should I get the hooker comps?

[panteramatt]

Im in need of some headers and really want long tubes. All the ones Ive seen that will fit are WAY too expensive! I have a 69 with a 351w and fmx and later will have a 4r70w. Well after 2 days of searching Im still undecided between long tubes or shorties. I can get ceramic hooker headers from jcwhitney for under $300 right now! Whats your experience with these in a 69 with a windsor and ps? I can return them if they dont fit but I doubt with any dings in them from a bfh! Would the sound and power be worth the possible headache between these and shorties? Any other suggestions?

[johnpro]

There's really no headaches between the Hooker Comps and Shorties, when you're talking a 351w in a '69/later.  Yes, you will likely have to ding the Hookers ... but there's a great chance you still have to ding the shorties (I had to ding the JBA shorties I used to have in my '66).

There is no difference in ground clearance, that any of us with the Hooker Comps have, on the 351w for the '69/later.

Here's a shot of how close to the floor pan, my Hookers are:

[panteramatt]

Johnpro, what tranny do you have? Do you think I would have a problem with them and my current fmx or when I switch to a 4r70w?

[johnpro]

No, you will have no problems with either of those transmissions.  I'm running a Tremek TKO-600 with a McCleod scatter shield.  You pretty much can't get any wider than that.  Like I said previously, I had to ding the driver's header to clear the scatter shield on that side, but only very slightly.  I know Sac69 did not ding his to clear his FMX.

[70_Fastback]

Another important factor to keep in mind is vehicle ride height & stance.  Is your car lowered?  Are you going to lower it in the future?

If you answered yes to either of the last questions;  I would think about not going with the long tubes. 

I have long tubes on my very lowered car and I have clearance issues.  I sometimes have to be careful of where I drive.  I wish I would have went with shorties now.

Just my 2 cents.

[AzPete]

Hmmmm.....comped by a hooker........oh, sorry.....got distracted.

Long tubes do drag on anything lowered from what I see. Got Hookers on my light car with no issues. The dark car on the other hand, is low. Also consider the fact that when bodies are in the car, it will be lower and present a larger problem.

[johnpro]

Scary is lowered 1" all the way around.  With 4 adults in the car, I still have never banged the Hooker Comps.  My suspension, however, is very stiff .. 620# springs in the front, 5 leaf springs in back.  KRB GasAjusts on all 4 corners.

I know that Tom's (sac69) '69 is lowered more than mine and he has no ground clearance issues.

It truly is unbelievable how much ground clearance the Hooker Comps give, especially with the added height of the 351w.

[buening]

It truly is unbelievable how much ground clearance the Hooker Comps give, especially with the added height of the 351w.

Yeah these guys seriously hug the floorboards, with some people complaining they actually touch the floorboards.

Matt, see my VMF response about my Hooker experience   :naug

[panteramatt]

Well got em installed. They actually went on pretty easy for doin it by myself. A helping hand woulda been even easier. Only problem is that just like I read, the collectors actually sit up too high and tight. The collectors need to be lowered about 3/4" and widened about 1/2" on each side. Anyone have a good and safe tip on doin this?

[ITLRUN]

       If you decide to go with shorties, make sure you go with equal length tubing. If you want long tubes, MAC makes a good set that make more power then the Hooker Comps. You also have a choice of KOOKS long tubes, which make decent power 20 to 25HP, Mike. SCT Tuner.

[buening]

Nice collection of cars you have there Mike.    Kooks are some sweet headers but also one of the most expensive ones.

[ITLRUN]

    You know how that goes, today you get exactly what you pay for, Mike. SCT Tuner.