Hooker 2149 Install
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 555
Likes: 2
From: RDU NC
Hooker 2149 Install
About to install 2149's on my stock 85 and have a couple of questions.
1) Does anyone have the plate and gasket to cap off the EGR provision (on the header) or know where I can pick one up? Yes, it was drilled, they were used.
2) I've done some searching, and have found that most people seem to use the felpro 1404, but some use the 1406 (Vader?). I also saw where someone needed to trim the 1404 to match the ports. Which one should I go with?
3) I assume just 2 3" collector gaskets are all I need, but saw that someone suggested copper... recommendations?
4) I know #8 bolt is a PITA to get to, what tool makes it easiest? 1/4 inch ratchet with elbow joint? Or is something better?
5) Even if I soak the bolts with PB Blaster overnight before I start, how likely am I to snap a bolt with 187k on the ticker? If I warm the engine a bit (not too hot to touch), will it help or hinder the bolts backing out? A friend was trying to scare the hell out of me about this, but I haven't seen this issue on the forums.
This is my first header install, so any other advice is appreciated!
1) Does anyone have the plate and gasket to cap off the EGR provision (on the header) or know where I can pick one up? Yes, it was drilled, they were used.
2) I've done some searching, and have found that most people seem to use the felpro 1404, but some use the 1406 (Vader?). I also saw where someone needed to trim the 1404 to match the ports. Which one should I go with?
3) I assume just 2 3" collector gaskets are all I need, but saw that someone suggested copper... recommendations?
4) I know #8 bolt is a PITA to get to, what tool makes it easiest? 1/4 inch ratchet with elbow joint? Or is something better?
5) Even if I soak the bolts with PB Blaster overnight before I start, how likely am I to snap a bolt with 187k on the ticker? If I warm the engine a bit (not too hot to touch), will it help or hinder the bolts backing out? A friend was trying to scare the hell out of me about this, but I haven't seen this issue on the forums.
This is my first header install, so any other advice is appreciated!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,067
Likes: 1,723
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
1. dunno, mine was welded shut on the header; i bought the blockoff plate for the manifold from summit
2. I used 1406.
3. Percy's Deadsoft, 2 sets at least. I forget how many came in the box I bought.
4. A homemade wrench, bent with a press. Just go slow and try not to get pissed off. I suppose they make a tool like this, but I didnt want to go buy a specialty wrench with a curve like that.
5. go slow, and yes warming it just a little will help a few of the bolts come loose, i didnt have trouble
2. I used 1406.
3. Percy's Deadsoft, 2 sets at least. I forget how many came in the box I bought.
4. A homemade wrench, bent with a press. Just go slow and try not to get pissed off. I suppose they make a tool like this, but I didnt want to go buy a specialty wrench with a curve like that.
5. go slow, and yes warming it just a little will help a few of the bolts come loose, i didnt have trouble
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
I'd suggest a gasket, but I dunno, because we have different heads, so the ports may be different.
Yep, I used copper's, just regular 3" 3-bolt gaskets
I just used a ¼ ratchet, and found someone with really skinny arms...that's the only one that there's NO easy way to do it.
PB Blaster em' and you should be OK, shouldn't need any heat (I didn't)
BTW: The y-pipe is on it's way...damn Fed-Ex wouldn't take it bare, so I had to find a box (and believe me, it's not easy finding a box to fit that).
Yep, I used copper's, just regular 3" 3-bolt gaskets
I just used a ¼ ratchet, and found someone with really skinny arms...that's the only one that there's NO easy way to do it.
PB Blaster em' and you should be OK, shouldn't need any heat (I didn't)
BTW: The y-pipe is on it's way...damn Fed-Ex wouldn't take it bare, so I had to find a box (and believe me, it's not easy finding a box to fit that).
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 338
Likes: 49
From: Quincy,Illinois
I used Mr. Gasket Ultra Seal on my 85 header install. I installed Stainless Works LT and they recommended those gaskets. Sealed up just fine. My collectors were slip fit so no gasket required there.
For # 8 bolt I used a combination of 3/8 drive socket and flex head ratchet along with bent wrench and also socket with a square piece in the end and turn that with a wrench.
A few tips for install. Before installing new headers run a 3/8 tap in all of the holes to clean them out. you can then thread the new bolts in with just your fingers most of the way. Use new bolts for the new headers. I used stainless steel socket head cap screws. You can use carbon steel if you like. For the hard to reach bolts, cut a short piece of allen wrench off to fit in the hex socket of the bolt and then you can tighten them with a small 6pt socket or a combination wrench. Worked like a charm.
For # 8 bolt I used a combination of 3/8 drive socket and flex head ratchet along with bent wrench and also socket with a square piece in the end and turn that with a wrench.
A few tips for install. Before installing new headers run a 3/8 tap in all of the holes to clean them out. you can then thread the new bolts in with just your fingers most of the way. Use new bolts for the new headers. I used stainless steel socket head cap screws. You can use carbon steel if you like. For the hard to reach bolts, cut a short piece of allen wrench off to fit in the hex socket of the bolt and then you can tighten them with a small 6pt socket or a combination wrench. Worked like a charm.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 2
From: St. Paul MN
I took and broke off the plate from the old air tube fitting between number 7/5 cylinders. Then I welded on a round piece of metal to seal it shut. Then I bolted it onto the headers. That capped off that pipe. Another thing. For the collector bolts use machine lock nuts. They won't loosen up like non-locking nuts do. Don't use nylock nuts, the nylon will just belt away. I've used those soft aluminum gaskets on the collectors with good luck.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
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From: Santa Maria CA
