I installed a set of comp plus headers on my 69 camaro 383. They slipped into place from the bottem without lifting the engine and they cleared the steering box cover BUT they hit where the sector shaft / pitman arm is.
I relieved the clearance problem by denting my ceramic coated very expensive headers:mad:. Has anyone actually cut the header tube and rerouted it to miss an interferance problem? Hooker needs a slap up the side of the head, that problem would not exist if they just moved the header tube 1" over.
Thanks
Maurice:sad:

http://www.camaros.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9081&stc=1&d=1231973449 http://www.camaros.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=9082&stc=1&d=1231973449

got the same problem used hookers for years never had trouble like in my camaro never use them again!!!

What frame and engine mounts do you have ? My Competition headers (now 10 years old) fit with no clearance issues. They are closer to the steering box then yours are. Not a dent though ! My engine appears to sit lower in the chassis. 302/350 frame mounts and Energy Suspension engine mounts.

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii152/tjs69_photos/Header%20to%20PS%20box/000_0421.jpg

Just installed a set of D 368 Dougs, I did not have any of these issues, I have ps box like you do.

I have 10yr old hookers pro comp too and no problem, my car is a 68 is there that much difference in the 68 and 69 engine bay. I was going to buy some new ceramic headers after I got a few miles on the car and a few bucks in the wallet.is your block and heads a 68-69 block was there differences in casting that could cause this issue.

TJS 69 I have the same mounts as you the 302/350 short wide frame stand offs with the engery mounts. The block is a standard 010 four bolt with brodix IK200 heads. This should be no different than a 302 as far as dimensions.

Thats why I got Dougs D-368 headers. :D I couldn't bring myself to hit a new ceramic coated header tube. :eek:

MJM- If your car is a 69 you should have the tall and narrow engine mounts. The short and wide are for 67-68's. If you have '69 302/350 frame stands, and the short and wide engine mounts you will have about 1/4" gap on each side of the mount, where the frame stands join to the engine mounts. You also would have to add about 1/2" shims under the 3-bolts, that bolt to the engine.

Thanks for the reply, I have the correct frame standoffs (wide) and the correct mounts (wide), I know what you are refering too the one type is for the 350 and the other is for the 307. The fan is perfectly centered in the fan shroud so the engine must be in the proper position.
Maurice

I went through the same thing with my Hooker Super Comps. I needed just a little bit of clearance right at the pitman arm nut! I was really dissapointed in Hooker for making them a tight fit. I needed the 1 3/4 header for the engine I built, maybe the extra diameter of the tubing is what was causing the clearance issue. At the time I couldn't afford the ceramic coating on the Hookers, but now looking at Dougs, the coated headers they offer are WAY better priced than Hooker. There in now and I am happy to have moved passed that obstacle. I used Dart Platinum angle plug heads, and the # 5 plug is a pain in the neck to get to. So you're not alone!

How about everyone post the part number to the headers you have so we know exactly what you have. Seems there's some people that say theirs fit fine where others have issues.
Here's what I've found in my experience...The Hooker 1 5/8 (can't remember the part #) always seem to fit fine, the 1 7/8 (Hooker 2207) seem to fit fine, the problem headers for me have always been the 1 3/4 (Hooker 2131). They have always needed the tube by the sector shaft dented, some worse than others. This same header fits Camaro and Nova and I have built both of these multiple times. Each time I figure something must have been wrong with the car on the last project so I end up ordering them again. I actually contacted Hooker about this issue and to check to see if I was using the correct header and they told me that I was the pretty much the only one who ever complained about this to them. Here's their exact quote "You are one of very very few that have said that they have a problem with the 2131."
I highly doubt that I am the only one but that's what I was told.
Anyways, what are the part numbers everyone is using...let's just list Hooker Headers for now to keep this simple.

