Headers Won't Fit

[BlueSS454]

I have a set of Hooker Comp headers for the Charger and I can't get them to fit for the life of me.  I've tried everything I can think of and the left one still hits the power steering box with #5 exhaust tube.  I know these headers fit this car, I've looked at several other 68-70 big block cars with Hooker Comp headers and they have plenty of clearance.  I put new engine mounts and made sure they were on the block properly, I tried shifting the trans mount over slightly and no dice.  The PS box won't shift at all.  Anyone have any ideas because I am stumped 

[70charger_boy]

I had the same problem with mine.  You have to install them from the bottom. The car has to be 36 inches from the ground and turn your steering wheel all the way to the left or right.
Here are instructions.  They say small block instalation, but it will work for big block
http://static.summitracing.com/global/images/instructions/hok-5901hkr.pdf

[BlueSS454]

I might need to clarify here.  I got them up to the engine bay, but the one tube is in contact with the power steering box.  THe left one right now is bolted on to the cylinder head.

[70charger_boy]

I might need to clarify here.  I got them up to the engine bay, but the one tube is in contact with the power steering box.  THe left one right now is bolted on to the cylinder head.

I've heard of people denting the tube with a hammer to make it clear the steering box

[BlueSS454]

I'm not denting a set of $500 headers.  Someone let me borrow these headers to see if they work on this application, so I have not paid for them yet anyways.  I know they fit without modifications because I've seen them on other Chargers.  Something isn't right and I'm trying to figure out what it is.  So far I have ruled out the engine and tranny mounts.

[justin1987]

I would forget the headers and get a set of HP manifolds. There really isn't a good way to keep the headers from rubbing the power steering box (that I know of anyway).

[BlueSS454]

Here are some pics of how the headers are sitting now.  I talked to a guy in the Hooker division of Holley Performance today.  THey pretty much told me I'm SOL on this and would have to modify them to fit, which I wasn't too happy to hear.  They mentioned that B body Chrysler vehicles with RB engines have between 1/4"-3/4" of clearance with their Comp headers.  Can anyone else confirm this or ever hear of this?

[70charger_boy]

When I was looking for headers Jim from TTI told me that was a common problem for aftermarket b body headers.  It sucks, but if you really want headers you have to go with the TTI's

[firefighter3931]

TTI make the best fitting headers...by far. The TTI's hug the block tight.....much tighter than the hookers. I tried both on my engine when we had it strapped to the dyno and the TTI's were so tight that they hit the rear fixture that mounts to the back of the engine. The Hookers on the other hand had plenty of room....at least an inch or more. This basicly means that the Hookers (wider at the collector) would be much closer to the steering linkage/torsion bars as compared to the TTI's. Almost everyone i know using Hookers has had to modify them in one way or another. 


Ron

[Brock Samson]

i swear by my TTIs. it they had a decal i'd put it in my back window. 

[srpntlair1]

Also using summit which are basically the same as hedmann on a 3rd gen, same problem...it's the configuration of b-body and steering column any year I believe. had to dent mine and jack the motor mount to get it not to "sit" on the gear box. also was a pain to fit it and the starter, had to put both in loose at the same time then bolt them up. spend the money or hit it....that's about all the options you got

[moparguy01]

to put a set of headers on a big block third gen charger is a exercise in futility. They boil the power steering fluid, and bake starters. I had some, then pulled them off and threw them right into the trash.

[chargerbr549]

I have a 69 R/T Charger 440 auto with hooker comp hedders on it with 1 7/8 tubes and I think the number was 5901 or 5903 I don't remember, I just went out and looked at it and I have about a 1/2" clearance on second tube back and 1/4" clearance on the third tube from my powersteering gear, I have had these hedders for about 20 years and haven't had any major problems with them although I need to paint them again. They also tuck up under the car real nice and I haven't had to change the starter yet (knock on wood), but for the money I think they are tough to beat.

Kevin

[Purple440]

My headers (hedman) hit the power steering box too.  We installed the headers from the bottom and it took FOREVER but they finally fit.  TTI's would have been nice but oh well.

[RECHRGD]

I've got the same headers on my 440.  I had to put a slight dent in one tube to clear the left side torsion bar, but no problems clearing the steering box.  I don't like the way they capture the starter.  If your starter dies on the road somewhere you've got a major problem.  I put a mini starter on it with a heat sheild, but that's one thing that's always on my mind when far from home.   Bob