I am about to get some headers, the beginning of my engine upgrade. I am pretty sure that I have decided on Hooker Jet-Hot 2151 Super Comps. Since I have a vert I am a bit concerned about x-brace clearance, so I would appreciate any vert owners who have these or any other header letting me know their experiences with that issue. Also any leads on the best prices I can find would be great. Also any experiences with the installation of these would be appreciated (i.e. how did you get cat off of old y-pipe? which exhaust gaskets would work best? and any other info you think I might need.

Thanks folks, Bob

 

Great thread! The exact questions i would have been asking soon. :yesnod:

 

I have Hooker # 2149's on my '88 vert. The 2151's you're considering don't have the smog tree, which would be a dead give away that you're not smog legal. The headers clear the x-brace with no problem. The problem is on the passenger side there is a bracket that goes from the front crossframe to the side frame. Without modification you will not get this header to fit. This *&#@$% is a @##%^$# to make fit. I had to cut part of this bracket off and then dimple the header tube that would be right up against it without these mods. You will have to dimple some of the other header tubes to get at the header bolts with a wrench or socket and make the spacers work. Once they're in they fit pretty good. You'll have to dimple the heat shields where the header flanges end or you may get some rubbing which'll drive your knock sensor crazy. You will also have to fabricate a heat shield for the power brake booster. If not you'll melt it. I have a friend who melted his. He warned me and I made one out of sheet aluminum, not too hard to do. I am using an LT1/ZR1 factory exhaust and I did fabricate some 5/8" thick spacers for the front mounting points of the crossbrace for more clearance. They also take some "persuasion" to get them in place, but Hooker warns you in the instructions for the headers that it won't be an easy install but the end result will be worth it. As you can see it's not a simple header install like it would probably be on other cars, in the end it really is worth it! :D