C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Hooker Long Tube Headers...

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Old Aug 16, 2004 | 07:26 PM
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Default Hooker Long Tube Headers...

Where can I get the Hooker LT Header Y-Pipe at? How much power increase will I see with the LT Headers on my '88?

P.S.
...Eventhough this has nothing to do with the subject, are underdrive pulley's worth paying for? Do they even add hp?

Last edited by Mr Mojo; Aug 19, 2004 at 10:05 PM.
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Old Aug 16, 2004 | 07:37 PM
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More than likely where you get the headers. They don't show as an item in the Summit Racing catalog, but if you type in the part number, they show a price.

You should probably get a 25 30 hp increase with long tube headers. The Hookers are only made with 1 3/4" primary tubes. If you go to headers with 1 5/8th" tubes you will get a boost in the lower end, that you won't see with the large tube headers. With your set up, there would be no sacrifice at the top end.

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Old Aug 16, 2004 | 07:47 PM
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If your cat-back is hi-flow you might see 20chp gain from LT headers.

You may need an AFPR to add a little more fuel at WOT though.
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Old Aug 16, 2004 | 10:25 PM
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The hooker Y is 16720, its at Summit or wherever you get the headers.

Testing shows about 15hp to gain from just headers, give or take a few.
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Old Aug 16, 2004 | 10:39 PM
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Be prepared to do some massaging to get the Hooker Y-pipe to fit. Mine keeps developing a leak at the drivers side collector, even with two gaskets in place. I'm thinking of having the pipe welded.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 09:44 AM
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I had 3 different Hooker Y pipes on mine, none of them fit right without some pounding and rewelding. The headers and y were the worst thing I ever did to that car. Their y pipe was so awful and frustrating to me that I pulled the entire header system off and went back to stock. I have an auto btw.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 10:03 AM
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You should also consider the TPIS headers. No fitment problems on my 86 except some minor tweaking of the Y pipe.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 10:17 AM
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Here's the deal, or the problem as I see it with long tube headers.

I think one of the only company's that offer the 1 5/8 Headers is Headman, and the rest of the company's out there only offer the 1 3/4.

I've heard TPIS is one of the best and usually do not have any fitment issues, but I've heard that Headman's and Hookers have fitment problems, especially Headman's.
I'm not saying Headman's and hookers aren't good, but TPIS is the way to go for ease of installation, but! they only make 1 3/4 headers and do not make the 1 5/8.

I've asked many times before on the forum... who makes a good set of headers with no fitment issues and are 1 5/8 ??? No body seems to know.

If it were up to me I would go with TPIS and go with the 1 3/4 headers just because they have no fitment problems. I'd gladly give a bit of lower torque for ease of installation.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 10:54 AM
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Originally Posted by TheStef
I'd gladly give a bit of lower torque for ease of installation.
That is an interesting philosophy. Most people would rather bust their buns on an installation, for a better result. The installation is a one time deal, regardless of how difficult. When it's done, you live with it everyday. Besides, smaller tubes make the header bolts slightly more accessable. It's kind of like saving the extra bucks on ceramic coating. Chances are, you'll live long enough to regret the choice.

I don't think Hedman is the only supplier of 1 5/8ths" headers. I think the biggest objection to Hedman's is their perceived (and possibly, actual) lower quality. For one thing, they don't cost enough to satisfy some buyers that want only the best (read expensive) for their Corvette. No header is a dream to install. It's not like changing an oil filter. There are quite a few satisfied Hedman owners on here. You might query them on fitments issues.

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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 11:09 AM
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Exotic Muscle has 1 5/8th headers if you want them.

I would suggest the hookers without their Y-pipe. It would be very easy for an exhaust shop to make you a quality piece to mate them to your old exhaust. Thats what I did, and it worked great!

Last edited by Mr Mojo; Aug 19, 2004 at 10:05 PM. Reason: sig pic too large
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by CFI-EFI
That is an interesting philosophy. Most people would rather bust their buns on an installation, for a better result. The installation is a one time deal, regardless of how difficult. When it's done, you live with it everyday. Besides, smaller tubes make the header bolts slightly more accessable. It's kind of like saving the extra bucks on ceramic coating. Chances are, you'll live long enough to regret the choice.

