I am getting serious about installing Hooker Headers and Sidepipes on my 74.
Almost did it last year but ran out of cash.
I am looking for advice on what to look out for when remove or adding exhaust manifold bolts. I have heard some nasty stories about them striping or snapping off.
I also need to know how to support the the side pipes on the rockers.
Might add heat shields to sidepipes and need a support that can be removed etc. to install shields.
I am going with the SS version instead of coated.

Schoon

 

Put a piece of plastic under the front of the car and spray PB Blaster on the exhaust manifold bolts. Some of it should wick up the bolts. YOu may have to spray them several times. Make sure you put the socket on the bolt square and hold it square so you don't slip and round any of them off. Use a breaker bar to loosen them. A ratchet won't be enough. When you go to mount the sidepipes, ther are brackets that bolt to the frame rail and the pipes. It is a pretty straightforward install.

 

There's a tab on the rear end of the Hooker side tube that lines up w/ the same keyhole slot that the '69 factory sidepipes use. You'll need the same rubber cushions that the factory used but maybe Hooker supplies them.

I used an old '68 rocker molding since it was fiberglass and easier to trim up front where the pipes come out. Since they're black and two piece, it worked out well.

 

I second the PB Blaster, best stuff on planet earth. I removed my cast iron manifolds in December and installed a set of Hooker super comp headers and exhaust out the back. I sprayed the bolts the night before and again in the morning. Used a 6 point socket and all the bolts broke loose very nicely.

It was a difficult decision going out the back since I really wanted side pipes but with the risk of burnt legs and my wife likely to forget and get burned I went the safe route.

Hope to see some pics once you have them installed, Good luck

 

May I reiterate,......

"USE A 6 POINT SOCKET!"
In fact, when ever possible!

 

Sidepipes are on hold until I figure whats going on with my engine.

Thanks for all the input.


Schoon

 

I have a 75 Corvette and I would like to install side pipes.

My Question is:

Will I have to replace my headers or can I attach my side pipes to my existing headers and if so just how is that done?

Thank you

Tom

 

The factory sidepipes attach to the factory manifolds and the Hooker "nest of snakes" side pipes bolt directly to the heads.

You can connect the '69 style factory sidepipes to headers but you will need to do some cutting and welding and it involves the exhaust going thru an "S" turn which is going to add some restriction. I tried it both ways and the butt dyno said that the header arrangement hurt the low end.

If you do go w/ the factory style, strongly recommend getting them Jet-Hot coated unless you're going st-st.

Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

 

Thanks 73 Shark, Yes it really does help me very much

Tom917