The Header Hooker Shoulda Built

[74-StreetMachine]

  Several years ago I bought a set of Hooker Competition headers.1-7/8" tube size.  I don't need to tell you all but they totally sucked,  but I used them anyways. Naturally I had to dent the tubes to make clearance around the plugs but it wasn't enough and a kept burning the wires, mainly the boots.
   I just had my 440 rebuilt and was debating which way to go with the exhaust. I have cast iron manifolds I could use but they can be restrictive. I checked into the build your own kits but they run around $550.00. I can't afford TTI or Shumacker headers so all I have left are my crappy Hookers headers. Soooo  I decided to re configure them. Actually the left side doesn't fit too bad, it was the right side that caused the problem. Major interference with three of the four plug wires, poor access to the bolts and they hit the inner fender.
Here are some before and after pictures. They aren't equal length anymore but, I don't care.

Randy

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/74dodge@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/f70a&.dnm=f0f7.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/74dodge@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/f70a&.dnm=3532.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/74dodge@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/f70a&.dnm=4ae9.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/74dodge@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/f70a&.dnm=becb.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/74dodge@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/f70a&.dnm=2bd3.jpg&.src=ph

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/74dodge@sbcglobal.net/detail?.dir=/f70a&.dnm=d61f.jpg&.src=ph

[hemihead nc]

  Nice job !!! I dont think equal lenght is such a big deal, and it doesn't look like you missed the mark by that much !!

[Khyron]

I wish I could weld.

Nice job

[69hemi]

Much easier to get to the plugs but do they still fit the car?

[74-StreetMachine]

  They fit in the car better than ever. When I first installed them I had to dent the inner fenderwell.      Now I can fit my fist inbetween there.

Khyron, I bought a Hobart wire welder, the biggest one I could get that still ran on 110v. Cost around $450. It's WAY easy to use. Get one !!! You wont regret it.  But don't use flux core wire,it spatters everywhere. Use regular wire, buy a bottle and at least use CO2 as a shielding gas.  You can use a CO2 / Argon mix but it's not really necessary. And besides, it costs more. Then get some scrap steel and have at it. Pull the trigger and you're welding. 

[Khyron]

i'll have to check into that.... then i'll understand half of what you just said 

[Silver R/T]

equal length does matter, at least if you like to gain hp that is

[Khyron]

it's not the length, it's how it's used...


is that what you're trying to say? 

[clausoe]

Does anyone make equal length headers for chargers at all? I know the expensive TTI's are not.

[chrisII]

nicely done!   actually i have bouth a 110 and a 220 flux core welder the 110 is an ultra cheepie that they sell at walmart. sold by cambel housfield dont know who makes it but ive had it like 8 years and beat the tar out of it. if you set your wire speed right it welds very nice , it does make more spatter but i have used it on a couple of exhaust systems without problem..it is useless for body work tho..I bought the 220 ( a linclon) to do heavyer stuff,(race car roll cages) and it can be used with or without gas. ive never used it with gas but hopefully it is better with , its always welded like poo and i have replaced the transformer already. it has had about 1/8 as much wire through it as the 110. i do have a bottle of gas from my tig system that i am going to try with it soon mabey that will help.
    for a beginer welder the litle 110 is kinda nice since it only has a high /low switch for current, and a dial for wire speed. its also nice for at the track repairs where all i have for power is a generator