ZZ4 and Hooker or OBX Headers and Sidepipes
02-26-2012, 10:41 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
ZZ4 and Hooker or OBX Headers and Sidepipes
I'm dropping a ZZ4 into my '74 and I've been reading the threads on Hooker Headers and OBX Headers with sidepipes. I'd like to add sidepipes to my car, but don't know if they'll work with the ZZ4 since it has angle heads. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Ron
Ron
02-26-2012, 11:05 PM
#2
Team Owner
Member Since: Jul 2004
Location: Redondo Beach, California
Posts: 39,585
Received 557 Likes
on
379 Posts
Hedman Heders makes side pipe headers that will work with the factory side pipe exhaust system. A muffler shop will be required to mate the Hedman side exhaust headers with the factory side mount exhaust system. It's a easy conversion for a muffler shop. The Hedman Headers are about $180. Thats pretty cheap. I have them on my ZZ4 68 with the 69 factory sidemount exhaust system.
The Hedman catalog indicates that their side pipe header system will not work for xxxxxxxx cars. This is a cop out. They are weary of EPA and CARB rules. Their Headers work just really well on my ZZ4. The ZZ4 has D port exhausts. The Hedman Header side pipes have Oval ports. With a Dremel grinder, I matched up the Hedman side pipe headers to my ZZ4. The angle spark plugs are not a problem with the Hedman Headers which are designed for straight plugs. ..........$180 for headers....that's really a good deal. I sent mine off to Jet Hot for plasma coating.
The Hedman catalog indicates that their side pipe header system will not work for xxxxxxxx cars. This is a cop out. They are weary of EPA and CARB rules. Their Headers work just really well on my ZZ4. The ZZ4 has D port exhausts. The Hedman Header side pipes have Oval ports. With a Dremel grinder, I matched up the Hedman side pipe headers to my ZZ4. The angle spark plugs are not a problem with the Hedman Headers which are designed for straight plugs. ..........$180 for headers....that's really a good deal. I sent mine off to Jet Hot for plasma coating.
02-27-2012, 01:14 PM
#6
Advanced
Hookers will fit angle plug heads without any issues. In fact, any side exhaust setup has more clearance for plugs and wires than their traditional long tube header counter parts. I would shy away from Hooker though! Their quality and flange trueness has gone downhill since the moved their production to Mexico!
02-28-2012, 09:41 AM
#8
Racer
It's interesting that nobody has chimed in about OBX fit or quality.
I'm looking at long term header purchase for my '69 and there are alot of choices even in sidepipe style.
I'm leaning toward Custom Image. If they fit well, they seem the reasonable priced for stainless.
I have not decided if aluminum/angle plug heads are in my future. I really like the ease of using the GM, ZZ383 but need about 475 HP to be competitive in NCCC Group III R/P.
Locke
I'm looking at long term header purchase for my '69 and there are alot of choices even in sidepipe style.
I'm leaning toward Custom Image. If they fit well, they seem the reasonable priced for stainless.
I have not decided if aluminum/angle plug heads are in my future. I really like the ease of using the GM, ZZ383 but need about 475 HP to be competitive in NCCC Group III R/P.
Locke
02-28-2012, 10:51 AM
#9
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Just so you're not disappointed any further--OBX are CHINA made. Some CF members are proud of that. It's your decision whether to install them on your American made sportscar.
Last edited by 69 Chevy; 02-28-2012 at 11:15 AM.
03-03-2012, 03:24 PM
#10
Advanced
Member Since: Jul 2009
Location: Tucson Az
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hedman Heders makes side pipe headers that will work with the factory side pipe exhaust system. A muffler shop will be required to mate the Hedman side exhaust headers with the factory side mount exhaust system. It's a easy conversion for a muffler shop. The Hedman Headers are about $180. Thats pretty cheap. I have them on my ZZ4 68 with the 69 factory sidemount exhaust system.
The Hedman catalog indicates that their side pipe header system will not work for xxxxxxxx cars. This is a cop out. They are weary of EPA and CARB rules. Their Headers work just really well on my ZZ4. The ZZ4 has D port exhausts. The Hedman Header side pipes have Oval ports. With a Dremel grinder, I matched up the Hedman side pipe headers to my ZZ4. The angle spark plugs are not a problem with the Hedman Headers which are designed for straight plugs. ..........$180 for headers....that's really a good deal. I sent mine off to Jet Hot for plasma coating.
The Hedman catalog indicates that their side pipe header system will not work for xxxxxxxx cars. This is a cop out. They are weary of EPA and CARB rules. Their Headers work just really well on my ZZ4. The ZZ4 has D port exhausts. The Hedman Header side pipes have Oval ports. With a Dremel grinder, I matched up the Hedman side pipe headers to my ZZ4. The angle spark plugs are not a problem with the Hedman Headers which are designed for straight plugs. ..........$180 for headers....that's really a good deal. I sent mine off to Jet Hot for plasma coating.
03-04-2012, 07:22 PM
#11
Burning Brakes
Hookers are made in Mexico. Custom Image are made in China. Some original parts of the C-3 were made in Canada.
Last edited by Clubby99; 03-04-2012 at 07:26 PM.
03-25-2012, 12:59 AM
#13
Instructor
i just installed dougs purchased from jegs. got em in two days...Fast! i was scared because i have angle plug heads bu for about$ 660( flat black) it was worth trying and if not i had a buddy that would buy them. well i installed the driver side no problem.. the passanger was the tricky part. i had to install #2 plug with header loose and pulled up a bit to get a socket on it. all the rest no problem. im VERY happy with the fit and quality and glad to finally have my side pipes. ill get my spark plug info they are ngk slightly shorter than regular. and will post pics soon. colin 75
Last edited by colin75; 03-25-2012 at 02:36 AM.
03-25-2012, 10:49 AM
#15
Race Director
After trying 2 other brands that did NOT fit put them on a NOM '68 big block car and the Doug's went on with NO issues. No "dinging" required and they have the biggest primary tubes. They seem to be a quality product at an affortable price and on top of that they actually fit.
03-28-2012, 06:22 PM
#16
Instructor
just barely got them on. not finished just wanted to get inspection done today before they closed. i will be ordering the sts baffles next week click on pic for video
04-08-2012, 12:59 PM
#17
Instructor
Member Since: Nov 2008
Location: Long Island, New York
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think I'm switching to factory sides from Hooker Headers, and I just bought a pair of STS Spirals that I have not installed yet, that I will sell to you at a better price just to get them out of my basement. If you are interested, PM me.
Also have slightly blued Chrome hookers with glass packs in them for a good price(make offer). Just decide all this this morning, so I have no idea what I want for them, but it won't be much.
