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 7
From: In the shop most of the time,,, And it BEER TIME somewhere
Hang them in the engine bay with some wire, bungi cords, rope, ect. Let them hang loose while you drop the engine in place. You will find this much easier than trying to put them in after the engine is in.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Winter Haven Florida
As an extra precaution, you could wrap them in something so they wont get knocked into something that could scuff or scratch them. That would be my luck, that's why I'm suggesting.
Can you supply some pics of this project?
Josh
Can you supply some pics of this project?
Josh
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
Here's the engine. 350, 4 bolt main, bored .030, stock crank and rods, 10:1 flat tops, Holley heads, Too much cam for an automatic with high gears ( Lunati 235/240), too much carb (Holley 750 street HP). Blatant, loud and nasty. Very pretty, though...
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
Definitely put them in and to the side before you drop the engine, leave them in the factory wrapping.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I'd install them after. It really shouldn't be that hard. I managed to reinstall my headers and sidepipes as one unit after an engine swap. The two were rust fused together so I didn't have any choice.
Maybe this article will help.
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/
Maybe this article will help.http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/4680/
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6,247
Likes: 471
From: Glen Allen, VA
Just installed mine last weekend and no problem from underneath. Now, my Hooker Super Comps are not sidepipe headers so maybe that makes a difference. I did have to have the clutch Z bar, & #3 plug out on the drivers' side. On the passenger side, the A/C has to be off, because the bracket bolts through the front of the header, and the starter had to be out. None of the above do I consider a big deal.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
Just installed mine last weekend and no problem from underneath. Now, my Hooker Super Comps are not sidepipe headers so maybe that makes a difference. I did have to have the clutch Z bar, & #3 plug out on the drivers' side. On the passenger side, the A/C has to be off, because the bracket bolts through the front of the header, and the starter had to be out. None of the above do I consider a big deal.
Last edited by King Lear; Mar 1, 2007 at 02:21 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Side pipes are a huge difference. The header is one long piece from the exhaust manifold down to a 90 bend, then out to the door, then another 90 degree bend going back even with the doors where the collector meets the 4" side pipe. You have to do some twisting and turning and have it high enough in the air to move them around and wiggle them in. If you have a car lift then great probably would be easy. In your garage with a floor jack is a different story.
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
You might be able to do it since the heads are off. I did it twice with the heads on. It is impossible to go from above with the heads on. Try it with the heads off, the passenger side might go, but I doubt the drivers side will with all the steering components.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 449
Likes: 0
From: Boulder CO
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 81
From: Nashville, TN
