C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Installing Hooker Headers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-12-2008, 02:08 PM
  #1  
Guru_4_hire
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
Guru_4_hire's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2002
Location: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
Posts: 62,198
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran

Default Installing Hooker Headers

I am now the proud owner of some gently used chrome hooker headers to go onto my C3.

Are these capable of being installed in ones garage with hand tools and a floor jack?

I have a Small Block with a manual.
Old 06-12-2008, 02:22 PM
  #2  
MakoShark72
Safety Car
 
MakoShark72's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2006
Location: Gig Harbor WA
Posts: 3,993
Received 8 Likes on 8 Posts

Default

Are they sidemounts?? I just did mine, by myself, in a couple of hours. Had my car about 18" off the ground on stands, and they VERY EASILY slid in from underneath. Granted, I had the original exhaust already removed since I am going to sidepipes, and it helps to remove the alternator to get to the front header bolts on the drivers side...but very straightforward...Great if you have a helper to hold the headers while you bolt them to the heads...







Old 06-12-2008, 03:25 PM
  #3  
Guru_4_hire
Team Owner
Thread Starter
 
Guru_4_hire's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2002
Location: All humans are vermin in the eyes of Guru VA
Posts: 62,198
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran

Default

Yes they are sidemounts. Do you have a manual transmission?

I am concerned about the clutch linkages.
Old 06-12-2008, 04:21 PM
  #4  
blckslvr79
Drifting
 
blckslvr79's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: Schererville IN
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

Just did mine last month.
Car frame needs to be about 16 inches off ground.
Tall jack stands work fine.
A helper to install the headers is helpful.
You'll need a person under the car to feed them in and another up top to put in the head bolts.

Manual is no problem.
Disconnect the pedal rod at the base under the MC.
Disconnect the horizontal rod that goes back to the clutch fork.
The cross shaft/pivot shaft will come out real easy by removing the one nut on the outer end under the MC.

Install in reverse after the header is installed.
Old 06-12-2008, 04:25 PM
  #5  
blckslvr79
Drifting
 
blckslvr79's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jan 2008
Location: Schererville IN
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

The chrome scratches easy.
Trust me.
Wrapping them in a sheet or towl is a good idea.

Also make sure they are wiped clean prior to starting the engine.
Any oil on the chrome headers will become a permanent stain once the engine is fired.
Old 06-12-2008, 04:46 PM
  #6  
worship79
Drifting
Support Corvetteforum!
 
worship79's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,600
Received 13 Likes on 12 Posts

Default

I agree with the above, actually the bracketbolts behind the rockers and putting the rockers back in place was more difficult (requires some fiddling and patience).

But uhm... pics??
Old 06-12-2008, 05:13 PM
  #7  
rclinton
Pro

 
rclinton's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Jacksonville , NC
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

I just installed mine a few weeks ago by myself. I chose to use ARP header studs which helps in gasket and header install. Just had to start all the nuts first then tightened them down. Massaged the #1 and #7 ourside pipes for clearenc for the nuts.
Old 06-12-2008, 09:49 PM
  #8  
79L824SPD
Intermediate
 
79L824SPD's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: Dodgeville Wisconsin
Posts: 43
Received 1 Like on 1 Post

Default

Installed a set of the Hooker headers and pipes a few weeks ago. Passenger side easy. Need a helper on drivers side though. Fairly easy to do though. Easiest way to put rockers back is to remove rear tire and slide them in from the back. I didn't have to notch mine. Goog Luck
Old 06-12-2008, 11:46 PM
  #9  
TimAT
Le Mans Master
 
TimAT's Avatar
 
Member Since: Oct 2006
Location: Gladstone MO
Posts: 7,121
Received 424 Likes on 385 Posts
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019

Default

I have to disagree with most everyone that's replied to this thread.

The most difficult part of installing headers on a Corvette is getting the original exhaust system (pipes, mufflers, and manifolds) off the car.

After you get the headers installed, carry the tools you used to tighten the header bolts. For the first couple of weeks, tighten them EVERYTIME you stop, and then before you go. I know it's a PITA, but it's less of a PITA to just tighten the bolts than it is to replace a header gasket.

Old 06-13-2008, 12:00 AM
  #10  
CorvetteDave01
Burning Brakes
 
CorvetteDave01's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2005
Location: Salina Kansas
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

Pretty easy install for me, had to ding the #2 pipe for the angle plug heads and on the D/S for the steering box. Also had to notch the rocker covers and slide them in from the back with the rear tires off (once the pipes were mounted). I got some used black powder coat headers and some new stainless pipes, pipes are yellowed already.
Attached Images     
Old 06-13-2008, 12:03 AM
  #11  
GDaina
Race Director
Support Corvetteforum!
 
