Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

[Scott H.]

I recently purchased a 69 project car. It has a rebuilt 350 crate motor (never fired) with Hooker long tube headers. Prior to the crate motor being installed the car had after market sidepipes. I would like to keep it a sidepipe car. What sidepipes will work with the long tube headers I have if any or will I have to replace them, if so with what? Seeing that it's not a numbers matching car I'd like to maximize it's performance. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Scott

[Thomas C.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Scott, If you keep the long tube headers, you will have to fabricate some custom connections to the sidepipes. The simplest solution would be to put some stock exhaust manifolds on the car and buy some aftermarket pipes from any one of several vendors like Allens, Corvette Central or Sweet Thunder. I am assuming you have factory style 1969 sidepipe covers? Tom

[Scott H.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Tom,

I appreciate your feedback, unfortunately I do not have the original or after market sidepipe covers. I did however purchase the stock sidepipe manifolds at Bloomington Gold this year. My intention is to modify the car for performance. If I install the stock sidepipe manifolds, won't that significiantly reduce the performance gains I would receive from the Hooker long tubes? I would think that if I could get away with reusing the new Hooker's I would be better off in regards to performance. Do you know of anyone who has connected sidepipes to long tube headers? Is it just a minor cupplor which can be fabricated by any exhaust shop to reuse the long tubes? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

[Clem Z.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Tom,

I appreciate your feedback, unfortunately I do not have the original or after market sidepipe covers. I did however purchase the stock sidepipe manifolds at Bloomington Gold this year. My intention is to modify the car for performance. If I install the stock sidepipe manifolds, won't that significiantly reduce the performance gains I would receive from the Hooker long tubes? I would think that if I could get away with reusing the new Hooker's I would be better off in regards to performance. Do you know of anyone who has connected sidepipes to long tube headers? Is it just a minor cupplor which can be fabricated by any exhaust shop to reuse the long tubes? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

the only power advantage the hookers have is when they are uncapped. if you try and use them with the side pipes the power will be lower than with a stock exhaust system because of the bends needed to connect to the side pipes. if you want to use the hookers i would run a under car exhaust system to get the best power benefit.

[Duke W.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Headers are pretty much a total waste unless they are run open and you have a high overlap camshaft.

The OE manifolds and under the car exhaust system, especially with the off-road mufflers are pretty tough to beat, especially if you look at the total performance range - off idle to valvetrain limiting speed.

Search "327 LT-1" here and then follow the links to the Corvette Forum to see all the dyno tests including chassis and lab with both headers and manifolds.

Duke

[Scott H.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Duke,

I appreciate the advise. I think I'm going to abandon the sidepipes in favor of the stock exhaust. One question, what exhaust system should I use? I need a solution from my headers back. Not looking to break the bank. Any advice you can provide would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Scott

[Duke W.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

My advice is to ditch the headers and get some OE manifolds so you can use a full OE exhaust system.

If you keep the headers you will need front pipes to connect the headers to the rear OE exhaust system sections.

I don't know if such is available off the shelf.

You might ask the header manufacturer or post a question on The Corvette Forum.

Duke

[Jack H.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Plus, the use of headers often complicate associated factory stock items. Like interfering with or not providing 'support' for other engine bolt-on items. And, I've seen more than one owner with a header equipped engine burn stock wiring components like spark plug wires...

[Wayne P.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Scott. Take the car to an exhaust specialist . They can make a reducer pipe to hook up to either side pipes or under car exhaust. I have long headers and off road exhaust on my 64. I also wrapped the front connector pipe to insulate it from the heat. You can also get insulators for the wires.
I like the deep sound. Have fun and enjoy the project.

[Scott H.]

Re: Hooker Long Tube Headers / Sidepipes C3

Wayne,

I appreciate the feedback. I contacted Hooker & they tell me that they make a bolt on exhaust kit for my Hooker Competition headers. I decided to convert the car back to the original rear exhaust with performance in mind. Can you tell me if the Hooker exhaust system PN# 16521HKR is a wise choice and if so what muffler you would recommend. Hooker tells me I should use PN# 21501HKR. Last but not least, is there any other parts I will need to purchase to install this system. I would like to order everything all at once if possible. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

PS, if you know anyone who has the stock rear valance & rocker moldings for a 69, I would be interested in purchasing them.

Thanks,

Scott