No more Hookers for me, thanks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tx Firefighter · 01-15-2004, 08:24 PM

Some of you might remember I got some Hooker Comps for my big block truck project. I posted pictures of how close they were to the oil pan and starter.

The clearance between the pan and header is not enough to put my pinky into. I even bought a mini starter to get more clearance around the starter. The starter arrived yesterday, and it won't even bolt onto the engine without hitting the headers. The starter can be adjusted three ways for clearance. I tried all 3 ways.

So, today I shipped a big ol box back to Summit with headers, collectors, and mini starter in it.

I'm going to use my stock HD GM starter and new exhaust manifolds. I should wind up with about 350 bucks left over after returning all of that crap and buying a new pair of manifolds.

Sorry to vent on you guys. Maybe it will save you some money.

Tx Firefighter · 01-15-2004, 08:26 PM

Stock starter was this close. The 160 dollar mini starter couldn't even bolt on. It's made kind of offset and makes the problem even worse.

Tx Firefighter · 01-15-2004, 08:29 PM

These little things aren't all they're said to be.

Tx Firefighter · 01-15-2004, 08:31 PM

So, I shipped it all back and spent a nice rainy afternoon rebuilding and detailing a stock big block starter.

It was kind of like therapy after the two months of header induced agony.

I've used Hooker Comps on small block trucks and they're great. Big block ones are a much different story.

tomsC10R · 01-15-2004, 08:38 PM

Yeah, you'd think they could make them fit better than that. Thanks for the heads up.

Inthuwind · 01-15-2004, 08:38 PM

Sorry you had to go thru the agony, but thank you for sharing the info on the headers. I was planning on putting those on one some day---looks like I'll take an alternate. Thanks.

Orence1 · 01-15-2004, 08:56 PM

That is exactly why I went with manifolds on my BB. By the way, I have an excellent of manifolds if you are interested.
Larry

djracer · 01-15-2004, 08:57 PM

I'd try a set of hedman hedders! I have them on my small block and I have put them on several different model trucks with good fit! I gave up on hooker when myself and a buddy of mine had them break in the same spot on a 67 and 69 camaro I figured If they couldn't build them right for that car their was no hope on anything else. That has to be one of the most popular hedders on the planet!

Tx Firefighter · 01-15-2004, 09:01 PM

I'm definitely going with manifolds. I've been sitting on my rear for two months while trying to solve this header/ starter problem.

I know manifolds will clear by a mile and they are available priced pretty reasonable.

Besides, that stung spending 36 bucks to pay to ship all of that back to Summit. I'm not wasting any more time or money on this area. I need to burn tires with big block power soon!

*dtlilly* · 01-15-2004, 09:25 PM

Good info there. I've got them on my small block and they fit fine, but they sure have a radical bend in those big block ones.

jhow66 · 01-15-2004, 09:49 PM

Used a set of Hedman's (part# 69130-2" primary,3" collector) on my 71 with a 502BB. They fit like a glove and have plenty of starter clearance reg or mini size.

dinnut · 01-15-2004, 09:51 PM

wow, have you contacted the hooker about it coming that close? they should be able to help you. if they are nice and a good company...
thats a beauty of an engine though! those manifolds will pull off that all original bb look...

**N2TRUX** · 01-15-2004, 10:27 PM

TX why not just put a set of shorties on it? They have to flow better than stockers...

FRENCHBLUE72 · 01-15-2004, 10:32 PM

Were those the headder's with the funny bend on one tube kinda looked like a half moon???? Damn i was wanting headder's guess I am gonna have to shop around..

imdarren · 01-15-2004, 10:55 PM

Has anyone installed headers on a small block with the mini starter? Any clearance problems with the mini starter?

darren

BtnkBndt · 01-15-2004, 10:58 PM

I can't believe they wouldn't cover return shipping. You should have recieved a refund on your original shipping also. They sell the stuff, they should know the right applications. They didn't fit right and thats that.

