[mg79]

I searched the forum and didn't find anything specific. Does anyone use Hooker Headers 2451-1HKR? I'm looking at a used set for my 79 and would like to know if anyone has direct experience with any clearance/installation/spark plug issues.

Here's the Summit link...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-2451-1hkr/overview/year/1979/make/chevrolet/model/nova

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Philip]

I used the painted version, plug wire clearance is tight and #6 plug is nearly impossible to change. The tube from cylinder 2 is less than .040" from the solenoid on the mini starter.

 

[mg79]

Thanks Philip, since my 305 is stock I think I'll pass on the headers for now and will consider just running downpipes from the stock manifolds and a true dual exhaust.

- Mike

 

[Philip]

If the price is really good you may want to get them. I have had no real issues, but those are the downsides I have found. My starter is a no name unit and the headers have not caused it any problems. One that can be clocked with the solenoid closer to the block or on the bottom would eliminate any heat related problems. Performance wise they work well.

 

[mg79]

At the asking price, by the time I add in gaskets, bolts, collectors/reducers, a/c bracket, I'm nearly at the price of a new set. Waiting to hear back from the seller to see if he'll reduce the price. I have to balance whether the slight performance gain I expect from headers is worth the effort. I'm in no rush to decide since my stock exhaust is in decent shape.

Thanks again for the feedback.
Mike

 

[1977Chad350]

I ran flowtech headers by holley on my old 305 they lasted for years. I would use them again. You can change all plugs. I think I paid $100-110 for a set new with gaskets, bolts, and collectors

 

[mg79]

Thanks, that's kind of the direction I'm headed, have been considering the Jeg's headers and dual exhaust kit. My stumbling block right now is getting the motivation to tear into it.

Appreciate the feedback.

Mike

 

[ss75nova]

Thanks, that's kind of the direction I'm headed, have been considering the Jeg's headers and dual exhaust kit. My stumbling block right now is getting the motivation to tear into it.

Appreciate the feedback.

Mike

Then get motivated :devil:

 

[mg79]

LOL, you are right. My wife keeps telling me the same thing.

Mike

 

[mg79]

OK, ss75nova, you shamed me into it. I ordered the Jegs Header and Exhaust kit. The price was right so if I mess it up I won't be out so much.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/30050K/10002/-1

I'll probably start disassembly this weekend and will update as I go along.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[77-427-5sp]

OK, ss75nova, you shamed me into it. I ordered the Jegs Header and Exhaust kit. The price was right so if I mess it up I won't be out so much.

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performance-Products/555/30050K/10002/-1

I'll probably start disassembly this weekend and will update as I go along.

Thanks,
Mike

wow i wish they had cheap kits like that when i did my 77 305 in 1985
it been a couple of days you must be all done by now

 

[mg79]

Jeg's Header/Exhaust Install

Oh yeah, I'm done LOL. I finished disassembly a couple of hours ago. It went pretty smoothly, final step today was getting the a/c compressor out of the way and removing the exhaust manifold. It will be awhile before the new exhaust goes in. Now that I have some more working room, I really need to clean up the block, locate a messy oil leak and do some other things that I've been putting off. Although the Jeg's kit looks pretty decent, the headers both have some scratches so I need to repaint them. Can I paint over the existing paint or should I remove it?

With the holidays, my goal is to have it back on the road by the end of the month.

Thanks,
Mike