hey everyone...ok so i ordered some hooker headers...they're the comp headers 2466hkr headers...i'm having a problem installing the driver side header...the header seems to be hitting the steering shaft...has anyone else come across this during their header install? i have a chevy SBC 305 installed...manual steering...if that helps...i called up holley and they said that header should fit

We went thru 3 different sets (styles) of Hookers to get one to fit my buddy's 74 Vette. They told him the same thing butone side fit and the other didn't. Laid tight against the body at the rocker. Unfrotunately, Hooker is the only one that makes a set for it with 4 inch colletors and side pipes. We started out with the ceramic coated ones. Tried to use them even though the fit wasn't right. Less than 80 days later they were rusted where they rubbed against carton when shipped and between the pipes in the collector. Looked they had been on the car for 10 years. They did make it good under warranty.We ended up with $1400 polished stainless steel units. Still didn't fit right but had to use them. Summit overnighted them at no charge also.

I just installed Hemans on my 67 Chevelle with a 454 dropped in it. I couldn't be more pleased. Excellent quality on the ceramic coating, packaged well to protect it in shipping and they fit like a glove except for one barely touching a lower A frame ear. Clearanced the ear a slight bit and perfect fit. Hedman said that if I used factory mounts it wouldn't have been necessary. These Hedman Elites also use a bell flange on the collector. Therefore, no collector flange gasket is needed and no leaks either.

Not suggesting one or the other, just relaying our experince.

On my 66, I actually removed the steering shaft and I had to lift the engine just a little to get my Hooker Competition headers on with the BBC. I was just glad I had the front sheet metal off. I cant imagine trying to do it with the clip on. I hope I never have to. Man what a tight fit! I also had to have my steering shaft turned down about 1/8" where it met the header. Someone who originally installed them took a grinder to the shaft and it looked awful. Not now. :)

Best of luck!

I also had the same fitment problem with a set of Hooker comps years ago in a few places...The steering shaft (Youll have to grind on yours or dimple the header) at idle would vibrate the steering column bad. Also rubbed against the upper A arms on the pass side towards the rear I believe. Either dimple the header again or grind the ear down. Drivers side collector hung too low, flange would scrape occasionally (stock heighth).
I was ready to get a set of the Hedmans too as I really liked the ball flange, price was excellent and Ive heard fitment was good but wound up with Dougs..Outside of the lower pass side A arm (as posted above, I ground the arm a bit and put a very slight dimple in) they fit nice and have tons of clearance everywhere...However getting the starter in is a PITA, and I have yet to see if it will clear once the starter is bolted in. I have always sworn by Hookers, but no more.

I found the poly mounts raised my motor up a bit which helped much with potential clearance issues.

Yeah, I'm using Energy mounts. My Hedmans tuck up under the car nicely. I'm not sure I'd alter my steering shaft for header fitment. But that's just me.

Just finished installing a set of Hookers on my 65 with a 350. Had no problem with clearances in the engine compartmet but I am now in the process of building a new transmission crossmember because the dumps did not line up with the humps in my orginial crossmember.

aaahhh Hooker headers, they were the headers of choice, I used them on everthing, (way back when) last set I put on were on a friends 67, SS 427 Chevelle, which was a copy of the same car I had, with the same Hookers, but I had built mine 10 years prior,, after a WHOLE Saturday of heating and bending, and dimplling, (heat and use a socket) I got them on, thru this wonderful afternoon I notice one difference, his headers were made in Mexico, the ones on my car were made in the good old U.S. of A. Haven't used anything but Headmans since.........Later

his headers were made in Mexico, the ones on my car were made in the good old U.S. of A. Haven't used anything but Headmans since.........Later

That's been the experience of most of my buds also. Hookers were the header of choice back in the day. Seems the quality of fit and finish has changed significantly. My advice to anyone buying them today is to use Summit or JEGS or someplace with a liberal customer satisfaction return and refund policy.

Again not vendor bashing, just my opinion.

Yes, Pertronix bought Hooker and they are made in Mexico now. A good friend of mine has a 1-1/2 year old set of coated Comps. They have never been mounted, in his garage from day one.
They are rusted so bad youd think they were dunked in salt water every day.
Sad to see another Mfr go by the wayside. :(

you guys have been mention that i can raise the engine a bit by new engine mounts, my question is would i have to get new tranny mounts as well??? also what mounts would you recommend to lift the engine an inch or so?

and thanks for all of the info, i wish i would have asked before i bought lol

I can't imagine raising the engine a full inch by vertically spacing the motor on the mounts.

I only mentioned the mount issue because it seems that most header tech support folks will play the "factory mount" card every time there is a fitment issue since they know that if you are putting headers on the car, you are not doing a factory resto. Therefore, you are probably NOT using factory motor mounts. That's their out. I set the Energy Suspension mounts next to the factory mount on my bench and every dimension was the same. I could pass a screwdirver through one into the other. So I think they are blowing smoke.

I'm certainly no expert. I don't install headers very often. And, certainly not on classic Chevelles. I'm sure others have a better insight.