Sorry to hear of the aggravation. Mail order can som,etimes be a real hassle and end up costing more $$ than just going to the local shop.

I like Hedmans too, never had a problem. I have heard some here with different views though.

Like Dinnut said, your going for the stock look anyways. You might end up happier with the manifolds anyway.

hobby67stepside · 01-15-2004, 11:34 PM

I got a set of Hookers from Summit for my 454 and they fit fine. There's adequate room around the stock starter and frame rail clearance. There are several #s on the box - 2455 (a Holley number - I don't quite understand that) 4530302 and then 11035. I think they were around $200 - $250.

Hooter · 01-15-2004, 11:38 PM

huh, I have hookers on my 454 too, and I dont have any problems like that, very odd indeed

Longhorn Man · 01-15-2004, 11:39 PM

Are you by chance running the big block on small block towers?
I only ask becouse as you stated (and I can confirm) the small block super comps are simply awsome, and Hooker is one of the most respected header company out there. Seems kinda hard to swallow that the R&D would be so poor on a vehicle that has been around for 30+ years.

dinnut · 01-15-2004, 11:40 PM

painted black they look great! is it possible that the 454's in motorhomes are different?

junkyardjohn · 01-15-2004, 11:43 PM

TXFIREFIGHTER -- I CAN TELL BY YOUR PAST POSTS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING, SO DON'T TAKE THIS AS A SLAM. I PUT A SET OF HOOKER SUPER COMP.S ON A 71 SHORT FLEET, WITH A 468 & T-400 WITH NO CLEARANCE ISSUES AT ALL. I COULD (& DID) CHANGE MY FULL SIZE GM STOCK STARTER WITHOUT LOOSENING MY HEADERS. I'M NOT DOUBTING THE FACT THAT YOU EXPERIANCED CLEARANCE PROBLEMS, BUT I'VE BEEN USING HOOKER & DOUG THORLY HEADERS EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS, & HAVE HAD NO LESS THAN A DOZEN SETS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. IN MY OPINION THEY ARE SOME OF THE BEST HEADERS MONEY CAN BUY.

JOHN

Tx Firefighter · 01-16-2004, 12:55 AM

I appreciate all of the input here. The headers do fit. I mean, they bolt on and don't actually touch the stock starter, but it's too close for me. With that weird bend under the starter, the header is going to have to be pulled anytime the starter has to come off. With the header tube less than a 1/4 inch from the starter, it's going to wind up eating starters on a regular basis. I was trying to avoid all of the hassle by getting the little high torque starter right up front.

Pulling the header to remove the starter is going to wind up scratching the coating on them as well as having to buy gaskets every time too.

To the one guy, no, I definitely have BB mounts, no doubt, but the engine is still on the engine stand anyway. I was trying to sort out all of these problems before ever trying to stab the engine in. I know how I am, and lying on my back under the truck with brand new 369 dollar coated headers getting beaten on trying to change a starter is too much for me.

These headers have the Hooker part number stamped into each one. I checked the number and they are definitely the right ones. The tech guys recomended that I simply run the smaller 12 3/4 inch flywheel and mount the mini starter in the inboard set of holes. I tried it and it clears by a mile that way, but no one makes a 12 3/4 inch flywheel for a 454. The 454 uses a special counterweighted flywheel different from any other bigblock. The jerk at Hooker told me had the same problem with his 71 truck with a 402 and he just used the small flywheel and starter. When I told him that that doesn't exist for a 454 he had no answer. My neighbor is a GM dealer parts guy and absolute guru on all things GM. That smaller flywheel simply doesn't exist for a 454 and automatic transmission.

I considered shorty headers, but no one ever could give me the details as to what fits and how much of the frame lip they had to trim to make them fit. The internet is full of "I heard that Chevelle shortys fit", but not many guys have stepped up and done the install and supplied details.

