Which header would you choose?
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Safety Car
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From: No link, No dupe
Which header would you choose?
Ok, here is the situation. I'm stuck with two header choices - Dynomax Cerama Coat headers for $220
OR
I have the opportunity to buy a set of Jet Hot coated, Hooker Super Competition headers for $250. The guy that is selling them switched to a big block in his vette, and the headers look great. Obviously with the big block, he can't use them and is offering a good price to get rid of them.
As far as value goes, definately the Hookers for that price. But, what I am worried about is that the Hookers are larger (1-3/4" primary tubes) vs. the Dynomax (1 5/8 in. primary tubes). I am afraid that the larger size could actually hurt my performance, based on my engine specs(see sig.).
Which ones should I go for?
OR
I have the opportunity to buy a set of Jet Hot coated, Hooker Super Competition headers for $250. The guy that is selling them switched to a big block in his vette, and the headers look great. Obviously with the big block, he can't use them and is offering a good price to get rid of them.
As far as value goes, definately the Hookers for that price. But, what I am worried about is that the Hookers are larger (1-3/4" primary tubes) vs. the Dynomax (1 5/8 in. primary tubes). I am afraid that the larger size could actually hurt my performance, based on my engine specs(see sig.).
Which ones should I go for?
Team Owner
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From: Exiled to Richmond, VA - Finally sold my house in Murfreesboro, TN ?? Corner of "Bumf*&k and 'You've got a purdy mouth'."
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Re: Which header would you choose? (shotgun_000)
The Dynomax.
I have never been a fan of Hooker, and think that they are over rated. I have had 3 sets of their headers in 3 different vehicles. They all leaked.
Besides, unless you are flowing some serious HP, 1 3/4 pipes are over kill and will be a bitch to fit in the car. My 1 5/8th tube Hedmans only have about 1/4" clearance to the idler arm.
I have never been a fan of Hooker, and think that they are over rated. I have had 3 sets of their headers in 3 different vehicles. They all leaked.
Besides, unless you are flowing some serious HP, 1 3/4 pipes are over kill and will be a bitch to fit in the car. My 1 5/8th tube Hedmans only have about 1/4" clearance to the idler arm.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Florida
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Re: Which header would you choose? (BSeery)
I had considered Hooker Super Comps for months until reading a thread posted a couple of days ago.
A few members reported some serious ground clearance problems with Hooker and that was just enough to make me order DynoMax. I just received them last night and hope to get them on sometime next week.
A few members reported some serious ground clearance problems with Hooker and that was just enough to make me order DynoMax. I just received them last night and hope to get them on sometime next week.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: No link, No dupe
Re: Which header would you choose? (OHSIXX)
I had considered Hooker Super Comps for months until reading a thread posted a couple of days ago.
I'm still a little skeptical, though, because this guy has a 68 with a big block, so obviously the fit of headers in my 79 with a small block will be different.
Also, maybe his car had clearance problems because his front suspension is worn.
I just hate to pass up a great deal, but if I still have doubt, I'll just buy the Dynomax headers.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Boxford Mass
Re: Which header would you choose? (shotgun_000)
I have the hooker comp headers (1 5/8) that are jet coated and have no clearance problems. I saw a set of hookers and dynomax side-by-side at a local speed shop and that sold me on the hookers. I understand your concern though with the bigger tubes. I would try and stay 1 5/8...
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Re: Which header would you choose? (74jack)
Yes that was the thread.
Another not so small factor was the price. Hooker $609 to the door.
DynoMax $232 to the door. I just could not justify the extra $377 particularly since Alwyn678 is so strong on the DynoMax which are JetHot to 1300 degrees.
Al told me he has had his on a year or more and they still look like they did on Day One. I really think DynoMax is like a "hidden gem" in the header world.
Actually, after many months of reading practically every header thread on the forum, I have not read a single negative comment on DynoMax Headers. Nevertheless, the Hooker "Sterling" finish is nice, but just not worth $377 to me.
[Modified by OHSIXX, 4:50 PM 2/8/2003]
Another not so small factor was the price. Hooker $609 to the door.
DynoMax $232 to the door. I just could not justify the extra $377 particularly since Alwyn678 is so strong on the DynoMax which are JetHot to 1300 degrees.
Al told me he has had his on a year or more and they still look like they did on Day One. I really think DynoMax is like a "hidden gem" in the header world.
Actually, after many months of reading practically every header thread on the forum, I have not read a single negative comment on DynoMax Headers. Nevertheless, the Hooker "Sterling" finish is nice, but just not worth $377 to me.
