New Hooker 1968-72 A-Body LS Swap System Preview
#541
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Is anyone using the mid length headers? Im thinking of getting a set and wonder if anyone has a picture of them installed. Im Going with an Ls3 with the forward position mounts and a T56 magnum in My 70 Chevelle. I've considered the Manifolds as well but I may go with a blown LSx in the future and I'm thinking the 1 7/8 mid length headers would be good for now and later. I like the ground clearance. and the extra room from the mid length headers. Any concerns with stainless? I've always bought Ceramic headers. Is the heat a factor with stainless?
#542
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I appreciate the reply I will be ordering the headers in the next few days. I just got the crossmember. It was almost falling out of the box from UPS. I don't know why they can't handle the boxes better. I can't tell you how happy I am Holley stepped up with these parts. It's a big plus for us A body guys. I'll be posting on team Chevelle when I start mocking things up so the guys over there can see how it goes.
#543
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I appreciate the reply I will be ordering the headers in the next few days. I just got the crossmember. It was almost falling out of the box from UPS. I don't know why they can't handle the boxes better. I can't tell you how happy I am Holley stepped up with these parts. It's a big plus for us A body guys. I'll be posting on team Chevelle when I start mocking things up so the guys over there can see how it goes.
#544
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Any chance Holley will make new engine mounts so we don't have to use the stock F-body mounts. Not that they don't work but they are pretty ugly and I would prefer something with some better looks. I only see one company making billet mounts but they are solid which I am unsure on for street use and cruising. I looked all over for an aftermarket mount and all I see is Chinese made mounts.
#545
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Any chance Holley will make new engine mounts so we don't have to use the stock F-body mounts. Not that they don't work but they are pretty ugly and I would prefer something with some better looks. I only see one company making billet mounts but they are solid which I am unsure on for street use and cruising. I looked all over for an aftermarket mount and all I see is Chinese made mounts.
1.) The mounts can be easily sourced in rubber or poly versions from hundreds of sources across the country should they require servicing. The rubber OE replacement versions are dirt cheap also.
2.) Their design geometry is robust and proven to be able to handle tons of power as well as being able to accept installation of a low-mount A/C compressor in almost any 64-72 A-body vehicle.
Billet engine mounts are not something you'll see offered by Holley at any time that I can foresee as the number of users wanting/able to pay the price to develop such products is extremely small and not able to provide the return on investment needed to justify their development cost.
#546
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I knew it was a long shot but thought I would try. I guess they are hidden for the most part so it's not a big deal. I ordered the mid-length headers, exhaust and adapters through Summit. Tentative ship date is the 29th so I'm itching to see how they look.
Are you able to answer questions on the LS EFI offerings? If yes I would like to PM some questions if you don't mind as that will be a future purchase.
Are you able to answer questions on the LS EFI offerings? If yes I would like to PM some questions if you don't mind as that will be a future purchase.
#547
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I knew it was a long shot but thought I would try. I guess they are hidden for the most part so it's not a big deal. I ordered the mid-length headers, exhaust and adapters through Summit. Tentative ship date is the 29th so I'm itching to see how they look.
Are you able to answer questions on the LS EFI offerings? If yes I would like to PM some questions if you don't mind as that will be a future purchase.
Are you able to answer questions on the LS EFI offerings? If yes I would like to PM some questions if you don't mind as that will be a future purchase.
#548
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Todd
I am at the exhaust stage of my build (69 Pontiac Custom S Vert). I have the forward motor mounts with full length blackheart headers (3"). Do I need the standard or El Camino exhaust kit? If its the El Camino kit, are any ready to order?
I am at the exhaust stage of my build (69 Pontiac Custom S Vert). I have the forward motor mounts with full length blackheart headers (3"). Do I need the standard or El Camino exhaust kit? If its the El Camino kit, are any ready to order?
#549
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You would need the regular 2-door system, the El Camino/4-door/wagon system is configured to accommodate the longer wheel base of those vehicles.
#551
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hey Todd,
I am almost finished with the chassis on the GTO and when I mounted the steering box yesterday the alternator pulley is just barely touching it. Any idea why it is so close? This frame has never had any damage and was checked for correct dimensions before and after we added the Hellwig FX kit and seam welded it. I can clearance the steering box but thought i would run it by you before doing so, your input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
I am almost finished with the chassis on the GTO and when I mounted the steering box yesterday the alternator pulley is just barely touching it. Any idea why it is so close? This frame has never had any damage and was checked for correct dimensions before and after we added the Hellwig FX kit and seam welded it. I can clearance the steering box but thought i would run it by you before doing so, your input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
#552
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hey Todd,
I am almost finished with the chassis on the GTO and when I mounted the steering box yesterday the alternator pulley is just barely touching it. Any idea why it is so close? This frame has never had any damage and was checked for correct dimensions before and after we added the Hellwig FX kit and seam welded it. I can clearance the steering box but thought i would run it by you before doing so, your input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
I am almost finished with the chassis on the GTO and when I mounted the steering box yesterday the alternator pulley is just barely touching it. Any idea why it is so close? This frame has never had any damage and was checked for correct dimensions before and after we added the Hellwig FX kit and seam welded it. I can clearance the steering box but thought i would run it by you before doing so, your input is appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/ls1tech.com-vbulletin/2000x1504/051_f88e34f915aefaacd2dd6fc59b0284d60ddcfdcf.jpg)
#553
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The frame the that was in the car when you had it was a 1968 cutlass, the one I am using is a 1972 Skylark so I am certain there are some production differences. The alternator is a 4th Gen F-body but the steering box is from an 86 Monte Carlo SS not the one that was in the car when it was at Holley; my understanding is the 800 series steering boxes are all the same size. I will check out the 600 series box and see if it offers more space; probably just going to "clearance" the box a little and move on.
BTW-The Hooker/Holley parts you designed are excellent I would highly reccomend them to anyone doing an A-body LS conversion. We did have to modify the cross member to fit with the boxed frame but that was an easy modification. Working hard to make LS Fest in 2017!
Thanks,
Tom
BTW-The Hooker/Holley parts you designed are excellent I would highly reccomend them to anyone doing an A-body LS conversion. We did have to modify the cross member to fit with the boxed frame but that was an easy modification. Working hard to make LS Fest in 2017!
Thanks,
Tom
#554
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The frame the that was in the car when you had it was a 1968 cutlass, the one I am using is a 1972 Skylark so I am certain there are some production differences. The alternator is a 4th Gen F-body but the steering box is from an 86 Monte Carlo SS not the one that was in the car when it was at Holley; my understanding is the 800 series steering boxes are all the same size. I will check out the 600 series box and see if it offers more space; probably just going to "clearance" the box a little and move on.
BTW-The Hooker/Holley parts you designed are excellent I would highly reccomend them to anyone doing an A-body LS conversion. We did have to modify the cross member to fit with the boxed frame but that was an easy modification. Working hard to make LS Fest in 2017!
Thanks,
Tom
BTW-The Hooker/Holley parts you designed are excellent I would highly reccomend them to anyone doing an A-body LS conversion. We did have to modify the cross member to fit with the boxed frame but that was an easy modification. Working hard to make LS Fest in 2017!
Thanks,
Tom
#555
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have the old steering box, I will get it off the frame this afternoon and see if it has more clearance.
Are the F-body accessory drive AC compressor bracket for the Sanden 508 you showed me at LS Fest available?
Are the F-body accessory drive AC compressor bracket for the Sanden 508 you showed me at LS Fest available?
#556
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Let me know what happens so I can update the instructions if needed. I don't know what the on-the-shelf date is for the low-mount A/C compressor bracket, but I'll see what I can find out.
#558
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
#560
TECH Junkie
Thread Starter
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm still pushing forward on it, but it did stall out for a bit due to other projects taking a priority position. I'm waiting on parts to show up so I can build/ validate the pre-production sample and then I'll be able to cut it loose for the first production run. It won't make it onto the shelf before the end of the year, but it's back in play.