Oborny71 · 01-16-2004, 12:55 AM

hooker makes great headers, they were probably just the wrong kind of BB headers for your truck. I'm sure there are a set that will fit. Its frusterating , but don't give up! headers are one of the best investments you can make. One of the few performance mods than can add a decent amount of HP, AND improve gas milege at the same time. Headers can easily make a 20-25 hp difference.

hobby67stepside · 01-16-2004, 01:01 AM

I think the headers I got were a Chevelle BB application. Call Summit with the numbers I submitted above and see.

dinnut · 01-16-2004, 01:06 AM

call some header companys... or even better email them asking for pics of big blocks with their headers... to show clearance

http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat

WLK-86022 Chevrolet/GMC: 1968-87 396-454, 1/2-3/4 ton trucks, 1 3/4 in. primary tubes, 3 in. collectors, ceramic coated,...
have you looked into those at all?

DTE-303Y Chevrolet/GMC: 1973-87 396-454 C5 Blazer/Jimmy and C10-35 pickup, 1975-89 366-454 Class A motorhomes, 14 gauge...
doug thorley makes headers for motorhomes.... they might work?
http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat

man i hope you figure this out!

01-15-2004, 08:24 PM	#1
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	No more Hookers for me, thanks Some of you might remember I got some Hooker Comps for my big block truck project. I posted pictures of how close they were to the oil pan and starter. The clearance between the pan and header is not enough to put my pinky into. I even bought a mini starter to get more clearance around the starter. The starter arrived yesterday, and it won't even bolt onto the engine without hitting the headers. The starter can be adjusted three ways for clearance. I tried all 3 ways. So, today I shipped a big ol box back to Summit with headers, collectors, and mini starter in it. I'm going to use my stock HD GM starter and new exhaust manifolds. I should wind up with about 350 bucks left over after returning all of that crap and buying a new pair of manifolds. Sorry to vent on you guys. Maybe it will save you some money. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-15-2004, 08:31 PM	#4
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	So, I shipped it all back and spent a nice rainy afternoon rebuilding and detailing a stock big block starter. It was kind of like therapy after the two months of header induced agony. I've used Hooker Comps on small block trucks and they're great. Big block ones are a much different story. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-15-2004, 08:38 PM	#5
tomsC10R Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 281	Yeah, you'd think they could make them fit better than that. Thanks for the heads up. __________________ Tom 1968 C10 LWB. 402 BB, Holley MPI, 700R4. 4wheel Hydroboost Disk Brakes.

01-15-2004, 08:38 PM	#6
Inthuwind Straight jacket required Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 882	Sorry Sorry you had to go thru the agony, but thank you for sharing the info on the headers. I was planning on putting those on one some day---looks like I'll take an alternate. Thanks. __________________ 1968 C10 Short Stepper 350/350 A/C P/S P/B Front disc 3/5 static/ 12bolt rear 3:73 1979 Pontiac Trans Am 10th Anniversary/455/4spd 2011 H-D Street Glide - CAMMED n lowered Dad always said,"Son, if you can't be good...be good at it."

01-15-2004, 08:57 PM	#8
djracer Registered User Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Wetumpka, Al, U.S. Posts: 8,892	I'd try a set of hedman hedders! I have them on my small block and I have put them on several different model trucks with good fit! I gave up on hooker when myself and a buddy of mine had them break in the same spot on a 67 and 69 camaro I figured If they couldn't build them right for that car their was no hope on anything else. That has to be one of the most popular hedders on the planet! __________________ Kevin Special Thanks to All who have helped on the TRUCK! My Pass Time Show http://s129.photobucket.com/albums/p...Chapter1-0.mp4 So Far my best Times are: Motor only: 6.44 1/8 @ 104.13 10.39 1/4 @ 125.83 Nitrous Times: 5.785 1/8 @ 118.65 with a 1.336 60ft 9.168 1/4 @ 142.58 with a 250 shot dead out of the hole!

01-15-2004, 08:26 PM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Stock starter was this close. The 160 dollar mini starter couldn't even bolt on. It's made kind of offset and makes the problem even worse.

01-15-2004, 08:29 PM	#3
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	These little things aren't all they're said to be.