You hit the nail right on the head My problem headers are the 2131-1 super comps and as you can see by the pic the problem is as you discribed the pitman arm clearance. I would gladly phone hooker and also comment on this issue. If everyone that has had an issue with these headers phoned the same person at hooker maybe they would correct the problem:hurray: I would be interested in knowing if anyone has installed that part number on thier car and not had a problem.
Maurice

Hooker 2131 Super Comps - same issue. 307/327 frame stands and mounts. These headers are HORRIBLE. I replaced with Doug's D368 - the fit is awesome.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/DSCN1323.jpg

Hooker 2131 Super Comps - same issue. 307/327 frame stands and mounts. These headers are HORRIBLE. I replaced with Doug's D368 - the fit is awesome.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/DSCN1323.jpg

My latest project is a '68 Camaro and I am building a 383 for it and after a lot of research it does seem that the vast majority are very happy with Dougs D368 headers so I will no doubt be ordering them for this project. Thanks for posting your header numbers.

Maybe someone with the Dougs D368 headers can post a pic. Just a thought.

1969 Camaro LA car, 360 ci, 2131 super comps blk, 350 mounts, no ps, no ac, M-22, power front discs.

Ground clearance on a Hotchkis lowered car - Doug's D368

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/DSCN0200.jpg

Steering box fitment on same car. They don't come close to hitting anything anywhere. UNequal length tubes. Sparkplug dimple by Doug's - assume for straight plug heads. Mine are angled.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/DSCN0341.jpg

Ground clearance on a Hotchkis lowered car - Doug's D368

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/DSCN0200.jpg

Steering box fitment on same car. They don't come close to hitting anything anywhere. UNequal length tubes. Sparkplug dimple by Doug's - assume for straight plug heads. Mine are angled.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/gort69/DSCN0341.jpg
Any pics from the bottom, pitman arm area? My car is still on stands, I'm going to see if I will encounter some of the ground clearance issues you did with the Hookers. Were able to get rid of the other headers by any chance?
Also, how is the #5 plug to get to? Any easier?

No pics of the pitman with the D368's - and the car isn't here, it's stored for the winter - but as I recall the headers are about a half of a FOOT away from the pitman arm. Plug access is excellent on all 8. IIRC, on a couple of them I use a short plug socket with wrench flats on the end and a box wrench to twist.

Still have the supercomps in the attic.

Al, if I would have had this info last November, I would have approached the header purchase with more caution. I can't believe the 6 inch clearance you have from the pitman arm, as well as spark plug access. Seven out of the eight plugs are a breeze, but like i said the #5 is a B! Thanks for the participation with this thread, I think there is much to be learned from EVERYONE'S posts. Thanks to EVERYONE as well!
Ken

yes 2131-1 1 3/4 super comps on AFR 210s never again !!!

I've a 70Z BBC and looked at Doug's Natural Headers D313-R for $397.95 then looked at Hooker Competitions for $165 (now) and they are identical in design - both are 16 gauge and the Hooker Comps fit great and suit my purpose. They have been on the car for 30 years and take them off every few years to sandblast and paint with POR's Manifold Hi-Heat Aluminum paint.

From what I've read from 1st Gen enthusiasts is that Hooker Super Comps have a clearance problem and the Hooker Competition design doesn't. Granted both are 2" Full tube but special attention is given that the Super Comps tubes are equal in length and, in my opinion, not necessary for the street considering all it takes is a piece of road debris or a speed bump to flatten the tubes; in which case I would sooner pay $165 then $400 plus to replace them.

Sent this off to the Hooker Tech line ...Lets see what happens..


http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=149286
Above is a link to a Camaros.net form I started on a problem with the 2131-1 Comp plus headers. One of the persons on the form contacted someone there and was told they had not recieved any other complaints.. well here are some more people with the same problem. I spent big dollars on my headers and sure hated to modify them to make them fit the application they were built for expecially when only a small change in the design would correct the problem.
Thanks
Maurice McCall (MJM)

Got a reply from the senior production manager please see new post on Hooker 2131 super comp headers.

