Hooker vs Hedman
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 6
Hooker vs Hedman
Was wondering if anyone was running or had experience with the Hedman brand. Hooker seems to get the best reviews for fit and finish but was trying to get as much input as possible.
This would be on a BB 'Vette.
Thanks, Mark :flag :chevy
This would be on a BB 'Vette.
Thanks, Mark :flag :chevy
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 6
Re: Hooker vs Hedman (Pacin'California)
Well, if I stick with a semi stock re-build on the 427 L-36 I guess with the headers I might hit 310 rear wheel HP and around 340 trq. Maybe a bit more.
Other idea was to go the stroker route and then I would think everything would increase by 75-100 or so. So the 496 w/ headers 400 rwhp and 430 rw trq.
These are estimates based on what I've seen in print. I've gone on the conservative side of the estimate figuring a loss of 22% compared to flywheel #'s.
It's fun to think of what can be done with different scenarios.
Later, Mark
Other idea was to go the stroker route and then I would think everything would increase by 75-100 or so. So the 496 w/ headers 400 rwhp and 430 rw trq.
These are estimates based on what I've seen in print. I've gone on the conservative side of the estimate figuring a loss of 22% compared to flywheel #'s.
It's fun to think of what can be done with different scenarios.
Later, Mark
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,721
Likes: 108
From: Canada
Re: Hooker vs Hedman (marky mark)
MotorHead and I are both running HEdmans, I think his are about 8 years old, mine 1. No problems with them at all. Buy good gaskets though ie aluminum or copper, they seal much better and last longer than the ones that come with them.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,783
Likes: 2
From: Engineers do it better.
Re: Hooker vs Hedman (marky mark)
I have Hooker Comp. headers. Look good, sound great and fit was excellent. I am using the hooker gaskets as well. No leaks.
Mine's small block. I have heard there may be ground clearance issue with BB cars. Just a caution....
Good luck :cheers:
Mine's small block. I have heard there may be ground clearance issue with BB cars. Just a caution....
Good luck :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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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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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Re: Hooker vs Hedman (gdh)
I really, really like the fit and finish of the Hedman headers. No complaints here.
Just use some quality locking bolts, like the stage 8 locking SS bolts and you wont have problems with the gaskets.
Hedman says most gasket problems are due to bolts backing out. Then people torque them down again and try to re-crush the gaskets. They were against the aluminum and copper gaskets as to re-crush them meant applying even more torque than the first time. After a couple times you end up torquing so much to get them to seal that you warp and ruin the main header flange.
They told me just to use the paper gaskets. They believe the problem lies in the bolts, and not gaskets. Use the Stage 8 locking bolts, torque them to 30, drive moderately for 1/2 hour, let the car sit overnight. Then re-torque to 30 and lock them in. After they are locked in, the bolts and the gaskets CAN'T go anywhere.
Just use some quality locking bolts, like the stage 8 locking SS bolts and you wont have problems with the gaskets.
Hedman says most gasket problems are due to bolts backing out. Then people torque them down again and try to re-crush the gaskets. They were against the aluminum and copper gaskets as to re-crush them meant applying even more torque than the first time. After a couple times you end up torquing so much to get them to seal that you warp and ruin the main header flange.
They told me just to use the paper gaskets. They believe the problem lies in the bolts, and not gaskets. Use the Stage 8 locking bolts, torque them to 30, drive moderately for 1/2 hour, let the car sit overnight. Then re-torque to 30 and lock them in. After they are locked in, the bolts and the gaskets CAN'T go anywhere.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,211
Likes: 6
Re: Hooker vs Hedman (BSeery)
Thanks for all the good replies.
I finally got off the fence (& the wallet) and made a decision about something related to my 'Vette (which isn't running now {another story}).
I ordered from Jet Hot Coatings direct. I had read somewhere here about a discount they give if you mention the Corvette Forum. They gave me a substancial discount over what I was quoted for these one year ago. So, thanks for the tip from whoever gave it to me on one of these header related threads!!
These are: Hooker Super Comps #2123 for 65-74, 396-454 'Vettes. The primaries are 1&7/8" by 30" long with 3" collectors. I didn't want to go with the larger primaries.
Price delivered direct from Jet Hot was $585. This is $90 less than previous quote. This is also about what a set of Hooker's coated version of this Header costs from Summit. I have heard the Jet Hot coating covers the entire inside of the tubes while the Hooker version is not that thorough (no personal knowledge of this claim).
I am hoping this will get me motivated to raise the cash for another engine re-build or crate motor swap. Maybe I'll be on the road before the New Year!!
Regards, Mark :flag :chevy
I finally got off the fence (& the wallet) and made a decision about something related to my 'Vette (which isn't running now {another story}).
I ordered from Jet Hot Coatings direct. I had read somewhere here about a discount they give if you mention the Corvette Forum. They gave me a substancial discount over what I was quoted for these one year ago. So, thanks for the tip from whoever gave it to me on one of these header related threads!!
These are: Hooker Super Comps #2123 for 65-74, 396-454 'Vettes. The primaries are 1&7/8" by 30" long with 3" collectors. I didn't want to go with the larger primaries.
Price delivered direct from Jet Hot was $585. This is $90 less than previous quote. This is also about what a set of Hooker's coated version of this Header costs from Summit. I have heard the Jet Hot coating covers the entire inside of the tubes while the Hooker version is not that thorough (no personal knowledge of this claim).
I am hoping this will get me motivated to raise the cash for another engine re-build or crate motor swap. Maybe I'll be on the road before the New Year!!
Regards, Mark :flag :chevy
