Hooker Headers
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Ved riksvei 40 Norway
Hooker Headers
Hi Guys, nice forum.
I have a 68 cab with a 427 engine, and i need a new exhaust system. The dyno test guys recommend me to use some 2 1/8" headers and 3" pipes.
So my plan is to buy some ceramic coated Hooker super competition headers. I dont have experience with this headers, so i hope som of you want to help me with some qestions.
Is this good quality headers ? do they fit well ? and what about ground clerance ?
Sorry, my english is not good, but i hope you understand me..:o
Kjetil
I have a 68 cab with a 427 engine, and i need a new exhaust system. The dyno test guys recommend me to use some 2 1/8" headers and 3" pipes.
So my plan is to buy some ceramic coated Hooker super competition headers. I dont have experience with this headers, so i hope som of you want to help me with some qestions.
Is this good quality headers ? do they fit well ? and what about ground clerance ?
Sorry, my english is not good, but i hope you understand me..:o
Kjetil
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 374
Likes: 12
From: PHILADELPHIA PA
not the greatest quality. poor paint on the black sets (2) that i have. exhaust sound gets better as slip-in inserts wear. tend to want to rust at joint where all 4 tubes come together.
paul
1996 LT4
1987 driver
1974 383
1969 427
paul
1996 LT4
1987 driver
1974 383
1969 427
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Temple TX
I am not sure about quality or how long they last because I just bought mine and have had them on my motor for about 300 miles now. But they were easy to install myself and I am happy with the quality/sound. The paint is kinda skimpy so you could wrap them? As for ground clearance, I am VERY satisfied. They do have some nice ground clearance. I can show you some pics if interested. I have a 81. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 2,248
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
2-1/8" are way too big for a 427. Go for the 1-7/8" at the most.
JIM
JIM
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 148
From: East London/SW Essex UK
Fitted Hedman 1 7/8" on my '68 427 manual 7 years ago. Passenger side took 2 minutes to fit, driver side 3 to 4 hours (had to remove alternator & clutch 'Z' bar. Ground clearance OK. Surface rust but no major problem. Driver side header is 1/8" away from steering box, so header wrap may be a problem.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Ved riksvei 40 Norway
I have one more qestion for you guys.
The engine is a 427/ 555 hp. Is 2.5" dual pipes able to handle this or must i have 3" pipes ?
Kjetil
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 2,248
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
You're near 3" territory. I had similar power with my old 427 and it ran well capped up with 2.5" pipes. Little difference uncapped..but there's not much room for growth there. Plus I had a real nice 2.5" system.
JIM
JIM
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 444
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
I'm installing a set of Hooker side mount exhausts and it has been difficult. Hopefully you won't have similar fitment problems with the regular headers.
Last edited by yellow94coupe; Jan 18, 2008 at 03:59 PM.
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: texas
look at the the hooker catalog and find the best one that you think will give you the best header. the ones with the long tubes are better for for fire-power, so-to-say. the shorties are good for clearance problems and hot rods that don't ride much. 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,645
Likes: 11
From: Schaumburg IL
I hear all saying that Hooker are of poor quality, Hedman are better, use 1 7/8" vs 2.5" on BBC like a 454 and have them coated. Is this a good description? Now what kind of cost am I looking at for Hedman coated? Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,443
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I've had these Hooker super Comp headers for over 20 years now. I had then recoated by Jet hot 3-4 years ago
Jim said to use 1 7/8th. With 550 hp I would tend to go with 2 inch and full length 3 inch exhaust pipes
This so the exhaust can go under the cross member
Jim said to use 1 7/8th. With 550 hp I would tend to go with 2 inch and full length 3 inch exhaust pipes
This so the exhaust can go under the cross member
Last edited by gkull; Jan 16, 2008 at 10:00 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,210
Likes: 988
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Be careful. I tried a set of the 2 1/8 Hooker undercar headers on my 69 and the ground clearance was less than 1 inch. They would be a track only header in my book. I ended up selling them at a loss.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 816
Likes: 1
From: Finland
Witj your engine I would go to 2" primary pipes with 3" collectors and H-pipe in 3" dual exhaust...
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Ved riksvei 40 Norway
1", That wasn't mutch, hope i get more than that...It is not easy to decide what i should do, but i think (so far),
i go for 1 7/8" headers, and it will be easier and cheaper to buy a nice 2.5" exhaust system, instead of go to a local muffler shop
and have custom made a 3" system.
This seem to be a nice exhaust system, somebody who have experience with Pypes exhaust system ?
http://www.pysales.com/iwwida.pvx?;i...0%201?comp=ppe
Kjetil