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Great job on the parts development. Every thing you have done is very similar to the solutions I used on my car a few years back. I have the early hooker abody headers, they were really tight to the floor boards but have been great after some modification. My only complaint is plug wire to header tube clearance isn't optimal. To clarify, I used and Fbody oil pan, non variable compressor with vintage air. Currently just under 19k miles on the set up.
I think I've seen your build thread lownfast. Yes, the earlier Hooker A-body headers were developed when the swap market was in its infancy and were not prototyped using the same standards we now use for all our products in the Hooker Blackheart line. Like other A-body swap components on the market at the time, there was no effort made to solve any of the inherent clearance/driveshaft geometry issues this swap application has been plagued with; that has all now been addressed and corrected with these new components.
I haven't messed with any of this in a while so forgive me if I've forgotten but will these fit a convertible? I don't suppose there's any sort of trade-in program for those of us running the earlier adequate-but-not-ideal headers
I haven't messed with any of this in a while so forgive me if I've forgotten but will these fit a convertible? I don't suppose there's any sort of trade-in program for those of us running the earlier adequate-but-not-ideal headers
Hey Chuckd71...I know the Hooker engine brackets and headers will fit a convertible, but I'm not sure about the crossmember or exhaust systems. No,there won't be any type of trade-in program on the existing older-design headers and I'm sure they will continue being sold alongside these new components for guys who still prefer to perform this swap using the typical 1" set-back swap plate/stock frame stand method of engine mounting.
Any update on expected shipment date for the mounts? I ordered mine on Nov. 21 and the website gave an expected ship date that was before the end of November.
Last edited by usc2001gc; 12-30-2015 at 11:40 AM.
Reason: typo
I talked to Holley customer service and was told that the estimated ETA on the mounts was mid-January. Chuck D, I'm doing an LS1-4l80e install in a 69 Pontiac Custom S Vert as soon as the mounts are ready. I have a g-force 4l80e crossmember specifically designed for the boxed frame on our convertibles. Jury is out on how it will interface with the rest of the hooker system. Todd is designing a crossmember for coupes that is sectioned and would allow for easier servicing of the tranny if it needed to be removed. I may go this route if it can be modified for the vert box frame (although the g-force crossmember is a really nice piece).
I will post pics once the mounts come in. My engine is a 408 stroker so I'm also having to modify the 302-2 pan. Other than the oil pan mod and tranny crossmember issue, I'll be following Todd's playbook.
The engine brackets will be available soon; we are waiting on the supplier to finish up the first production run and ship them to our facility. For those that have ordered the brackets already, I appreciate your patience.
As for other business related to the A-body program, the Hooker cast iron LS exhaust manifolds were test fitted last week and verified to fit with both sets of the engine brackets, so those that want to go that route can do so without any concerns.
I have finished up the last of the prototyping tasks on the A-body swap application today and want to let you guys know what will be available along with the engine brackets that are about to become available and the long-tube headers that some of you have already ordered and received.
The addition parts that will eventually be released are as follows:
1-3/4" mid-length headers
1-7/8" mid-length headers
2.5" exhaust system with X-crossover*
3" exhaust system with X-crossover*
Adapter tube kit- connects mid-length headers to 2.5"/3" exhaust systems
Adapter tube kit- connects Hooker manifolds to 2.5" exhaust system
Transmission crossmember
*verified to be compatible with DSE, Hellwig and Hotchkis rear anti-sway bar kits.
I can't estimate availability dates at this time for these additional parts as the fixture construction phase of development for each still has to take place prior to them being released for production.
For those of you who think you may wish to go the mid-length header route, here's a sneak-peak of the headers and the adapter tube kit that will be available separately to connect the headers to the Hooker exhaust systems.
It's been a great year sharing information with all you guys and I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year's celebration with your family and friends.
I received a status report this morning from our supplier that the engine swap brackets will be shipped out to us next week, once received it will take a few days to get them boxed up for shipping.
On another note, here's an off-the-car photo of the mid-length header prototypes for those interested...
Clearing the Z-Bar would be nice. When I did my swap, I had planned to use the Z-Bar, until I installed the Edelbrock Header. There was no way use the Z-Bar with the headers, ended up costing me another $700 to buy the Keisler Hydraulic Clutch setup.
I believe they would allow you to get the pivot ball and bell crank bolted in, but there won't be enough room for the bell crank to swing through its arc.
todd
would you by chance have any pics from fitting the t56 trans?
thanks
I'm going to be doing some final mock-ups with all the transmissions next week to validate the design of the Hooker crossmember that's coming, so I can take a specific photo of anything you like if you tell me what it is you want to see. Is it just my perception, or is Holley/Hooker the only company offering swap headers and components that actually provides installed photos of the components and detailed fitment/compatibility data to go with them?
12-29-2015, 01:08 PM
