Hooker or Hedman Headers? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Psycho71 · 05-27-2006, 07:31 PM

It's time to purchase a new set of headers. After changing the gaskets I discovered that my cheapies (came on the truck) have developed a small hole in the #1 primary tube. I am needing info on the construction methods of Hooker and Hedman base line of headers (for SB Chevy).

I know some header manufacturers use machined (flat) gasket surfaces, I would like this feature in my new headers (tired of fighting w/gaskets too). Can any of you running these headers tell me if they have this feature, or do I have to go to their premium lines? Also, I have seen pictures of hedman's that have an oddly routed #1&2 primary tubes. Anyone using these? If so, what are the advantages?

I just do not want the plain ol' flange set-up that only allows 1/16"-1/8" contact of the gasket. I am thinking that the machined flanges would allow more surface area to contact thus resulting in fewer, and farther between, gasket changes.

Any info y'all can offer is apreciated. As the both manufacturers sites do not give this info. You would think they would. I would think it is a major selling point. But that is me.

Thanks,
Jay

**Ricks1971** · 05-27-2006, 07:51 PM

I like Doug Thorley headers myself.
http://www.dougthorleyheaders.com/

Psycho71 · 05-27-2006, 08:07 PM

How much $$$$ are they. They look pretty cool. It is definately something I've never seen.

Jay

QKENUF4U · 05-27-2006, 09:56 PM

hedman experiences are ok with me - mostly the paint burns off in a week and you have WHITE headers and they seemed kinda cheaply built (ie. the price)
HOOKER experiences are better - paint stayed black long/on more of the header and they are very nicely built
THORLEY stuff never have used but from what ive seen/heard they are super nice quality but $$$$$$

**Ricks1971** · 05-27-2006, 10:03 PM

nice set here cheap!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

Longhorn Man · 05-27-2006, 10:04 PM

I had a set of hookers on my last truck, and I love them.

Psycho71 · 05-27-2006, 10:29 PM

OK I'm bidding on the set posted on Ebay. And will watch to see what they end up selling for. What do the Thorley headers go for new? I'm sure I'm not willing to bid that high, those things just look expensive.

Jay

57sailplane · 05-27-2006, 10:32 PM

if your going to run high rpm all the time the hookers and headman are a good choice but if your are going to run lower rpm get the thorleys they produce more low end torque and mid range horspower..

76bonanza · 05-27-2006, 10:59 PM

Are the thorleys full lenght and do they exit really low? Also will the nickel blue?

49studebaker · 05-27-2006, 11:30 PM

I can't tell you exactly how the flange is made on my Hookers, but they have been awesome on my '85 Chevy truck. They've been on there for 8-10 years and I've never had to change gaskets because of leaks. When I installed the engine, I had planned on running stock exhaust manifolds because of the previous luck I'd had with header leaks. But I was told to buy the Hookers and I'm glad I did.

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tom71 · 05-28-2006, 12:05 AM

put the cheapie hooker headers on my blazer and really like them they were 160 or so from summit

Gray Ghost · 05-28-2006, 12:34 AM

I prefer Hedmans for both fit and finish. I have a set on my CST and love them. Never had a problem before with leaks and I've had several sets.

mbgmike · 05-28-2006, 02:06 AM

Iprefer headman didn't he die this year?

mbgmike · 05-28-2006, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricks1971

I like Doug Thorley headers myself.
http://www.dougthorleyheaders.com/

good tuff too

cdowns · 05-28-2006, 08:03 AM

hedman headers fit good thier quality is good BUT they hang alot below the frame so they're not so good with a lowered truck

Gray Ghost · 05-28-2006, 09:15 AM

Yep your are right. When I got mine it was a ground scraper [I can't stand them lowered THAT much] in the front. I'd bet it was a 6"/4" drop. The headers caught on the sliding platform over the deep well at the oil change station where I got my inspection. Thank God I got it raised back up to stock height!!!

**MikeB** · 05-28-2006, 12:08 PM

If you want heavy duty, try a set of Hedman Elite headers. They use thick wall tubing and 3/8" flanges. In fact, one header weighs as much as a pair of cheapies. However, their "high-temp" coating is nothing more than silver high-temp paint, and you'll start to see surface rust after a few months. Although, they may now offer a ceramic-coated version.

Psycho71 · 05-28-2006, 11:38 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEBI%3AIT&rd=1

OK, they are now going for more than I'm willing to pay @$237.50. Summit sells them for $329. If I really want them that bad I guess I'll order from them and get new.

I might be stupid, but it looks to me as if someone is pumping the price of these header. A bidder is bidding more than once, sometimes three times, before another even gets a chance. Is this normal? I do not buy alot off of ebay but this seems blatent to me.

