Flowtech headers-- Hooker headers any better?

[robert97dodge]

Last week I finally ordered some headers for my chevy. I was gonna just get summit brand long tube but then I found a set of Flowtech ceramic coated long tubes so I ordered those. I spent $275 shipped for them. I got them in today and I bet it took about 30 minutes on each side to get them on. Total PITA!!! The headers I took off were some that I got free from a buddy and he got the from auto zone years ago and they lined up to the bolt holes on the heads better than my new headers. They are just designed crappy. You have to use a wrench on just about all of the bolts where as with the old ones I had they were designed to where you had more room to get to the bolts and to the spark plugs. Also where the flanges were cut out all of the edges were left really rough and where they were welded they didnt clean off the splatter around the welds before they coated them. The looks of the headers dont bother me at all. I didnt buy them to look good. I bought them to perform good and help keep the engine bay cool. But for someone buying them to put on a show truck they look like crap. I just hope that I dont have to pull these thing off anytime soon. Also I didnt even have the front fenders on the truck when I bolted the headers on so that made it easier. I couldnt imagine having to try to fight with these with the fenders on. Rant over

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Yep, my flowtech headers (not ceramic coated) aren't very good. I had one of the primary tubes crack on me after ~5 years, but they're lifetime warranty.

Can't really complain when they only cost $70 though

 

[robert97dodge]

Yep, my flowtech headers (not ceramic coated) aren't very good. I had one of the primary tubes crack on me after ~5 years, but they're lifetime warranty.

Can't really complain when they only cost $70 though

If I only paid $70 for mine then I would be complaining about them so much. But the fact that I dished out $275 for them and they damn bolt holes dont even line up is pretty crappy. One of the bolts on the passenger side got crossthreaded because the bolt was at such an angle. There was no way to move the headers back any further.

 

[big dan]

yeah Im not gonna complain too much either, I paid $90 but if I were to pay $275 I would expect a lot more. and dont feel bad, I bought mine for a 69 camaro and have to use a wrench on all the bolt holes. I like the way they fit though, as long as I dont have to take them off very often.

 

[slyguy_22]

thing that gets me is that 275.00 for ceramic coated headers is dirt cheap, seems like you get what you pay for. i think that i would quit your cryin and be glad you saved 200-300 on headers. besides i dont think that anyone that is building a show truck is gona put cheap flowtech headers on. i personally have flowtech headers on my truck for the past 5-6 years no problems, also i used the hex bolts which have the allen wrench socket that come with them. makes taking on and of a snap. Just my 2 cents

 

[howdiy]

Hooker headers are very nice

 

[robert97dodge]

Are hooker headers any better? I found some that are just painted for $155. I would like to go with the ceramic coated ones but they want $360 for those.

 

[robert97dodge]

Anyone know the difference between a hooker competition header and super competition headers? THe super is tuned but that is the only difference I see. THat and $250 price difference

 

[slyguy_22]

Are hooker headers any better? I found some that are just painted for $155. I would like to go with the ceramic coated ones but they want $360 for those.

didn't you just put flowtech headers on!? Why would you wana spend more and buy another set? There not gona flow any better than the ones you already have on.

 

[BUDDY]

It only took you an hour to get them on! Holy crap! I have been thinking about getting some for my k5, but now I'm definitely getting them! JJ

Headers are not made to be installed easily. They are made to flow better than factory exhaust manifolds. I have never seen nor heard about a set of headers that just bolted themselves on, much less had all the holes line up. ESPECIALLY the cheap ones. I bought the full length hookers 10 years ago & they were a PITA to put on too! Have to use wrenches, sockets don't fit, won't fit from the top, have to lay on the floor to get them on, blah, blah, blah. Headers are a pain, bottom line.

At least that's my experience anyways.

Later,
Buddy

 

[robert97dodge]

didn't you just put flowtech headers on!? Why would you wana spend more and buy another set? There not gona flow any better than the ones you already have on.

THese are probably getting sent back. Like I stated in one of the other post the holes are off far enough that one of the bolts is in there at an angle and crossthreaded. So if i doesnt leak I would be real surprised.

 

[slyguy_22]

wow thats really odd. sure there not bent? Ive never seen one off that far. they probly sent you the wrong headers.

 

[MrArmyAnt]

I hate my hookers. Would like to go stock. They make replacing spark plugs a total PITA, as well as heat up starters and + battery cable to high heaven. I do notice a little more power, but power isn't really what I personally am after, but more something that I can fix if it dies while in the middle of crossing a river. Also, my shackles run close enough to the header to where they can hit, and the front drive shaft, if suspension is flexed a lot ( landing after hitting something hard) it will puncture the header.

 

[westn11]

I hate to say this but anybody that wants new headers should get the Thorley's. I saved up the extra $$ that they cost over other brands and I can say that they're worth every cent. With the old crappy headers out of the way, It probably took me 20 minutes to have the Thorleys bolted up. Every bolt is easy to get to and they fit perfectly between the frame.

I just wish Thorley built headers for all my other projects!

 

[adamforsythe]

I have flowtech headers on my 350. There ceramic coated. They bolted up pretty easy. I paid like $230 for them.....But they are starting to rust I thought ceramic coated headers didn't rust. But when I change my heads I will be switching my headers out with long tube hookers.