GDaina's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Posts: 16,975
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts

Default

match the ports and bolt holes to teh gasket...drill any holes that may be out of alignment...this little step will save you hours of aggrivation
Old 06-13-2008, 08:01 AM
  #12  
rclinton
Pro

 
rclinton's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 2006
Location: Jacksonville , NC
Posts: 718
Likes: 0
Received 7 Likes on 4 Posts

Default

Originally Posted by GDaina
match the ports and bolt holes to teh gasket...drill any holes that may be out of alignment...this little step will save you hours of aggrivation


Ha.. you know, now that I think of it, thats the reason I went with studs, I had a heck of a time starting bolts, due to interference with the gasket. (its hard enough to get to some of the bolts to begin with and then fighting to get them started just begs a cross threading adventure) Never dawned on me to align the mounting holes .

Oh well the studs worked well, but a bit pricey.
Old 06-14-2008, 05:08 PM
  #13  
vett us all
Racer
 
vett us all's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: destin fl
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Corvette Dave How Much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Wise In Your Exhaust System? Also Are The Primaries 1.7/8ths On The Headers? Reason For Asking I Read Some Where That When Using This Size, Exhaust Head Adapters Would Be Required. Nice Looking Pipes By The Way. Peace Out Lynn
Old 06-14-2008, 05:28 PM
  #14  
CorvetteDave01
Burning Brakes
 
CorvetteDave01's Avatar
 
Member Since: Mar 2005
Location: Salina Kansas
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts

Default

I'm pretty sure I measured the primaries and they are 1 7/8". Got the headers used so I didn't have any documentation with them. They don't leak at all, but I did use some expensive $30 aluminum header gaskets, maybe they would have leaked with standard gaskets, not sure.

I also got the spiral baffle mufflers from Spiral Turbo Specialties and they are supposed to flow the best of any muffler or glass pack u can use. They sound incredible (but a little loud for some I think).

http://www.spiralturbobaffles.com/products.html

Price was $300 or so for the used headers, $400 for the stainless pipes from either Summit or Jegs, I forget, and around $300 for the spiral baffles. I wish I had gone with the silver coated headers and pipes because the stainless do yellow pretty quick. They won't rust though, that's for sure.

Last edited by CorvetteDave01; 06-14-2008 at 06:50 PM.
Old 06-14-2008, 06:45 PM
  #15  
blunblk68
Burning Brakes
 
blunblk68's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2007
Location: LaMoille Illinois
Posts: 1,150
Received 14 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

I have to say the rocker moldings were a pain in the **** but didnt have to notch them.
i like the ceramic no discoloring and havent burnt myself on them yet after 3-4 months!!

Old 06-14-2008, 07:55 PM
  #16  
vett us all
Racer
 
vett us all's Avatar
 
Member Since: Apr 2008
Location: destin fl
Posts: 418
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Sweet Look $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ And Who Did You Get This Set Up From? Hate Mufflers Hanging Out Back Not Cool Looking Either. Thanks Lynn
Old 06-14-2008, 09:04 PM
  #17  
blunblk68
Burning Brakes
 
blunblk68's Avatar
 
Member Since: May 2007
Location: LaMoille Illinois
Posts: 1,150
Received 14 Likes on 9 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by vett us all
Sweet Look $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ And Who Did You Get This Set Up From? Hate Mufflers Hanging Out Back Not Cool Looking Either. Thanks Lynn
if you were asking me i got them straight from jet hot. ceramic coated headers and pipes,inserts(mufflers),and hardware for install for 1116.00 shipped to my house. they knock off 100 if you tell them your from the forum!

Get notified of new replies

To Installing Hooker Headers

Old 06-14-2008, 09:07 PM
  #18  
GDaina
Race Director
Support Corvetteforum!
 
GDaina's Avatar
 
Member Since: Feb 1999
Location: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Posts: 16,975
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes on 5 Posts

Default

Guys, you are hijacking this thread.....
Old 08-14-2008, 10:46 AM
  #19  
andyrisso
Navigator
 
andyrisso's Avatar
 
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Spring Hill KS
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Quick question. I have a 80 C3 with the CA 305 in it. I am installing a full setof new Hooker headers and 4" side pipes. Which tube on the driver side is the best to have drilled out for the O2 sensor or do I really need to have it since it is an 80? I have the threaded peice supplied by Summit Racing which is where I got the headers and side pipes from.
Old 08-14-2008, 11:25 AM
  #20  
rosslato
Melting Slicks
 
rosslato's Avatar
 
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: westland mi
Posts: 3,247
Received 48 Likes on 33 Posts

Default

make sire u use antiseize between the header n sidepipe or you'll never get them apart.


Quick Reply: Installing Hooker Headers



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:06 PM.