Anyone else bidding on them?

Jay

JRB · 05-28-2006, 11:49 PM

Hookers are the cheapest, Headman is better quality with thicker flanges and the welds are better. But the bottom line is you cant beat a set of Thorleys for quality but you will pay for them.
JRB

1LoC10 · 06-05-2006, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psycho71

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEBI%3AIT&rd=1

OK, they are now going for more than I'm willing to pay @$237.50. Summit sells them for $329. If I really want them that bad I guess I'll order from them and get new.

I might be stupid, but it looks to me as if someone is pumping the price of these header. A bidder is bidding more than once, sometimes three times, before another even gets a chance. Is this normal? I do not buy alot off of ebay but this seems blatent to me.

Anyone else bidding on them?

Jay

if you place a bid, it will ask you for your maximum that you are willing to bid... if someone else bids higher than your bid, but less that your max, it will atomatic make your next bid that much and out bid the other guy..... does that make sense?
thats why you see 3 or 4 or more bids in a row by the same person.. his max is more than whoe bid after him, therefore his bid raises to what they bid, but it does not show there bid...lol

LUV2XCLR8 · 06-05-2006, 08:03 PM

I have Hedman "Elite" Headers on "GQ" and I luv them, Ball flanges
instead of the basic collectors, thick flanges on the heads, ceramic
coated finish, and they were less than $300 shipped to my door

Sweet72 · 06-05-2006, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

Are the thorleys full lenght and do they exit really low? Also will the nickel blue?

A co-worker has a set of Thorley's on his pickup, they're tri-y design, and yes, the first few inches of the primary tubes turned blue.

farmtruckIII · 06-05-2006, 10:27 PM

I guess I got to this a bit late, hooker makes the best SB truck headers, they are good for the low end grunt. They have 1 1/2" tubes and use a 2 1/2" collector, just right for torque. The hedmans primarily use 1 5/8" tubes and a 3" collector more of a traditional header they make great mid rpm range power.

Olden Days · 11-09-2006, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

I have Hedman "Elite" Headers on "GQ" and I luv them, Ball flanges
instead of the basic collectors, thick flanges on the heads, ceramic
coated finish, and they were less than $300 shipped to my door

Luv, can you post a part # for these? thanks

71chevylowrider · 11-09-2006, 01:45 PM

these Hooker super competition ceramic coated headers have been on this truck for over 4 years, & they look & perform perfect, no leaks, & no discoloration at all.

05-27-2006, 07:51 PM	#2
Ricks1971 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Clarkrange Tennessee Posts: 1,787	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? I like Doug Thorley headers myself. http://www.dougthorleyheaders.com/

05-27-2006, 08:07 PM	#3
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? How much $$$$ are they. They look pretty cool. It is definately something I've never seen. Jay __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels!

05-27-2006, 09:56 PM	#4
QKENUF4U Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: SUNNY WARM BIKE RIDING COTTONWOOD ARIZONA Posts: 2,097	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? hedman experiences are ok with me - mostly the paint burns off in a week and you have WHITE headers and they seemed kinda cheaply built (ie. the price) HOOKER experiences are better - paint stayed black long/on more of the header and they are very nicely built THORLEY stuff never have used but from what ive seen/heard they are super nice quality but $$$$$$

05-27-2006, 10:03 PM	#5
Ricks1971 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Clarkrange Tennessee Posts: 1,787	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? nice set here cheap! http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT

05-27-2006, 10:04 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? I had a set of hookers on my last truck, and I love them.

05-27-2006, 07:31 PM	#1
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Hooker or Hedman Headers? It's time to purchase a new set of headers. After changing the gaskets I discovered that my cheapies (came on the truck) have developed a small hole in the #1 primary tube. I am needing info on the construction methods of Hooker and Hedman base line of headers (for SB Chevy). I know some header manufacturers use machined (flat) gasket surfaces, I would like this feature in my new headers (tired of fighting w/gaskets too). Can any of you running these headers tell me if they have this feature, or do I have to go to their premium lines? Also, I have seen pictures of hedman's that have an oddly routed #1&2 primary tubes. Anyone using these? If so, what are the advantages? I just do not want the plain ol' flange set-up that only allows 1/16"-1/8" contact of the gasket. I am thinking that the machined flanges would allow more surface area to contact thus resulting in fewer, and farther between, gasket changes. Any info y'all can offer is apreciated. As the both manufacturers sites do not give this info. You would think they would. I would think it is a major selling point. But that is me. Thanks, Jay __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels!

