hooker vs. thorley - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pkj · 08-18-2006, 08:10 AM

first i apologize in advance if it seems that i am beating this subject into the ground. i am moving over from engines because i think i will get more response here. i have read all the past threads relating to headers and have narrowed my search down alot. new motor will be 400 sb, new vortec heads, built for torque not high rpm. i want coated long tube headers that fit well and are not prone to leaks. i would rather pay up front for quality and performance, then pay the piper later. the truck (68 long fleet 3 speed) will be lowered 3-4 inchs front so i have discounted headman elites. i would value everyones help on using hooker or thorley. if i choose hooker what is best for my truck, comp or super comp? summit pricing shows the super comp 13/4 a lot cheaper then 15/8 what gives with that? thanks everyone.

junkyardjohn · 08-18-2006, 09:03 AM

Hooker & Doug Thorly Headers Are The Two Best Headers On The Market In My Opinion. They Are All I Ever Buy & Use (unless I Buy A Truck With Headers Already Installed). It's Pretty Hard To Go Wrong With Either One. John

ChevyDude · 08-18-2006, 09:52 AM

IMO...the best headers are a set that don't leak...I've been real lucky with the last two pair of Summit re-names.

pkj · 08-18-2006, 11:50 AM

thanks. i dont think their will be a enough benifit using super comps to justify cost. now it comes down to hooker comps vs. thorleys. which do you guys think my engine will benifit most from? also keeping in mind hookers $379, thorleys $509. thorleys are about $130 more, are they worth it?

Sweet72 · 08-18-2006, 01:14 PM

There are other options. I am considering these...
http://www.stans-headers.com/gm_headers.htm
The main reason I am considering Stans is because of the ball flange collector instead of the 3 bolts and gasket. $401.00 for the "industrial chrome plated". The flange where they bolt up to the head is 3/8" and the tubing is 14ga. just like the Thorleys, whereas the Hooker Comp is 5/16" X 16ga...

bryanw1968 · 08-18-2006, 01:34 PM

Thorley hedders are the real deal. They are nickel plated and extremely thick. The will never rust, worp or leak. I seriously considered them before going with the Hedman Elite(which is the best hedder I've had so far).

PKJ, why were you saying that you had discounted the Elite? My truck is lowered and they are not a problem. However, I am running a 3/4 length hedder.

70rs/ss · 08-18-2006, 01:48 PM

Thorley's are great if you never intend to go over about 4grand rpm, the tri Y is good for down low torqu, but choke the motor up high. I turn 5500-6000 and use Hookers, and If I recall, I paid under $200 from Summit, are you buying ceramic or something to get that high of a quote? Hedmans are OK and have that Ball flange mount for about $2 bills as well. $500 for headers, not me, but check ebay, you can find good used thorley's from time to time.

LUV2XCLR8 · 08-18-2006, 03:32 PM

I have Hedman Elites (Ceramic coated) and could not be happier

pkj · 08-19-2006, 07:57 AM

thanks for all the feedback. the reason i did not select elites, is several members have mentioned long tubes hang low. the thorley is now out because new motor will make power to around 55000. when i look at summit elites they call them shortys or long tubes, so i am not sure what the mid length is or what the power band may be. would like to know more about this header. right now i have narrowed search (by board research) to to hooker comps coated p/n 11-6572hdrs $379.00. the critera i am trying to meet is quality,fit with clutch linkage, material that wont rust to soon. best performance for my motor. work with lowered truck. also let me say i prefer a black header but dont want to put up with rust or burning paint, so coating seems the way to go. thanks pkj

KCW · 08-19-2006, 11:37 AM

Must be a small block cause my big block wont rev. to 55000.....LOL

pkj · 08-19-2006, 12:04 PM

it will be hard to find a tach. thanks for the proof read

bryanw1968 · 08-19-2006, 12:57 PM

The elites should never rust or discolor. They call it a shorty but it's really more like a 3/4 length. With this I gained a little torque but lost a little on the big end. The reason I went with the shorter one is because I didn't want to see the hedder hanging down.

Hooker does make a great product and I'm sure you will be happy with it.
Don't mean to just be preaching the elite only. However, like LUV2XCLR8 mentioned, I couldn't be happier. The ball joint/no collector gasket it probably one of the nicest things about them.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
B-dub

08-18-2006, 08:10 AM	#1
pkj Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: waycross ga. Posts: 438	hooker vs. thorley first i apologize in advance if it seems that i am beating this subject into the ground. i am moving over from engines because i think i will get more response here. i have read all the past threads relating to headers and have narrowed my search down alot. new motor will be 400 sb, new vortec heads, built for torque not high rpm. i want coated long tube headers that fit well and are not prone to leaks. i would rather pay up front for quality and performance, then pay the piper later. the truck (68 long fleet 3 speed) will be lowered 3-4 inchs front so i have discounted headman elites. i would value everyones help on using hooker or thorley. if i choose hooker what is best for my truck, comp or super comp? summit pricing shows the super comp 13/4 a lot cheaper then 15/8 what gives with that? thanks everyone.