yes 2131-1 1 3/4 super comps on AFR 210s never again !!!
You might say I'm a little late on this post, but I thought I had to vent. After about 3 years of working on my 72 Nova (which has the same subframe as a 67-69 Camaro) I set my motor in yesterday. My motor and tranny is now being held by my engine hoist while I send my HOOKER 2131s back to Jeg's to exchange them for a set of Dougs 368s. THEY DON"T FIT! Pitman arm issues. 302/350 stands. Very upset with the fitment and quality! X2 with SSDOUG. AFR 210s and Hooker 2131s Never Again! .250 raised exhaust ports. (Give Me A Break) I'm not going to tell you how I really feel!:sad:

I think part numbers would be good on these type of threads....

I think we started out with a small block with hookers comps, I'd imagine 2451's??
1 5/8" tubes, 3" collectors, straight plug only?

Then we morphed into super comps, even a couple of big blocks!!!

fyi, I've had 2 sets of hooker comp #2451 headers in this car (68 SB - 327 mounts and stands) with 3 sets of heads (461 chevy, dart IE 180, AFR 195 eliminator)

I ran the "old" headers with all 3 heads, the darts were angle plugs, otherwise they headers fit good with all 3. 1 collector condierably lower and shorter than the other, prety tight around the steering box.

The "new" 2451's, installed last year, were WAY different. Only run with the AFR's, but they fit real good. No clearance problems at all, BUT I did have to jack the engine to get the drivers side in. Both collectors nice and tight to the body now, so much so I had to have my exhaust system redone, the one that fit the old 2451's would not fit the new ones!!!

Note that both the AFR and the iron eagle heads have a raised exhaust port.

Just installed a set of D 368 Dougs, I did not have any of these issues, I have ps box like you do.
Same here, the 368's fit perfect!!

I am also having header problems with my 69 Camaro that I'm in the process of rebuilding. I installed a set of Hedman headers part number 724490 on the car and the center tube is right next to the power steering box. I have enough room between the two to slide a piece of paper is all. I really don't want to dent them since they are not cheap. I worry about the heat and rubbing. Has anyone alse out there used these headers? The casting number on the steering box is 5691676

I'm getting very nervous about this thread. I have a set of 2131 supercomps in the cellar for a bout 2 yrs waiting for the car to be done. Thats all I need !

So I have a set of 2131 on my 68 with unknown frame stands. Gonna guess they are 350 stands. With the AFR heads they hit the idler arm and also the collector hits the bottom of the floors. Im thinking of replacing the frame stands. Does that makes sense?

So I have a set of 2131 on my 68 with unknown frame stands. Gonna guess they are 350 stands. With the AFR heads they hit the idler arm and also the collector hits the bottom of the floors. Im thinking of replacing the frame stands. Does that makes sense?
Doug, I ran the 2131's on my 350 with 350 stands and the fit fine. But the exhaust ports on the heads were in the stock location. The raised ports on the AFR may be the problem.
I run d368's 1 3/4 with 350 stands on the AFR 210 elims and the fit great. But they do not match the 210's ports all that well.

I ordered and received a pair of S&S Headers. I don't have them on yet, but from what I been hearing there will be no problems. I can tell you that as far as quality, the S&Ss have Hooker beat hands down. I got my info from this post. http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146238&highlight=S%26S+Header (http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146238&highlight=S%26S+Header:thumbsup:)

You do, usually get what you pay for ! When money is no object, spend the big bucks !

Well the Thorleys are here and they fit like a glove. Much better fit then the Hooker SC. But of course the tubes are smaller and the style of header is different. I will miss my Hookers they worked great for me for 10 years. Guess I gotta sell them now.

So my only issues are my hookers had the 02 bung welded in them and the collector is 2 1/2 collector on the Thorleys. Hookers had 3 inch and my collector was welded to my exhaust.

Anybody know of a good 2 1/2 collector to 2 1/2 pipe that has a built in O2 bung. Would save me tons of time.

You do, usually get what you pay for ! When money is no object, spend the big bucks !

If money was no object, I'd have a set of Stahl's.:thumbsup: