I have a 1989 with the 350 (383). I bought a set of hooker headers for it but they WILL NOT fit unless I beat the H...ll out of them...Does anyone know a brand that will actually fit without having to modify them One of the problems is with the spark plug clearance. They hit the pipes.Same thing with the steering shaft knuckle. Any help Appreciated !!

 

I have American Racing Headers. The driver side was not fun, but they look great and fit well. The plugs fit, but I can't get a socket on a couple of them, and have to use a wrench. I did remove the steering shaft to do the install.

 

TPIS fit fine and you have good spark plug clearance.

 

I too had to slightly flatten one pipe on my headmans to get them to fit, Wasnt happy about it either.

 

This one here, that's why my 87 TPI had (TPIS coated with y-pipe)

 

Just out of curiosity, what model Hookers are they?

 

 

I have hookers on my C4.. fit like a dream.. easy install did it by myself in my garage..

 

My LT4 has Hooker Super Comps on it and they fit just fine. I would expect the same for an L98. Strange.

 

I have some OBX brand fleabay longtube headers. They'll get a lot of hate, but they do fit fine. They're not easy to put in but they cleared OK on straight plug heads, I'd imagine they'd be fine on angle plug heads. Never had issues with the steering column. They probably aren't as optimized as ARH or SLP but for a mild setup they're fine. I've had them for 6 years and they've held up fine.

 

I have a set of Hedman Hedders on my C3, they went on without ANY modifications. I have used them for over 25 years with ZERO problems. I had my first set replaced by Hedman due to orange spots showing up on the Silver Ceramic finish. The second set fit like a glove and I am nothing but pleased with Hedman. I have not gone to headers on my C4 but if I did they would be HEDMAN HEDDERS. Hedman replaced my first set after I told them about the orange spots on the finish, they even paid for the return of the defective set. I try to support companies who stand behind their products!

I am running a high compression 427 with the Hedman Hedders on it. The top side of my hood over the headers the paint has now gone south from the excess heat coming off the header. On my C3 there is lots of room for the exhaust system to go through and not burn the body or other drive line components. My 1988 C4 does not have all the space that the C3 has and I worry about the excess heat. I have heard that Corvettes can catch on fire using headers without enough space around them. I will probably wrap the system where it gets close to important parts.

If you do buy a set of headers be sure to get the long tube type and get them coated. My favorite is the silver ceramic coating. If you run higher than normal compression you might consider asking them for a higher temperature coating systems, Hedman told me this after I had paint damage. The hood I have on my C3 is that from a documented L88 from 1968, I don't want anything to damage this hood so I am installing insulation blankets under the hood over the headers.

The cheaper headers you find out there have thin flanges that warp and all kinds of issues. "You get what you pay for" rings true dealing with headers, don't buy for the low price. If you want quality don't buy from offshore manufacturers who have probably never even seen a real Corvette. Buy American but the don't buy the cheap ones still works here, shoot for the middle priced ones and you should be happier down the road. While you are at it buy those Soft aluminum or Copper gaskets for the headers, they work great!

I hope you have a great experience with your future headers!

 

I have Hedman Elite Headers on my 89. No modifications or bending to fit!!

 

Hooker 2149 or 2151 should fit, with the 16720 Y pipe, but most have to do some beating somewhere to make the Y line up right.

I run TPiS.

 

….. My '87 Hookers go on and off like slippers … put them on from under the car … remove all spark plugs and sensors in the heads (this part is harder to do than installing the headers) …..

 

Do you have aftermarket straight plug heads? They are tougher to fit than angle plug heads. I've done both and
its a lot more work and hammering with the straights.

 

True I went to TPIS because I didn't track it. How does ARH stack up with TPIS considering ease of install and how hard it is to get to all 8 plugs? Just curious if I have to change headers

 

yes I have aftrmarket straight plugs. each tube had to be flattened out some to them on.. Looks like crap!

 

I had no problems with the ARH headers, but my car isn't exactly stock and I don't have the heater lump on the passenger side. Plug access is great because the primaries are away from the heads before turning down. My Hookers before these started their turn right after the flanges and made plug access difficult.

 

Can TPIS headers still be bought for an LT4? I've searched online and do not find them for sale anymore.

 

IDK Parts availability is not like the 90s. Even L98 is made in batch. I'd call the shop and ask or put a reservation if I can