ok so i bought a new pair of hooker shorty headers got my firebird and i put them on and now i cant get the spark plugs in are they suposed to go in befor the headers go on?

 

I have always installed after (slp headers)....best to get your header bolts started... then install plugs. some headers require short style plugs...acel makes them.

 

I don't know about the 2460's, but the 2055's are nigh impossible to get standard length plugs out with specially adapted tools.

 

I left the plugs in when I installed my 2460 headers.AFAIK the 2460 and 2055 are basically the same,tube routing and o.d.I may be wrong though.
The plugs can be changed with regular tools but some need to be done from underneath the car.if you get a pass through socket set(thats what I call it) you can get them all from the top.The sockets and ratchet have a hole in them for you to get the wrench on the plug without hitting the primaries like a regular spark plug socket will.Harbor freight has them at a good price.

The plugs where not in the way when I installed the headers.

 

The plugs aren't the problem during header installation. Its installing plugs AFTER the headers are installed. It can be done, but it needs some specially modified tools.

 

I use the accel shorty plugs and just use an open end wrench and able to change plugs with the headers on. Did it on 2055's and LT 2210s.

 

i got my plugs started with my fingers and a couple i couldnt tighten because a standard spark plug socket and ratchet wouldnt go on the plug because the tubes were in the way for 2 plugs; so i went to sears and bought a go-through socket set and i tightened the plugs with that. the set was 59.99 it was called Max-Axxess

 

hmm interesting to know, ive got a set of 2460's on order and ive bought a new set of plugs to put in too, just normal length ones. guess i will just offer the headers up when they get here and see if i can get them on with the spark plugs already in.

 

you might be able to get them on with the plugs in but the passenger side will be very difficult to do with out hitting the plugs and possibly cracking the ceramic

 

My Hedman shorties have great plug clearance even with my angle plug heads(which may be why there is plenty of room) and regular length plugs, sorry but it sounds like Hooker could learn a lesson from Hedman. Not trying to ruffle any feathers, just saying.

Mark.

 

I was thinking my passenger side will actually be the easiest to do because ive binned all my AC stuff so theres nothing in the way at all, but the drivers side has the brake pipes etc in the way

 

Get at them from underneath, and buy some short plugs. It'll save you tons of time, and added gap between headers and plug wires will keep them from burning up

 

They recommend an angled plug head for use with their headers. I was looking through the message board to see if anyone has suggested a good set to use, but after reading this post I think i'll just get some short plugs and call it a day.

 

just make sure you get the right heat range for your application

 

you would think ,that with hookers R&D department .they would have designed a user friendly set of headers. i have been wrenching on cars since 76 and really,i have never seen or heard of a set that fit right the first time.having said that some sell kits that you weld yourself SO that seems to be a option