Hooker Header 2452 install problem - do I have a defective one ?

[Green Machine]

Bought a pair of the hooker 2452 headers to go on out 1970 C10 with a small block, based mostly on the positive comments from others on here that have used them.

The number 7 tube hits the frame. Look at the pic, you can see that the number 7 tube sits about 3/4 inch higher than the other tube, and that is right where it hits the frame, and it looks like I would have to take about 3/4 out of the frame in that spot to clear.

I can understand a little clearancing, but I don't see why that tube has to sit so high. Is anyone else running these headers and do the tubes look like these ? I think these were just made wrong ?

HELP.............

[Green Machine]

Anyone running these ?

[jrb71c20]

I believe those are the same ones I just put in mine last week I'll check that side again in the morning and see how the pipes fit

[Green Machine]

Thanks - would be good to know

If anyone else wants to chime in please feel free

[Psycho71]

Looks like the same headers I'm running, but mine are not coated. I do not remember the part number on mine.

Mine went in with no fitment problems at all. No clearencing, and very little cussing involved. One went in from the bottom, I do remember that, but nothing unusual about that either.

But just like everything else I like, they don't play well with others. I have to run multi-angle plugwire boots, so I can bend them to the correct angle where I need it. Neither all 90's, or all straights will work. All 45's might, but with the multi angle's, I just bent them as needed. And the spark plug wire looms I bought won't work with the headers. The 1&2 primary tubes get in the way of mounting them to the valve cover bolts like they're designed to be installed.

How are your motor mounts? If they're squashed really bad, I could see that causing an issue. Was your truck a SBC truck from the factory? If not the motor might not be in the original location.

If all else fails, call Holley's tech line. They should be able to give you the correct part number, if the one you have isn't. At least you'd have someone to gripe at about it. LOL


Jay

[Green Machine]

I did call Holley/Hooker and that is the right part #. If anyone could just shoot a pic of the number 7 tube and post it up that would help.

Mounts are almost new, and yes this was a 6 banger truck to start with but a donor truck furnished the SBC frame towers and it is installed in the correct forward stock location.

[Psycho71]

If no-one else posts any before I get home, I'll try to remember to get a pic of mine tonight when I get home.

Are your headers "comps" or "super comps"? Mine are plain ole comps, with a 2.5" collector. Looks like your's are too, just making sure.


Jay

[Green Machine]

Yep - just Comps - 2452-1hkr - Ceramic coated.

But I will take a pic of anything 2452 , painted, chrome or whatever, the pipes should be the same.

Thanks

[crazy longhorn]

#7 tube hits on the bottom lip of the frame? I have # 2452 (painted), but am mounted in I 6 position. Everything clears the frame on my truck, but I could see that it might be a problem with the eng in the foward position. The sb V8 stands slide the eng ahead 3 1/2" from the I 6 spot. there is plenty of lip on the frame, IMHO, I would trim it & not even worry crazyL

[hvychve]

Not sure as to where your clearance problem lies from the picture outside of the vehicle, I bought a set of hooker super comps, coated, and didnt have clearance problems, I since have installed a big block and are sittin in box, however, you dont have saggn engine mounts ?????

[roughedup72]

I have the same headers and mine were a pain in the ass to put on. The pass. side needs to go in from the bottom and if I'm not mistaken I seem to remember installing the drivers side from underneith as well. And it is real close but once it is in and you start snugging them down they will not hit. My engine is in the factory location in the front holes, or atleast I think thats factory.

[Green Machine]

Well Summit delivered a new set this afternoon, and the replacement looks to be made a little better, the problem tube seem to tuck in closer. I am out of town right now, but my boys are out in the garage right now going to see if they can get these to fit while the wife and I relax in the hotel room. Man it sure is nice to have great kids !!!!!!!!

I'll post back once we find out, but I am still open for suggestions and tips. There is a reason I haven't had a vehicle with headers for over 20 years, The last one was a Vega with a 400 SBC, now I know why I had clearance problems in that, but a huge old truck should be able to fit sewer pipes in there. Oh, my fond memories of headers are starting to return.

[Green Machine]

An update - got the new set from Summit, #7 tube still sticks out a little farther than necessary imho, but not near as much as the first set. The frame on the drivers side still had to be clearanced about 1/4 in deep for about an inch, but we can live with that. Passenger side went right on with no problems and the starter can be put on later (or removed) without taken the header off.

They seem to tuck up nice under the truck, plug access is good and the plug wires, we ran them underneath, seem to clear everthing good. Overall, pretty happy now with the fit, and would likely buy these again. I can get a few pics if anyone is interested.

[Fast Orange]

Longshot here since the original post is 14 years old. Can you post pictures of the headers installed? I'm curious about your original frame issue along with how close the headers come to the lower A-arm (driver side mainly, but interested in passenger as well). And anyone else who installed the Hooker 2542 - please post your pics as well!

Thanks!

[un4gvn!]

The biggest problem is when you pull the 6 banger and install the v8, you have to move the frame towers to the forward holes using small block frame towers.