Headers kissing you off as much as me???

FATRAT96 · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 8:27 am Post subject:

i must of got lucky. i bought a set of hooker comps and the only two thing that were in the way were the oil sending unit and the dip stick. it was the eaziest install of all times. and man do they sound great and look even better.

good luck
farat82 john

1982 el camino
2004 ssr
1979 corvette
2004 hate to say ford lightning
ALL BLACK

tuc2001 · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 6:46 pm Post subject:

Are there any headers that fit a '79 with a 350 that will fit more or less problem free, or do the all require jerry-rigging in some way, shape or form?

PaPa Johns 77 · Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2006 8:26 pm Post subject:

Some times you get lucky most of the time you have to do a little tweeking and dinging. Cool

Hooker does seem to be the one that needs the least.
_________________
"Still Just Truck'in"
"Johnny"
Bradley, Illinois

Mrapii · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 1:23 pm Post subject:

Hedman Elite headers fit my 1979 with no issues. However they are not full-lenght or equal-lenght which means an easier fit and more ground clearance which was a fair trade-off for me.
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1979 El Camino\r\n1955 Chevrolet Del Ray\r\n1962 Corvette\r\n1966 Corvette Coupe

Hansmanbo · Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2006 2:13 pm Post subject:

Put a set of Flo-techs on mine. Had to remove the steering column shifter linkage to fit.
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York SC /1979 GMC Caballero / 350 Roller / Alum Heads / 410 posi

Luvless_69Chevy · Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:46 pm Post subject:

PaPa Johns 77 · Posted: Sun Jan 29, 2006 10:55 pm Post subject:

I've in the past even used 2 gaskets per side to make headers seal. The old AP or Blackjack headers. Cool

_________________
"Still Just Truck'in"
"Johnny"
Bradley, Illinois

Chief Smackaho · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 11:15 am Post subject:

Anybody having starter clearance issues? I put Flow Tech on my 83 full size and they were great when they weren't burning up starters, 1/4" clearance from header to solenoid.

PaPa Johns 77 · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 1:50 pm Post subject:

Go with a mini starter or try a heat shield. This seems to be a common problem when using headers. Sad

_________________
"Still Just Truck'in"
"Johnny"
Bradley, Illinois

quadrajetjunkie · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:44 pm Post subject:

My dad and I just put a set of Dynomax Blackjack full-length headers on my '79, and here's all the problems I could remember (quite lengthy):
-Had to fabricate a spacer for the rear a/c comp./power steering pump bracket that originally used an exhaust manifold bolt for mounting.
-Had to heavily modify the column shifter rod that runs from the steering column to the transmission linkage (got in the way of cyl. #7 tube), as well as clearance part of the transmission (TH350) shifter linkage for the collectors.
-Made a rough heatshield for the starter since one of the tubes was only about 1/16 inch away from it. Now I have to loosen the pass. side headers to remove the starter.
-Put some dents in the firewall on driver's side to get the headers in. Also had to remove the trans. crossmember to get the engine tilted down enough to get the headers in from the bottom. My dad also busted the plastic fenderwell with a hammer and punch because he was trying to put one side in from the top and he needed some clearance and he thought they were made of metal. But, um, that last bit wasn't necessary. I wouldn't recommend it.
-Went ahead and welded on a hot air pipe for the heat valve in the air cleaner to make it legal.

Here's my main advice: DO NOT buy full-length longtube headers if this is your first header job. Fifty percent of these problems would have probably never existed if I used shorter headers. Once I get more experienced, I might use them, but this time, it was a mistake. At least I learned something. Happy wrenching and God bless.

-One more thing: never confuse header noise for a lifter click and overadjust your valves and wipe out your brand new Comp camshaft and entire bottom end. Don't ask how I found that out.

izzoe46 · Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2006 7:59 pm Post subject:

I got some flo tech headers for my 81 also, I got a 350. I had to pound a small dent on one of the pipes on the passenger side and the flanges had to be cut to make room for the steering linkage.

My biggest problem is the last bolt on the passenger side by the firewall. I can't get that one on. I think flo tech skimmed on quality for production purposes.

I will buy new bolts and gaskets. Hopefully I can get that last bolt on because the pipes and cat back has all been welded already Sad

JimmyJ · Posted: Tue Jul 18, 2006 9:42 pm Post subject:

I just installed some dynomax short style headers on my 85 with no problems. I recently replaced the motor mounts, so if yours are bad, then I can see some issues there. I had to modify the ac/ps brackets, but the headers came with instructions on how to do that. It's definitely worth it. I gained a whole lot of power. I also removed my cat and put true duals.

Kryp7ik · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:32 pm Post subject:

i just recently put some on my 78 g-body
i opted for the HOOKER competition longtube headers 1 5/8" - 3" collectors
and they did fit like a glove
going from underneath on both sides
drivers side slid right in
just had to replace the stock size oil filter with a shorter AC Delco one
passengers side i had to remove the starter
then it slid right in.
after i put the starter back in i realized that the headers were resting snug against the starter so i went down the road to see my friends at O'reillys and got me a "mini" starter for a i think 95 GM truck its like half the size of my old starter it slid right in with plenty of room to spare. i used the new hardware that came with the headers except for the bolt that the compresser bracket attaches to even though i dont have a compresser.
instead of using the single gasket that came with the headers i used 2 sets of felpro stock manifold gaskets on each side, sealed like a dream and sounds amazing! then i put dual exhaust with flowmaster mufflers and i didnt even use a double hump crossmember just "squeezed" the pipe a bit for ground clearence.

well thats my story hope this helps

all in all HOOKER is the way to go.

Kryp7ik · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 5:36 pm Post subject:

Redvetter · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 9:37 pm Post subject:

I'm in process of putting Flow Tech headers on my '66. Drivers side fit OK. Passenger side is against the frame. Will try shimming the motor mount for clearance or will make clearance with a torch and a hammer and screw up the ceramic coating.
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1964 Corvette
1966 El Camino
2002 Harley Heritage Softail