08-18-2006, 09:03 AM	#2
junkyardjohn Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SOMERSET KY. Posts: 6,427	Re: hooker vs. thorley Hooker & Doug Thorly Headers Are The Two Best Headers On The Market In My Opinion. They Are All I Ever Buy & Use (unless I Buy A Truck With Headers Already Installed). It's Pretty Hard To Go Wrong With Either One. 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

08-18-2006, 09:52 AM	#3
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: hooker vs. thorley IMO...the best headers are a set that don't leak...I've been real lucky with the last two pair of Summit re-names.

08-18-2006, 11:50 AM	#4
pkj Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: waycross ga. Posts: 438	Re: hooker vs. thorley thanks. i dont think their will be a enough benifit using super comps to justify cost. now it comes down to hooker comps vs. thorleys. which do you guys think my engine will benifit most from? also keeping in mind hookers $379, thorleys $509. thorleys are about $130 more, are they worth it?

08-18-2006, 01:14 PM	#5
Sweet72 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 1,534	Re: hooker vs. thorley There are other options. I am considering these... http://www.stans-headers.com/gm_headers.htm The main reason I am considering Stans is because of the ball flange collector instead of the 3 bolts and gasket. $401.00 for the "industrial chrome plated". The flange where they bolt up to the head is 3/8" and the tubing is 14ga. just like the Thorleys, whereas the Hooker Comp is 5/16" X 16ga... __________________ '72 GMC SWB C1500 Custom, frame-off in progress. 383 SBC, 9:1CR, Comp Cams XE262H, Scat internal balanced crank, Eagle SIR 6" rods, Keith Black dish pistons, Dart Iron Eagle 72/180 heads, Weiand Stealth intake, Stewart stage I water pump, Holley 4bbl vac sec, TH350 with B&M Shift Improver Kit. 12 bolt positraction.

08-18-2006, 01:34 PM	#6
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: hooker vs. thorley Thorley hedders are the real deal. They are nickel plated and extremely thick. The will never rust, worp or leak. I seriously considered them before going with the Hedman Elite(which is the best hedder I've had so far). PKJ, why were you saying that you had discounted the Elite? My truck is lowered and they are not a problem. However, I am running a 3/4 length hedder.

08-18-2006, 01:48 PM	#7
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: hooker vs. thorley Thorley's are great if you never intend to go over about 4grand rpm, the tri Y is good for down low torqu, but choke the motor up high. I turn 5500-6000 and use Hookers, and If I recall, I paid under $200 from Summit, are you buying ceramic or something to get that high of a quote? Hedmans are OK and have that Ball flange mount for about $2 bills as well. $500 for headers, not me, but check ebay, you can find good used thorley's from time to time.

08-18-2006, 03:32 PM	#8
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,476	Re: hooker vs. thorley I have Hedman Elites (Ceramic coated) and could not be happier __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

08-19-2006, 07:57 AM	#9
pkj Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: waycross ga. Posts: 438	Re: hooker vs. thorley thanks for all the feedback. the reason i did not select elites, is several members have mentioned long tubes hang low. the thorley is now out because new motor will make power to around 55000. when i look at summit elites they call them shortys or long tubes, so i am not sure what the mid length is or what the power band may be. would like to know more about this header. right now i have narrowed search (by board research) to to hooker comps coated p/n 11-6572hdrs $379.00. the critera i am trying to meet is quality,fit with clutch linkage, material that wont rust to soon. best performance for my motor. work with lowered truck. also let me say i prefer a black header but dont want to put up with rust or burning paint, so coating seems the way to go. thanks pkj

08-19-2006, 11:37 AM	#10
KCW 1972 GMC 2006 GMC Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 96	Re: hooker vs. thorley Must be a small block cause my big block wont rev. to 55000.....LOL

08-19-2006, 12:04 PM	#11
pkj Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: waycross ga. Posts: 438	Re: hooker vs. thorley it will be hard to find a tach. thanks for the proof read

08-19-2006, 12:57 PM	#12
bryanw1968 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Leander, Texas Posts: 850	Re: hooker vs. thorley The elites should never rust or discolor. They call it a shorty but it's really more like a 3/4 length. With this I gained a little torque but lost a little on the big end. The reason I went with the shorter one is because I didn't want to see the hedder hanging down. Hooker does make a great product and I'm sure you will be happy with it. Don't mean to just be preaching the elite only. However, like LUV2XCLR8 mentioned, I couldn't be happier. The ball joint/no collector gasket it probably one of the nicest things about them. Good luck with whatever you decide. B-dub



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