I don't think Hedman is the only supplier of 1 5/8ths" headers. I think the biggest objection to Hedman's is their perceived (and possibly, actual) lower quality. For one thing, they don't cost enough to satisfy some buyers that want only the best (read expensive) for their Corvette. No header is a dream to install. It's not like changing an oil filter. There are quite a few satisfied Hedman owners on here. You might query them on fitments issues.

RACE ON!!!
I agree with most of what you said and don't want to start an argument, I know how you are with those 1 5/8 headers and telling other the 1 3/4 aren't as good... and I'm not denying that fact.

I also agree that most people will bust their buns to get more performance out of their vehicle, but I don't agree with the part of the "The installation is a one time deal" if you use a lower quality peace. Especially if the flange leaks, or the bolt holes in the headers don't line up properly with the bolt holes in the heads, and if the headers are honestly just crap. I've heard many stories on the forum and outside of the forum.

This is why I'd rather go with TPIS or some other good quality header, a good gasket and good bolts, coated inside and out to make 100%certain that its a one time deal.

Maybe someone should point out what type of gasket would be best and what type of bolts to use to install them. I don't pretend being an expert but I've been reading a lot about headers and each time I see a post about them I read up.

Has anyone had any fitment problems with the Exotic muscle?
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 02:02 PM
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Just had the EM 1 5/8 installed on the 85. Passenger cross member had to be shaved a little, the drivers header had to be bent slightly to not hit the slave cylinder. Prior to install, out of breath at 42-4300 rpms, now pulling strong to 5k. Went from an even 20 mph roll in 2nd with a passenger against an 01 s281 saleen vert on Woodward (cruise week here) - he got on it first but I didn't see him again until the next light
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by TheStef
This is why I'd rather go with TPIS or some other good quality header, a good gasket and good bolts, coated inside and out to make 100%certain that its a one time deal.
To a large degree, the bolts and the gaskets are of little consequence. Almost ALL gaskets will continue to compress over time, due to repeated heat cycles. The bolts loosen because the gasket puts less tension against the bolt as it settles in. You could weld the bolt in place and the holding power (tension) of the bolt will decrease because of the gasket. A grade 8 or super strength ARP bolt isn't going to hold any better than a common grade 5 bolt. Especially in aluminum heads, the threads will give before a strong bolt will. Locks on the bolts will keep them from turning after the tension relaxes, but they won't keep them tight. Re tightening after each of the first few heat cycles, then once a day for a few days, will prevent header flange leaks.

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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 03:53 PM
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Good information to know!
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 03:59 PM
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I run 2 sets of Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets between my Hooker 2149 and Hooker 16720 Y-Pipe and there is no leak. The bolts stay are nice and tight.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by scorp508
I run 2 sets of Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets between my Hooker 2149 and Hooker 16720 Y-Pipe and there is no leak. The bolts stay are nice and tight.
I have this same exact setup, except just 1 set of Percy's Dead Soft alum gaskets. Stage 8 locking bolts. No leaks.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 05:56 PM
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For those who are interested in a quality 1 5/8" header there is also forum vendor Stainless Works. They make a beautiful all stainless header for the LT1/ 4 C4s with A.I.R. hook-ups and O2 bungs. They also come with connector pipes and would also fit an L98 w/ no problems, except for having the later style A.I.R. tubes of course. I would imagine if you talked with them they would make you a set w/o the smog hook-ups as well if you wanted. They are very nice people to work with and they'll soon have a set for the automatic cars and already have one for the manuals. Also re/ Hedmans, they make more than one grade of header for C4s. There are the cheap ones that you see on Ebay for under $150 and there is their Elite series w/ 3/8" flanges, much heavier pipe and coated on the outside for under $350, if you shop around. The bad news is that there is usually a couple of months wait to get them. I assume they must make a run of them when they get so many orders.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 06:14 PM
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Originally Posted by scorp508
I run 2 sets of Percy's dead soft aluminum gaskets between my Hooker 2149 and Hooker 16720 Y-Pipe and there is no leak. The bolts stay are nice and tight.
I tried that but mine still leaks.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 07:45 PM
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I seem to remember that Chevy High Performance tested 1 5/8 vs 1 3/4 headers, and to their (and my) surprise, there was no advantage in 1 5/8.
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Old Aug 17, 2004 | 08:21 PM
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I read that article, too. There was no HORSEPOWER advantage, nor disadvantage, either. Reread the article. If you read carefully and pay close attention, you may glean more a second time.

RACE ON!!!

Last edited by CFI-EFI; Aug 17, 2004 at 08:24 PM.
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