01-15-2004, 08:56 PM	#7
Orence1 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 548	That is exactly why I went with manifolds on my BB. By the way, I have an excellent of manifolds if you are interested. Larry

01-15-2004, 09:01 PM	#9
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I'm definitely going with manifolds. I've been sitting on my rear for two months while trying to solve this header/ starter problem. I know manifolds will clear by a mile and they are available priced pretty reasonable. Besides, that stung spending 36 bucks to pay to ship all of that back to Summit. I'm not wasting any more time or money on this area. I need to burn tires with big block power soon! __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-15-2004, 09:25 PM	#10
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	Good info there. I've got them on my small block and they fit fine, but they sure have a radical bend in those big block ones.

01-15-2004, 09:49 PM	#11
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Used a set of Hedman's (part# 69130-2" primary,3" collector) on my 71 with a 502BB. They fit like a glove and have plenty of starter clearance reg or mini size. __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

01-15-2004, 09:51 PM	#12
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	wow, have you contacted the hooker about it coming that close? they should be able to help you. if they are nice and a good company... thats a beauty of an engine though! those manifolds will pull off that all original bb look... __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-15-2004, 10:27 PM	#13
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	TX why not just put a set of shorties on it? They have to flow better than stockers... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

01-15-2004, 10:32 PM	#14
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,606	Were those the headder's with the funny bend on one tube kinda looked like a half moon???? Damn i was wanting headder's guess I am gonna have to shop around.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

01-15-2004, 10:55 PM	#15
imdarren Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: SW Washington Posts: 1,006	Has anyone installed headers on a small block with the mini starter? Any clearance problems with the mini starter? darren __________________ Washington State 1967 Chevy C10 LWB Rodstoration In Progress. 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super



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01-15-2004, 10:58 PM	#16
BtnkBndt Pennyless Fool Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Forney,Tx Posts: 439	I can't believe they wouldn't cover return shipping. You should have recieved a refund on your original shipping also. They sell the stuff, they should know the right applications. They didn't fit right and thats that. Sorry to hear of the aggravation. Mail order can som,etimes be a real hassle and end up costing more $$ than just going to the local shop. I like Hedmans too, never had a problem. I have heard some here with different views though. Like Dinnut said, your going for the stock look anyways. You might end up happier with the manifolds anyway. __________________ "Who owns this car with the peace sign, the mag wheels, and four on the floor?" 67 Short Step 283/TH400/4.11

01-15-2004, 11:34 PM	#17
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	I got a set of Hookers from Summit for my 454 and they fit fine. There's adequate room around the stock starter and frame rail clearance. There are several #s on the box - 2455 (a Holley number - I don't quite understand that) 4530302 and then 11035. I think they were around $200 - $250.

01-15-2004, 11:38 PM	#18
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	huh, I have hookers on my 454 too, and I dont have any problems like that, very odd indeed __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

01-15-2004, 11:39 PM	#19
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Are you by chance running the big block on small block towers? I only ask becouse as you stated (and I can confirm) the small block super comps are simply awsome, and Hooker is one of the most respected header company out there. Seems kinda hard to swallow that the R&D would be so poor on a vehicle that has been around for 30+ years.

01-15-2004, 11:40 PM	#20
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	painted black they look great! is it possible that the 454's in motorhomes are different? __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

