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The Hooker side pipe headers on my 69 BB have had it. 1 side rusted out last year and I had them repaired. I went on a 200 mi ride last weekend and the other side blew a hole. Real thin in numerous areas. So, rather than messing around and patching them, I think I'll buy new ones. I just need black painted steel. I don't need to go with Hookers, but I would like to get something that will work with my Hooker side pipes and mufflers which are in good shape.
So, any recommendations on current brand quality, price, etc.?
Mostly stock 427/390.
If I recall correctly the Doug's and Hooker headers are not the same length. The overall length is the same because one of the brands has slightly longer expanded section on the side tubes and longer collectors. Seems like one slides maybe 4" into the tube and the other is 4.5". If you mix brands one combination will be longer than it should and the other will be short.
^ exactly. The trouble will be to find an exact fit. My advice would be another set of hookers but get them ceramic coated. It will drastically improve the life of them.
The hookers really didn't fit the best, so I'm inclined to try the Dougs. Plus, the Dougs can be had for $600 delivered and the best I could come up with on the Hookers is $830.
I don't think that 4" vs 4.5" would make a major difference.
Anyone else know anything about this?
I had Hooker headers and side pipes however the headers didn’t even come close to fitting. I ended up using Doug’s headers and the Hooker side pipes. The fit was good.
The headers where originally metallic ceramic and side pipes stainless. I had them both done in black ceramic.
X2, these are the best and make more hp than the Hookers. Still use a 4 inch sidetube but the collectors are under the car. More optimal length primaries.
X2, these are the best and make more hp than the Hookers. Still use a 4 inch sidetube but the collectors are under the car. More optimal length primaries.
Also available in 2" primaries- better size for a L36 than the 2 1/8" Hookers. Here's a picture,
[QUOTE=wabco40;1596088635]I had Hooker headers and side pipes however the headers didn’t even come close to fitting. I ended up using Doug’s headers and the Hooker side pipes. The fit was good.
I ordered the Doug's last night. Will be here in about a week.
Thanks all.
X2, these are the best and make more hp than the Hookers. Still use a 4 inch sidetube but the collectors are under the car. More optimal length primaries.
"X2" is computer shorthand for "times two", as in make that two opinions in agreement.
With respect to the Stahl (ACP) headers, they look like their collectors are significantly shorter than the Hooker of Dougs. Would the Hooker/Dougs sidetubes work with them??
EDIT...I just took a second look at the picture of the Stahl headers, as I was closing the thread, and this just struck me. The Stahl headers are designed to be a drag race header, so the 4" collectors running under the frame and out to the side of the car, won't be a problem. But I could see then creating a HUGE ground clearance issue, on a street driven car. That's why the Dougs/Hookers bring the 1 3/4" primaries out to the side, before joining them at the collector....
Last edited by leadfoot4; Apr 23, 2018 at 01:07 PM.
I had them on my 69 427 using Hooker 4" tailpipes before going back to the 67 side pipes. Yes, they are lower than the Hooker/Dougs/other brands with the collectors along the rocker. That said, the Stahl's make the most power. Be forewarned, the Stahl's may or may not fit with power steering and/or air conditioning.
Side pipe headers
