Hooker comp header quality

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Rustie

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I purchasesld these headers for a 318 build but the quality seems suspect at least. I wonder if they will seal (I have copper gaskets) or if I should try to reorder. In a few spots theres only about 1/16" of flange face between port and bolt holes, there is also a few spots of burnt out spots on the flange face from welding. They are hookers competition headers #5902. Around $250.00. Thanks for your input.


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Yea, that’s normal, welcome to the one size fits all header and crap quality control care issue we have been dealing with in those types of headers since they were made new 50 years ago.

I use Mr. Gasket Ultra Seals.
Never copper gaskets.
 
Use the cardboard/paper gaskets and soak them in hot water for about 20 minutes before installing them to let them swell up a little so they seal better....
 
I also have a set of the aluminum layered gaskets, would those be a better choice than using the copper ones?
 
I used some dynomax ceramic coated headers from about 15 years ago and flanges were much cleaner than the hookers. I always thought hookers were better quality.
 
I use rem flex gaskets on fenderwell headers.
Best possible IMO.
Also used on magnum intakes on projects.
All I can do is suggest.....
You shouldnt be upset you did.

Dave
 
I purchasesld these headers for a 318 build but the quality seems suspect at least. I wonder if they will seal (I have copper gaskets) or if I should try to reorder. In a few spots theres only about 1/16" of flange face between port and bolt holes, there is also a few spots of burnt out spots on the flange face from welding. They are hookers competition headers #5902. Around $250.00. Thanks for your input.


View attachment 1715472603


View attachment 1715472604

View attachment 1715472605

Check the destructions real close. When I installed the Hookers on my '72, they neglected to add to the instructions that the drag link has to go through the driver side header. Have a ball joint splitter handy. :BangHead:
 
My concern is mostly the pic with the pencil in it, the metal between port and bolt hole isnt much bigger than the pencil lead and there's about a quarter inch of gasket overhang in the port hole on the header flange. I suppose I could build it up with weld to gasket match and give it a bit more to mate to.
 
Check the destructions real close. When I installed the Hookers on my '72, they neglected to add to the instructions that the drag link has to go through the driver side header. Have a ball joint splitter handy. :BangHead:

I used to run dougs headers on the hemi , back in the day . A small time sponser / friend bought us some hookers when they first started getting a hold around here. the hemi actually blew the first set apart , he then gave us a second set , it blew them apart , in a few too. IT WAS A WELD ON THEM REPAIR , FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE WE GOT THEM TO STAY TOGETHER , WONT RUN THEM ANY MORE .

friggin caps button !
 
I used to run dougs headers on the hemi , back in the day . A small time sponser / friend bought us some hookers when they first started getting a hold around here. the hemi actually blew the first set apart , he then gave us a second set , it blew them apart , in a few too. IT WAS A WELD ON THEM REPAIR , FOR A LONG TIME BEFORE WE GOT THEM TO STAY TOGETHER , WONT RUN THEM ANY MORE .

friggin caps button !


They beefed them up quite a bit, the flange on the ones I purchased for a small block LA are 5/16" now tubes are 16ga I believe.
 
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