Happy Hooker design?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
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From: Ft Wayne IN
Happy Hooker design?
It's getting close to putting the motor back in the frame and I wanted to install the intake on the block while it was on the stand. I figured I would make a plate with an eyelet on top and bolt this to the intake. Has anyone made there own lifting plate along the same principal as the "happy hooker" ? The only thing that scares me is the 4 small bolts in the aluminum intake holding the weight of a motor. Any thoughts or sugestions on this process? Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
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I had the Happy Hooker myself and I never used it.There is NO WAY Im going to let 4 small holes in a aluminum intake manifold hold the engine up.
I used the front and rear head accessory bolt holes to mount the chains.I ended up selling my hooker because as good as the idea is,Im not going to chance cracking the manifold bolts.
I used the front and rear head accessory bolt holes to mount the chains.I ended up selling my hooker because as good as the idea is,Im not going to chance cracking the manifold bolts.
Team Owner
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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I used the Happy Hooker and didn't have any issues with it. Yes, feels weird that four-10mm bolts would hold the engine but, they do.
Pulling the LT4
Re-installing the LT4. I use a chain for insurance but, the four-10mm bolts did the job.
Pulling the LT4
Re-installing the LT4. I use a chain for insurance but, the four-10mm bolts did the job.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Slidell Louisiana
I don't undertand why folks get excited about lifting an LT1 with the happy hooker when folks have been using carb plates to lift big blocks for decades....
I've pulled my engine out numerous times with the hooker...(NO DRAMA) its a real time saver.
I've pulled my engine out numerous times with the hooker...(NO DRAMA) its a real time saver.
- 1986 Original Owner -
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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Is there a right way and a wrong to install the Hooker? I noticed that PLRX and fc_soldier have theirs mounted 180° out from aboatguy. I pulled mine like aboatguy. Does the orientation affect the angle? Mine came out pretty easy and I intended to re-install with it mounted the same way, just curious.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,385
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From: King George VA
Is there a right way and a wrong to install the Hooker? I noticed that PLRX and fc_soldier have theirs mounted 180° out from aboatguy. I pulled mine like aboatguy. Does the orientation affect the angle? Mine came out pretty easy and I intended to re-install with it mounted the same way, just curious.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: WI
I used some extra bolts and screwed them in the heads on diagonal sides, then used a chain. Since I had the stuff on hand it was free compared to buying a hooker. When you buy one does it say happy hooker on the bill? That could get some guys in trouble! lol
- 1986 Original Owner -
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From: North Yorkshire, England
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The happy hooker was designed to work for all LT1 motors. In a corvette it can be done either way. But in a camaro or firebird the motor is tucked under the body of the camaro/firebird alittle. So that hook design allows it to tuck under the lip and keep the motor somewhat level. And without damaging the body of the fbody.
Le Mans Master
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From: Akron Ohio
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to the bill statement. 
