Been talking to a few people and I'm confused. Some say flow tech are better and some say hookers are better. Referring to headers. Should I buy the Hooker 2456 HKR Competition Headers or the Flowtech 11106FLT Black Standard Headers? I have a '77 vette with a stock 350 and want to replace the stock headers. Any ideas on which of those two I should get?

 

Smog ?????

 

Looking for performance. I'll handle the smog issue later. I'm just looking to increase air flow and get better performance. Any ideas?

 

With a factory '77 I don't think you are going to notice any difference between the two.

 

So its the same thing?
I just had the engine rebuilt a few months ago. Supposedly the stock headers really restrict air flow.
So no suggestions on the 2?

 

Depending on how you drive it and how stock it is, you may not notice the difference between headers and manifolds

 

What you will notice with headers is a difference in sound. Most say its an improvment.

 

i got the flowtechs. they look like real nice pieces but i have not installed them yet so i cant comment on the fit. i am sure headers and bigger pipes (2.5) will make a difference for you. engines gotta breath !

here is a blurb from "corvette guys"

The issue of backpressure affects the entire exhaust system and both shortie and long-tube headers will help eliminate this. Shortie headers have individual ports for each cylinder but have their collector within a short distance from the exhaust port, hence its name. The long-tube headers as you might expect have the individual ports for each cylinder but the collector is located further away from the exhaust port on the cylinder headers. This results in less back pressure because each exhaust port gets to flow freely from the cylinder head without interference from the other exhaust ports for a longer period of time. This is why upgrading from the stock manifold to a shortie or long-tube header for your Corvette will release lost horsepower that your bow-tie was being robbed of. Carrying this throughout your entire exhaust system will net a fair gain in power over your stock exhaust system.

 

Ima go with the flowtechs. Thanks guys.
Boltnut, the flowtech wont be too low on the car? They have good clearance?

 

I had the Hedman long tube headers and they would drag when pulling out of my driveway. I have Hooker sidepipes now and they do same thing. It may depend on how you have your suspension setup too. Unless you have drastically lowered your car, you should be okay. Just be mindful that your clearance isn't what it used to be and be easy over speed bumps and driveways.

Hedman is another option and I've read that some of the guys have had good luck with the Summit brand headers. Once you get the exhaust freed up, be sure to follow the above sticky on adjusting timing and get that set for performance . . . that will make a noticeable difference. I've done everything I can do to increase the power on my '76 smog motor including cam, intake and head change. It's a lot more fun to drive now, but I'm not going to be happy until I rebuild the bottom-end with a 383 stroker kit. After that, who knows where the HP addiction wil take me.

 

HOOKERS!!! oh ur talkin bout headers?
i like hooker headers myself, i think it comes down to personal preference

 

I replaced my manifolds with Flow-tech and it does make a big difference. Once you get the exhaust question settled, either get a hi performance ignition or recurve your old one. Those two items will give you the best bang for the buck.

 

I bought a set of headers from Summit a few years ago. They are the Summit Racing Label on line they looked identical to Flowtechs which were just a few dollars more. They fit great and went on without any issues at all. :

 

My flowtechs should be here by Tuesday. Then to try to install them and see how that goes lol
Got the flowtech 11106FLT
Got some 3" exhaust piping all set too