Hooker Headers and side pipes leaking
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
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Hooker Headers and side pipes leaking
I have just installed hooder headers and side pipes on my 1980 vette. On both sides, where the headers connect to the side pipes this is a considerable amount of leakage on the top and bottom. I've attempted several times to tighten the bolt on the side pipes but I still get the escaping exhaust fumes.
Any help would be appreciated.
rvaughn
Any help would be appreciated.
rvaughn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
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From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I used a LIBERAL amount of antisieze. When you first start it up, blew some of it out the gap, but then seemed to seal the exhaust over time. Makes it easier to get them back off too.
Senior Member since 1492
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
You can see the leakage on the silver set of hookers below. After pondering the leak and speaking with the previous owner, I think the leak may be in part due to the Hooker muffler inserts he installed.
Here's a shot of the muffler insert that were in the side tubes. You can see how restrictive the inserts really are. I think the inserts created a blockage and the exhaust sought out the point of least resistance....namely the collector connection. I never did get that insert out of the side tube...it's bent and rusted.
Here's a shot of the muffler insert that were in the side tubes. You can see how restrictive the inserts really are. I think the inserts created a blockage and the exhaust sought out the point of least resistance....namely the collector connection. I never did get that insert out of the side tube...it's bent and rusted.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Port Alberni
Sidepipes
I had the same problem on my 78 when I put them on I could not keep them from leaking or tight.I took the side pipes of and where the tabs are on the side pipes where the the bolt goes through I just ground a little of so when you tighten the bolt it draws the sidepipe tighter to the header.if you look at the tabs before you grind them you will see that when you tighten the bolt the are touching each and that is why it will not get tight after you grind a little off you will see that when you tighten them when they are back on the header you will see that the tabs dont tough and the sidepipe will become tight to the header.
Team Owner
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Especially the reverse flow mufflers cause a HUGE amount of backpressure as also a HUGE amount of horsepower loss.. I've seen 80+ HP loss with those mufflers.. Unfortunately, those are the mufflers that I have on my yellow '68...
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Team Owner
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Team Owner
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From: Lakeland, FL
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St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Well, compared to the reverse flow mufflers, the glass packs are MUCH less restrictive.. Everything is somewhat restrictive compared to open pipes...
Le Mans Master
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From: Butler Pa
I used to run the glasspacks on a nicely built 350. Without the mufflers the motor would pull to 8000 rpm. With the glasspacks it was giving up around 7200 rpm. Big difference in performance. At least 50-75 hp, probably more.
Team Owner
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From: Lakeland, FL
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St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
You'd probably a 100 HP decrease with the reverse flow mufflers..
Le Mans Master
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From: Butler Pa
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
I've heared good things about those.. Might put those into my yellow '68 if I'm able to remove the old reverse flow mufflers.. They are rusted pretty badly and I might have to replace the side tubes too...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Should be this one.
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...0&autoview=sku
Be warned, they are LOUD.
Le Mans Master
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From: Syracuse NY