Ideas on Headers and exhaust

[ThirdMC]

Plan on swapping out the rusted Hedman headers and putting an all new exhaust on the Monte before long and was wondering what headers everyone is using? What do you like or dislike? Any negative experiences with certain brands?

I'm kind of leaning toward the Hooker Competitions, maybe with their ceramic coating or buying a set from Jet Hot with that coating.

For the rest I'm thinking Torque Tech 2 1/2 pipes w 'X' pipe and possibly Flowmasters.

Going on a 71 with 350/350,coluum shift.

Stock bottom end (I think)

Edelbrock #2201 Roller Cam

Edelbrock Roller Lifters

Jegs Roller Rockers

Edelbrock Timing Chain

Edlebrock Performer RPM Manifold

Edelbrock 1406 carb

MSD Billet Distributor with MSD 6AL Box

 

[dbreese]

David,

 

The last set I had were the hooker 2451's. Had them sent new to Jet Hot and coated with the Extreme Sterling ceramic coating. They have held up well. I need to polish them up but they are in great shape with the exception of a little nick on one of the the primary tubes on the drivers side. Plug access was good and I used a shorter NGK which made them even easier to get to. I'll clean them up and shoot some pic's and let you take a look if your interested.

 

I'm going with set of Shoenfeld 1 3/4" primaries for my new engine that will have to be worked just a little to make them fit. Tough to find anything larger than 1 5/8" primaries for s/b Montes unless you have some custom built.

 

 

David

 

 

 

[pocobill7t1]

Hi there , i went with the hooker headers ceramic coated and then with the magnaflow (2 1/2")that includes the X pipe, look great on my 71 and sounds great for a just above stock motor.The magnaflow is all stainless and comes with different exit options.

If i would do it again i would go with the same very happy.

Bill

[Sam (Bones)]

you can buy headers directly from Jet Hot for usually less than you can from Summit/Jegs for the factory ceramics from Hooker

[72MC]

 

IMHO, buying direct from Jet Hot is the way to go. I have sent them headers to bead blast and coat and have also bought direct. Both came out with quality results. However, buying direct is less of a hassle, obviously.

 

Some other info. I am in the process of getting a set direct for my 402 bbc. I originally was going to get the Hookers. After a lengthy conversation with the sales/tech agent, I changed my mind. Here is and was Jet Hot's experience with Hooker.

 

Due to Holley's bankruptsy issues, Hooker is also feeling the squeeze. Hookers used to be made in Mexico along side of Flowtech. Years ago, they would both come down the assembly line and the slightly blemished headers would get the Flowtech nametag and the spec'd headers would get the Hooker nametag. Due to the financial squeeze, Hooker came back to the states in order to save money. You would think that "made in the USA" would be good for Hooker and Flowtech but the opposite occurred. The headers got worse in quality to the point that this tech stated that the pipes are not bent right and some of the directions of the pipes are way off from one set to the next.

 

We then began our conversation on Doug Thorleys and Patriot. Thorley's secondary brand is Patriot. Upon his divorce from his wife, instead of losing the company Doug dumped it to a friend who was just as quality conscience as Doug. It is my understand that Doug is still involved but not in the "owner" role that he once had. Patriot are Doug Thorley's "blemish" line. They use 16 ga steel and things are spec'd properly. My 402 will soon have some 2" primary, 3.5" collectors, and 1700 degree Sterling Jet Hot coated headers. Should be here in about another week. Can't wait.

 

It's too bad for Hooker but it looks like they are going down hill. Granted, this info was my conversation with someone in the industry so take it for what it is worth. I don't wish any ill will to Hooker. I just hope they pull themselves out of trouble. It will proberly be best if they get seperated from Holley. IMHO, Holley should stick strickly with carbs and leave the other stuff to other companies.

 

Bottom line is this, if you want a quality product, be willing to pay the price. If you're not willing to pay the price for quality, don't expect to get it. - Dave

[ThirdMC]

Thanks for all the imput guys.

72MC, Thorleys were my #1 choice, just don't know if I can swing that price and still feed the family.

[72MC]

ThirdMC, I feel your pain. I would love to get the Thorleys but just can't do it right now. That's why I am going with the Patriots. Their in the Thorley family so the quality will be there and the price is right there with the Hookers. Its a win - win situation. - Dave

[CrazyDavey]

I run Doug's on both cars, love them. I would wait until you can pop for them. Doug's is owned by Pertronix now...Dave

[speedfreak71]

If you liked your headers and they have no problem you could do as I did and just send them off and get coated. Mine were VERY rusty but solid with no dents. They are hookers and have a very nice thick flange at the head. PC coatings blasted mine and baked them before coating to get them all cleaned up. They are done inside and out and shine great. Shipping and everything was done for $200. It really helped a lot on the under hood temp. I think with a X pipe you will be happy with whatever muffler you decide. The ignition I tend to have a different point of view than most. Having been a racer for years I have had my fill of ignition related problems. So on a driver I tend to keep it simple. I think MSD is the BEST so I run a billet ready to run distributor that has a better coil and ignition module. I don't have any BOX on it as I feel for a driver I'm not gaining anything performance wise to justify the cost and maintenance. My experience has shown that the HOT MSD spark is harder on plug wires, cap and rotor.Making there life span much shorter plus I have NEVER had a box that I haven't had to replace at least once. And I have owned them all with the exception of a MAG. Just my 2 cents worth. Good luck on your project