Best headers for C-3...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 16
From: Gainesville, Florida
Re: Best headers for C-3... (ylose)
My vote is for Hooker Competition coated. IMHO none compare in design & quality. As for those that say they're expensive, you usually get what you pay for. :D
My observation of this topic (which has been discussed many, many times over the last year) has been that the Dynomax' seem to be most popular with later model C3 owners with cost as the primary motivator. Hooker's appear to be the favorite mostly for earlier model C3 owners who seem to value design/quality over cost.
The coated Hooker Comps (2456-1) are 1 5/8" ($320), the Super Comps (2134-1) are 1 3/4" ($470). I think this is the issue with comparing Dynos & Hookers. Everyone seems to reference the Super Comps as the Hookers to get. But in reality most should use the Comps with the smaller diameter tubes to maximize torque in their stock or mildly modified engines. The Comps are just under a $100 more than the Dynos which represents the best dollar value IMHO.
Mark
[Modified by mdsmith, 1:43 PM 1/24/2002]
My observation of this topic (which has been discussed many, many times over the last year) has been that the Dynomax' seem to be most popular with later model C3 owners with cost as the primary motivator. Hooker's appear to be the favorite mostly for earlier model C3 owners who seem to value design/quality over cost.
1 5/8" for the Dynomax. Great deal. Hooker has a 1 3/4" setup but for over $500 coated, not worth it for me.
Mark
[Modified by mdsmith, 1:43 PM 1/24/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Re: Best headers for C-3... (jim815)
Just to throw my .02 in.. I ran Hookers in 70's Mopar street machines and they were tops in my book. No ceramic back then, but dropped right in and never leaked. Quality was great. I'll get Hooker for the Vette when I'm ready. :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 499
Likes: 0
From: Kristiansand
Re: Best headers for C-3... (jim815)
I just installed the Dynomax in my car.
Positive:
The fit is excellent, no clearance problems.
Very easy to install from underside of car.
Much better access to sparkplugs.
Much better routing of plug wires, from above.
No leaks so far.
Negative:
They are made of _very_ thin tubing.
The collector reducer endpiece is angled downwards.
No donut, only gasket, thus the angle cannot be adjusted.
(It might be possible to use a donut, but I couldn't get one that big (3"?) over here.)
Positive:
The fit is excellent, no clearance problems.
Very easy to install from underside of car.
Much better access to sparkplugs.
Much better routing of plug wires, from above.
No leaks so far.
Negative:
They are made of _very_ thin tubing.
The collector reducer endpiece is angled downwards.
No donut, only gasket, thus the angle cannot be adjusted.
(It might be possible to use a donut, but I couldn't get one that big (3"?) over here.)
Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Hamilton, ON, Canada
Re: Best headers for C-3... (jim815)
If you're interested in performance, be careful about Dynomax. I bought a pair of Dynomax #86008 and returned them because the ports are oval and obstructed the exhaust ports in the heads. Although they're 1 5/8", they're ovallized at the mounting plate and therefore restrict flow. I opted to get my old Blackjack with round ports coated at Jet-Hot and that worked out great. Otherwise, the fit of the Dynomax seemed O.K.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Re: Best headers for C-3... (75 Hot One)
I think if you're under 500hp the Dynomax are fine...I made 445hp to the wheels with them...although we did open up the ports a bit.
If you're interested in performance, be careful about Dynomax. I bought a pair of Dynomax #86008 and returned them because the ports are oval and obstructed the exhaust ports in the heads. Although they're 1 5/8", they're ovallized at the mounting plate and therefore restrict flow. I opted to get my old Blackjack with round ports coated at Jet-Hot and that worked out great. Otherwise, the fit of the Dynomax seemed O.K.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 11,520
Likes: 13
From: CORVETTE 77 385 C.I. TEXAS
Re: Best headers for C-3... (sharklover)
Really? I was looking at my 79 and the a/c bracket is mounted to the manifold. I would think I would maybe need an adapter for the longer bolt? I haven't given it much thought as I'm not ready for headers yet.
:cool:
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Re: Best headers for C-3... (Ganey)
Many thanks to all who have replied, I suppose it is a question of longevity & top quality vs: just a good set & price$$$ (the almighty dollar) :yesnod:
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
Re: Best headers for C-3... (jim815)
Go with your first choice, the powder coated for 200.00. I have used those for years in diffrent cars and they were allways shiny never dulled or discolored. As far as performance, I felt the diffrence. Do not get lured into fancy name brands, These are just as good. :cool:
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 43,136
Likes: 155
From: Thomson Georgia
Re: Best headers for C-3... (Racer-X)
Go with your first choice, the powder coated for 200.00. I have used those for years in diffrent cars and they were allways shiny never dulled or discolored. As far as performance, I felt the diffrence. Do not get lured into fancy name brands, These are just as good. :cool:
