Is anybody out there running a 502 in a 66 chevelle with these Hooker Headers?

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=26022

They are the Super Comps HOK-2118-1 at summit if the link doesnt work.

It seems as if the mounting plate on the headers just barely touch the lower head bolts on the 502. If anyone has ran across this before, I would appreciate it if you let me know what you did. I was thinking about removing one of the two washers on the head bolt to get the clearance (yes its just that little). But I am definitly open to ideas!

Gil

I wouldn't remove any washers on the head bolts, can you just touch the bottom of the flange with a die grinder a little bit.

Very common problem, with some header manufactures refusing to fix it. Their answer is to grind the flange. For the price they should fit. The only header I have found to fit in a 65-67 with a 502 without clearance problems are the 68196 Hedman. I have tried the Hookers with the same results as you have. Even Hedman doesn't know the 68196 will fit your Chevelle so don't bother calling them. I found out the hard way. It's a long story but the 68196 units fit great
Mark

You won't have that problem if you use the early head bolts with washers. They aren't as tall as the new 9/16" style (which I peronally dislike)! Most header manufacturer's will tell you that the headers will fit an OEM application and that if you use a style of fastener that was not originally installed in your vehicle, it's not their problem to fix. A little grinding and you'll be all set as Leo and Mark indicated.

I had to grind my Hooker flanges to get them on. I was using ARP head bolts with the washers. The stock headbolts are said to work but I don't know for sure.

We are running the 2 inch primary headers on our 65 & 66 454's and ARP bolts,we had to touch up the flanges on both with a die grinder,not really a big deal.

I agree...just use a die grinder to make small notches for clearance on the head bolts. No biggie! I've had to do this with several big blocks with no ill effects at all.