01-15-2004, 11:43 PM	#21
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,425	TXFIREFIGHTER -- I CAN TELL BY YOUR PAST POSTS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING, SO DON'T TAKE THIS AS A SLAM. I PUT A SET OF HOOKER SUPER COMP.S ON A 71 SHORT FLEET, WITH A 468 & T-400 WITH NO CLEARANCE ISSUES AT ALL. I COULD (& DID) CHANGE MY FULL SIZE GM STOCK STARTER WITHOUT LOOSENING MY HEADERS. I'M NOT DOUBTING THE FACT THAT YOU EXPERIANCED CLEARANCE PROBLEMS, BUT I'VE BEEN USING HOOKER & DOUG THORLY HEADERS EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS, & HAVE HAD NO LESS THAN A DOZEN SETS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS. IN MY OPINION THEY ARE SOME OF THE BEST HEADERS MONEY CAN BUY. JOHN __________________ junkyardjohn 69 1 TON TOW TRUCK // 84 4WD CUCV BLAZER// 85 1 TON 4WD STAKE TRUCK// 86 M1031 5/4 TON 4WD CUCV// ALOT OF OLD TRUCKS FOR ONE OLD MAN TO DRIVE. THERES ROOM FOR ALL OF GODS CREATURES RIGHT NEXT TO MY MASHED POTATOES// LIFE MEMBER OF P.E.T.A (PEOPLE EATING TASTY ANIMALS) DON'T RENT U-HAUL ALWAYS TELL THE TRUTH IT WILL AMAZE PART OF THE PEOPLE & ASTONISH THE REST

01-16-2004, 12:55 AM	#22
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I appreciate all of the input here. The headers do fit. I mean, they bolt on and don't actually touch the stock starter, but it's too close for me. With that weird bend under the starter, the header is going to have to be pulled anytime the starter has to come off. With the header tube less than a 1/4 inch from the starter, it's going to wind up eating starters on a regular basis. I was trying to avoid all of the hassle by getting the little high torque starter right up front. Pulling the header to remove the starter is going to wind up scratching the coating on them as well as having to buy gaskets every time too. To the one guy, no, I definitely have BB mounts, no doubt, but the engine is still on the engine stand anyway. I was trying to sort out all of these problems before ever trying to stab the engine in. I know how I am, and lying on my back under the truck with brand new 369 dollar coated headers getting beaten on trying to change a starter is too much for me. These headers have the Hooker part number stamped into each one. I checked the number and they are definitely the right ones. The tech guys recomended that I simply run the smaller 12 3/4 inch flywheel and mount the mini starter in the inboard set of holes. I tried it and it clears by a mile that way, but no one makes a 12 3/4 inch flywheel for a 454. The 454 uses a special counterweighted flywheel different from any other bigblock. The jerk at Hooker told me had the same problem with his 71 truck with a 402 and he just used the small flywheel and starter. When I told him that that doesn't exist for a 454 he had no answer. My neighbor is a GM dealer parts guy and absolute guru on all things GM. That smaller flywheel simply doesn't exist for a 454 and automatic transmission. I considered shorty headers, but no one ever could give me the details as to what fits and how much of the frame lip they had to trim to make them fit. The internet is full of "I heard that Chevelle shortys fit", but not many guys have stepped up and done the install and supplied details. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-16-2004, 12:55 AM	#23
Oborny71 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 587	hooker makes great headers, they were probably just the wrong kind of BB headers for your truck. I'm sure there are a set that will fit. Its frusterating , but don't give up! headers are one of the best investments you can make. One of the few performance mods than can add a decent amount of HP, AND improve gas milege at the same time. Headers can easily make a 20-25 hp difference. __________________ 67 Chevy SWB - goal of a 1,000 hp weekend cruiser

01-16-2004, 01:01 AM	#24
hobby67stepside Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 952	I think the headers I got were a Chevelle BB application. Call Summit with the numbers I submitted above and see.

01-16-2004, 01:06 AM	#25
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	call some header companys... or even better email them asking for pics of big blocks with their headers... to show clearance http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat WLK-86022 Chevrolet/GMC: 1968-87 396-454, 1/2-3/4 ton trucks, 1 3/4 in. primary tubes, 3 in. collectors, ceramic coated,... have you looked into those at all? DTE-303Y Chevrolet/GMC: 1973-87 396-454 C5 Blazer/Jimmy and C10-35 pickup, 1975-89 366-454 Class A motorhomes, 14 gauge... doug thorley makes headers for motorhomes.... they might work? http://store.summitracing.com/produc...earchtype=ecat man i hope you figure this out! __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9" Last edited by dinnut; 01-16-2004 at 01:15 AM.

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