I have been reading different threads on here to make my final decision about headers. I have decided i don't necessearily need 1 3/4" at this time, and it sounded like Edelbrock TES were pretty easy to install. Then I ready some comments about how crappy they are and Hooker 2055 are better. ARe those Hookers with AIR tubes? I need to pass emissions test here. I was going to order them tonight but now Im not sure. Who has TES and what do you think? Can you get HOokers that have AIR?

 

The name says it all. TES (tubing exhaust system) what you need is.... headers, as in Hooker 2055's they are smog legal. They also fit real nice.

 

stick with the hookers. I dont have much experience with the hookers but the spark plug access witht he edelbrocks is nothing short of impossible. Can hardly even get the boots on the plugs. Not to mention that one of the airtubes cracked shortly after i got them.

 

I didn't like the routing of the primary tubes on my old ones. Also, I got the one for the LG4, so the Y pipe was tiny as could be.

 

I love my Edelbrocks.....got them at a good price....and had them coated from JET HOT....the installation wasn't that bad....ya can't really see'em in this pic though....

 

Hooker's are not 50 state smog legal and I like my TES just fine. They b Chrome too......

 

No problems or complaints about my TES headers. Install went easy if you follow instructions. I got the set for a 350 so it has the 3inch y-pipe instead of the small one

 

The design of the collector where the primaries meet is horrible. They press the primaries into a "D" shape to make the collector perfectly round instead of a better flowing design like SLP or Hooker.

 

Larry, you have a PM.

 

Hooker 2055s are 50 state legal!

 

This header debate is as old as time itself....I've posted this before and I'll post it again.

DO keep in mind that our 3rd gens were made on an assembly line, most of 'em in the 80's, and production tolerances can differ greatly. Not to mention past history of vehicles, past collisions etc. Not to mention the production tolerances of the headers themselves. This will explain why some people install brand X headers and have to pound and dent to get 'em to clear, and for others they drop right in. Not to mention that worn factory motor mounts can cause interference, as well as poly motor mounts.


Hooker - Installation is not bad at all. I'm not wild about plug access. And I'm not thrilled about the whole ball flange collector setup either. Probably the best piece of the Hookers is the nice Y-pipe....


Edelbrock - The older one's had smaller into bigger primaries that supposedly boosted torque...hmmm.. okay. The newer ones are 1 5/8" primarys, but spark plug access is a nightmare. Makes the stock manifolds look easy. Easy installation is probably the shining point of these headers....but you'll pay for that later on.


SLP - I'll make this short. If you THINK you need 1 3/4" headers ( shorty ) these are the only choice. But IMHO, ANY set of headers that costs $500 better fit like a glove. And the SLP seem to have alot of production tolerance variance...some fit, some need to be dented..and SLP has instructed people to dent the tubes for clearance....if I paid $200 maybe I could see denting the tubes...


Flowtech - Small 1.5" primary's. Decent fit because they have smaller dimensions. Better than stock manifolds and pretty cheap to boot. I'm just not much of a Flowtech fan, that's me.


Hedman - Available smog legal and without smog. 1 5/8" primary's. Installation was alot easier than I thought. Spark plug access is BY FAR the best of ANY 3rd gen headers I've seen so far. I'm using STOCK LENGTH AC plugs w/ the fat Taylor 90 degree boots with NO problems with clearance on the header tubes...and mine aren't even coated.


It all comes down to what you need vs. what you what to spend, and what compromises you're willing to make.


Hooker 2055 headers ARE 50 STATE SMOG LEGAL. They have a EO #, so they are a DIRECT, LEGAL in CA, replacement part.

The Edelbrocks are 50 state legal as well.

The Hedman w/ AIR are 50 STATE legal as well.

Don't know, don't care about the SLP.


Pick your poison, pay your money and take your chances.

I scored my Hedman's cheap and they were barely used. So I'm biased.

I will go long tubes one day, ground clearance permitting....not for dual exhaust, but to get the Y-pipe / collector away from the oil pan....that's just me.

If I were rating the smog legal headers, here's how I'd rate 'em..

1. Hedman - cheapest, best spark plug access, good quality.

2. Hooker - reasonable price, okay plug access, good quality, NICE Y-pipe.

SLP and Edelbrock are tied for last.

SLP - They are pricey. They charge $100 for an "install" kit over and ABOVE The price of the headers. Too cheesy for me. Customer service blows.

Edelbrock - Makes LT1 spark plug changes look not that bad in a 4th gen. Really crappy welding in most cases.



That AGAIN, is JUST my opinion.


HTH

 

CTANDC...nicely put. Someone should make it a sticky so you don't have to retype it in a few weeks when someone asks again (Of course..it does me no good now, since the Edelbrocks are in....and at 3-5K miles a year, and 25K or more out of a set of plugs....I figure I've got at least 5 years or more before I have to worry about access..)

 

Yeah,thanks, that was a good summary. I think Im going with the Hookers and get them coated. I know a guy who will give me a good rprice
thanks again

 

i dunny why some of you guys have a hard time with the plugs on the edelbrocks. i just switched from bosch to the longer length rapid fire plugs and it was a breeze. can't use a ratchet anymore but the plug socket and wrench work just fine. #6 and #8 i had to get from the bottom. the rest from top.

they're easy to install and give a noticeable performance boost. like was said before though, only thing i dont like is the shape of the primaries at the collectors.

 

IM GOING WITH HEDMANS FOR SURE that was my first choice but then i saw the edlebrocks that came in chrome but then i heard about the bad plug access so i figure why chance it that maybe i'll get 1 out of thousand of headers that will be perfect so im going with HEDMAN and for only $313.99 why not.

 

INdded, why not, Im thinking about going with the Hedman too instead of HOokers. But do Hedman (or hookers for that matter) come with a y pipe for dual cats? I see it is specified in the Edelbrocks that they do, but I dont with Hooker. Besides that, the HOokers only say up to 1990 on the summit site

?????????

 

dude.. there is already a sticky... but hell yea on the heddmans.. im getting the AIR less ones coated..

 

I've read on some other threads that the 2055's are for TPI use only and you'd need some "THERMAC" device in order for them to function with a carb/tbi engine. Is this wrong?, cause if it is...my finger's on the mouse button ready to order the super comps.
:::fingers crossed:::

 

I like my Edelbrock TES just fine. Installation was easy. I can change my spark plugs in 20-25 minutes from underneath, all I use is a socket and a open end wrench.

They are stock size AC Delco Rapid Fires by the way. NOT shortie plugs.

 

the thermac is what comes off the driver side manifold to the air cleaner housing. Im not 100% what it does, but im sure if your running an open element filter, the thermac system you wont need.

 

All the thermac does is let the engine get to operating tem then it close and takes in the "cold air "from the scoop if ou have to go to emmssions then just the thin metal off of the exhaust manifolds and rig it to work on the headers when you have to go for testing.

 

i got a set of 109$ heddmens put 5 bucks worth or hi temp paint on them and call it good to go

plug clearence is also pretty damn good