Hi all - I've read many posts discussing or referring to angle plug fitment with Hooker headers. In my case, this would specifically be Hooker Side Mount (stainless version). I thought i would post my findings with this combination, as information on this specific combination was hard to find. Bottom line, AFR angle plug heads, specifically 210s, will work with Hooker side mount headers (the stainless version).

I have finished assembling a Dart 427 small block with AFR 210s (AFR PN 1054). Having read various posts saying this may be a problem, I bolted my headers to my engine while on the stand (I had to pull the headers to correct a rattling muffler insert anyway).

As you can see below, no clearance issue at all with this combination. I checked using AC Delco plugs 41-629 and Autolite 3924. The closest plugs to a header were for the #2 and #4 cylinders. In both cases, I had at least an inch between plug tip and header tube.

What might be a potential pitfall will be plug wire routing, but even that does not look like much of a problem. I always run mine under the headers anyway, and this should work just fine. I can see where routing plug wires from the top would bring them extremely close (possibly in the way of) the primary tubes.

Just to be clear, this may still be a problem with other brand heads or other Hooker headers.

Hope this post helps someone else with the same questions and the same combination.

Pics of clearance below - These are off my cell phone, so not great but should help illustrate the point:





Driver side under header





Passenger side under header





Plug for #2 cylinder





Passenger side, Plugs 2 and 4





Plugs 6 and 8





Driver's side, 1 and 3





5 and 7, plenty of room

 

on the tight areas, just get a cheap socket and cut it down and use a open end wrench.

 

The only one that looked even close was plug #2, and that MAY be necessary - I'm not sure that it will be, though.

I posted this because I read many conflicting posts concerning AFR angle plug heads and Hooker side mounts. I am not seeing a real problem with this combination. Hopefully it helps the next guy wanting to run AFR 210s and side pipes.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DRAG-RACE-SPRINT-STOCK-CAR-SPARK-PLUG-SOCKET-/231296580012?pt=Other_Vehicle_Parts&hash=item35da59b9ac&vxp=mtr

 

Not sure that would work with standard spark plugs like the Autolite 3910 reccomended by AFR - The point I am making above is that it is unnecesary to invest in expensive racing plugs or specialized hardware. This specific combination should work without the added cost.

 

Thx for the info.
I've have a sbc Dart 427 with AFR on it way home to me, also with angel plug heads, so the pictures was VERY for me to see :- ))

 

Try a wire on there first maybe with a heat sock on it

If you need to clearance I always took a super large socket, folded a towel stuck it on the header so I dont scratch it up and with a dead blow hammer and the socket on its side start smacking away but not hitting it quite straight down, almost at an angle. Youll get a nice looking flat spot on the tube without damage. nothing looks worse than someone who just started hammering away OR get the headers on and all of a sudden you got a clearance issue .

 

I have 409" small block with angle plug AFR heads with Huron long tube headers and side pipes all stainless with FG. Inserts as I read this forum I am confused with all these stories of clearance problems! First of all quite obviously you use under header spark plug wires and you change your plugs with a regular offset wrench 5/8" nothing special and you use copper core NGK plugs (1/4" shorter) and that's it I have A/C,PS and these headers fit perfect in addition to no clearance issue when changing to 700R4 transmission ,much cooler inside car and 1 7/8" primary pipes.install in twenty minutes .Whats Not To like!

 

Exactly why I posted this. Others are too - as was I - until I tried it for myself.

 

I should have mention nice photo's and thank you for taking the time to show others with these photo's.i understand everyone has there own opinion base on experiance and I have had eleven corvette c-2 and C-3 one of them a 1967 BB convert. Had hooker side pipes in chrome. I forever had to deal with rust forming where primary pipes met side pipes so I was reluctant to do it again with this 1971 convert well I am a believer now. I made 50 runs on street with plain steel pipes to establish pipe learnt .i feel this is much better then Dyno because every parameter is taken in account. A blue ring will be left on the outside of the 4" pipe that's the length you need at that specific rpm range. Came out to 39" no mufflers or anything else just straight pipe.car was consistent in 9 second bracket every run,this is 1980 before your fancy tires/ suspension naturally aspirated . 431" at just under 9000 rpm had to change power glide main shaft every 11 runs!!