05-27-2006, 10:29 PM	#7
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? OK I'm bidding on the set posted on Ebay. And will watch to see what they end up selling for. What do the Thorley headers go for new? I'm sure I'm not willing to bid that high, those things just look expensive. Jay __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels!

05-27-2006, 10:32 PM	#8
57sailplane Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 583	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? if your going to run high rpm all the time the hookers and headman are a good choice but if your are going to run lower rpm get the thorleys they produce more low end torque and mid range horspower..

05-27-2006, 10:59 PM	#9
76bonanza Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St robert Mo Posts: 2,001	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? Are the thorleys full lenght and do they exit really low? Also will the nickel blue? __________________ 1968 c10 lowered 3" 4" 355/Th400 built by Hatfield racing in joplin MO

05-27-2006, 11:30 PM	#10
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? I can't tell you exactly how the flange is made on my Hookers, but they have been awesome on my '85 Chevy truck. They've been on there for 8-10 years and I've never had to change gaskets because of leaks. When I installed the engine, I had planned on running stock exhaust manifolds because of the previous luck I'd had with header leaks. But I was told to buy the Hookers and I'm glad I did. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

05-28-2006, 12:05 AM	#11
tom71 what happened to flint mi Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: san diego Posts: 437	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? put the cheapie hooker headers on my blazer and really like them they were 160 or so from summit __________________ 71 swb 2wd fleet frame off in progress 72 4x4 blazer daily driver 70 olds cutlass s mint condition owned by a grandma 56 gmc 2wd project waitng 97 fiance mobile

05-28-2006, 12:34 AM	#12
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? I prefer Hedmans for both fit and finish. I have a set on my CST and love them. Never had a problem before with leaks and I've had several sets. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

05-28-2006, 02:06 AM	#13
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? Iprefer headman didn't he die this year?

05-28-2006, 08:03 AM	#15
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? hedman headers fit good thier quality is good BUT they hang alot below the frame so they're not so good with a lowered truck __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

05-28-2006, 09:15 AM	#16
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? Yep your are right. When I got mine it was a ground scraper [I can't stand them lowered THAT much] in the front. I'd bet it was a 6"/4" drop. The headers caught on the sliding platform over the deep well at the oil change station where I got my inspection. Thank God I got it raised back up to stock height!!! __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.



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05-28-2006, 12:08 PM	#17
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,544	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? If you want heavy duty, try a set of Hedman Elite headers. They use thick wall tubing and 3/8" flanges. In fact, one header weighs as much as a pair of cheapies. However, their "high-temp" coating is nothing more than silver high-temp paint, and you'll start to see surface rust after a few months. Although, they may now offer a ceramic-coated version. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

05-28-2006, 11:38 PM	#18
Psycho71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kaufman, Tx Posts: 827	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...MEBI%3AIT&rd=1 OK, they are now going for more than I'm willing to pay @$237.50. Summit sells them for $329. If I really want them that bad I guess I'll order from them and get new. I might be stupid, but it looks to me as if someone is pumping the price of these header. A bidder is bidding more than once, sometimes three times, before another even gets a chance. Is this normal? I do not buy alot off of ebay but this seems blatent to me. Anyone else bidding on them? Jay __________________ You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape. If a hammer doesn't fix it, you have an electrical problem! Slot Cars, 1:24 Scale, 100MPH@100,000RPM, fastest things on wheels! Last edited by Psycho71; 05-28-2006 at 11:42 PM.

05-28-2006, 11:49 PM	#19
JRB Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 287	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? Hookers are the cheapest, Headman is better quality with thicker flanges and the welds are better. But the bottom line is you cant beat a set of Thorleys for quality but you will pay for them. JRB

06-05-2006, 08:03 PM	#21
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,482	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? I have Hedman "Elite" Headers on "GQ" and I luv them, Ball flanges instead of the basic collectors, thick flanges on the heads, ceramic coated finish, and they were less than $300 shipped to my door __________________ 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

06-05-2006, 10:27 PM	#23
farmtruckIII 71 GMC 454/TH400 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Blue Mound TX Posts: 214	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? I guess I got to this a bit late, hooker makes the best SB truck headers, they are good for the low end grunt. They have 1 1/2" tubes and use a 2 1/2" collector, just right for torque. The hedmans primarily use 1 5/8" tubes and a 3" collector more of a traditional header they make great mid rpm range power. __________________ "The bigger you are the harder you fall, the farther you walk the longer you crawl."

11-09-2006, 01:45 PM	#25
71chevylowrider Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Vancouver, WA Posts: 1,015	Re: Hooker or Hedman Headers? these Hooker super competition ceramic coated headers have been on this truck for over 4 years, & they look & perform perfect, no leaks, & no discoloration at all. Attached Images

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