[Modified by OHSIXX, 4:50 PM 2/8/2003]
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Billings MT
Re: Which header would you choose? (OHSIXX)
I've had a horrible experiance with my "gem". They would not seal for anything, after 1 year of fighting and spending way too much on gaskets and fastners, i took them to my muffler shop and had them checked out.
Not only were they warped by almost 1/8", the bolt holes were in the wrong place, and they were not even in line! :smash:
However there is some good out of it...the liftetime warranty got me a new pair, which will be here in a week. I may have just got a bad set, but they were VERY bad. :eek: I'm still waiting to see if i'm a believer. :jester
At least the warranty is good. :cheers:
Not only were they warped by almost 1/8", the bolt holes were in the wrong place, and they were not even in line! :smash:
However there is some good out of it...the liftetime warranty got me a new pair, which will be here in a week. I may have just got a bad set, but they were VERY bad. :eek: I'm still waiting to see if i'm a believer. :jester
At least the warranty is good. :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
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From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: Which header would you choose? (BSeery)
I have ceramic Hooker Comp headers and have no issues with clearance. The fit is perfect,only wish the ceramic coating stayed on. After seven years of year round driving the collectors are starting to rust.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 272
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From: MOBILE ALA
Re: Which header would you choose? (74jack)
I have coated Hooker comps and have never had any sealing or clearance problems.Pleanty of clearance with OEM steering and now steeroids,trans,floorpans and ground.I`m not sure about the super comps just as I don`t know where some of these prices come from.Mine were around $330 from Summit.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: No link, No dupe
Re: Which header would you choose? (J75)
TTT
Most everyone has expressed their opinion regarding fit, and ground clearance.
What about the 1-3/4 primary tubes? Based on my engine specs, will it kill my performance?
I am having my vette mechanic install these headers. So, worst case scenario, if he installs them and I don't have enough ground clearance, then I will just have him take them off. However, he assures me that they will fit fine, with no problem. However, he is a little skeptical of the larger tubes, as I am.
So, based strictly on performance,
Should I still go for it? Or, order Dynomax?
Thanks for your comments or suggestions :seeya
Most everyone has expressed their opinion regarding fit, and ground clearance.
What about the 1-3/4 primary tubes? Based on my engine specs, will it kill my performance?
I am having my vette mechanic install these headers. So, worst case scenario, if he installs them and I don't have enough ground clearance, then I will just have him take them off. However, he assures me that they will fit fine, with no problem. However, he is a little skeptical of the larger tubes, as I am.
So, based strictly on performance,
Should I still go for it? Or, order Dynomax?
Thanks for your comments or suggestions :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 3,281
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From: NC USA
Re: Which header would you choose? (Stewart's74)
If you are not going to mod the engine any further than go with the Dynomax to maintain or improve present setup, if you are going to keep modding it than the Hookers are better quality (do a side-by-side and you'll see: thicker flange, better welds,etc.) and bigger tubes for future sake. The ground clearance issue is strictly a BB problem and Hooker's ceramic coating is the other problem which is moot in your case. Good luck with your choice! :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Bellevue WA
Re: Which header would you choose? (shotgun_000)
One more opinion: I installed a set of Stan's Headers Tri-Ys on my '71 LT-1 and love 'em. They are chrome and very easy to install. Only real hassle is setting up the alternator bracketing and removing the clutch linkage cross tube, but that's the same with any header install.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
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From: No link, No dupe
Re: Which header would you choose? (shotgun_000)
I emailed the folks at Hooker with my questions, and this is their response:
I have had a few people ask me about buying the headers if I didn't buy them. But, I've made up my mind to buy them :party:
You should be ok with the 1-3/4" headers. The power you would lose would be below the RPM of you stall converter so not big deal. They have good ground clearance as we kept them tucked up as much as possible.
Thanks,
Chris Reid
Thanks,
Chris Reid
Drifting
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Reno nevada
Re: Which header would you choose? (shotgun_000)
Hooker Super comp
Thats a no brainer! If you think that TQ will be down a couple of foot pounds. The dyno max aren't even close to equal length primaries so they won't produce as high of hp over a wider rpm range.
The other thing is. If you don't have headers now your increasing your power anyway.
Thats a no brainer! If you think that TQ will be down a couple of foot pounds. The dyno max aren't even close to equal length primaries so they won't produce as high of hp over a wider rpm range.
The other thing is. If you don't have headers now your increasing your power anyway.