SS/B Barracuda project

Stefan the hooker 5481 headers are what I have for my project because
I was able to find a used set for a low price. They have 2 1/4" tubes and
from everything I have read are a terrible and difficult fit.
The hooker headers that came stock on these cars have 1 7/8" tubes
and fit without any denting of the tubes. I have seen the originals and was
suprised they were not beat with hammers. I have come across one set
of the original headers for sale and they were missing a tube. They were
also out of my price range.
If you would like some photos of the original headers let me know and I
can get them to you.
I am going to have to try the 5481s on my car and am hoping for the best but am expecting
problems. I hope it is no more than adding some dents but could be replacing tubes?
Will know more when the engine bay is ready and can do a trial fit.
It does seem every pair of used 5481 headers I come across has been beat pretty good.
And not all in the same place. To me that means that guys are not all getting their engines
sitting in the same place or hooker has consistency issues. Likely both.
If they are real bad I will end up having to make a custom set myself. This is common on
these cars as they vary a lot car to car on components used to build them.
TTI makes a good looking set but they differ from the originals and the 5481's in that they
tuck the pipes up close to the floor pan like a street header and are built to use their exhaust
system. Dont have the race header slip on collectors and don't look right at all from a vintage
perspective. So they are not a option for me. I won't put mufflers on a race hemi myself.