The quality of Hooker products: Where did it go?
The quality of Hooker products: Where did it go? If anyone searches through the archives, you'll find that I've always been a HUGE supporter of Hooker, namely the Aerochamber catback. I've been pushing that catback for 10 years.
However, as of late I'm extremely disappointed with their drop in quality. Just within the last 6 months I've had 2 Hooker mufflers fall apart on the inside, and now they're shipping catbacks without flared ends on the over-axle pipe?!? I'm not sure how Hooker expects people to install the catback when both mating pipes are the same size.
From what I understand, Hooker was bought out by Holley. This could be the issue, who knows. Either way, I'm sending out a courtesy warning about Hooker products from now on. Hopefully somebody from their team will see it and make a change. If not, at the very least I would look elsewhere for a catback from now on. Especially since there is about to be a price increase on that CB. Good idea, lets drop build quality and increase the price.
Over and out.
However, as of late I'm extremely disappointed with their drop in quality. Just within the last 6 months I've had 2 Hooker mufflers fall apart on the inside, and now they're shipping catbacks without flared ends on the over-axle pipe?!? I'm not sure how Hooker expects people to install the catback when both mating pipes are the same size.
From what I understand, Hooker was bought out by Holley. This could be the issue, who knows. Either way, I'm sending out a courtesy warning about Hooker products from now on. Hopefully somebody from their team will see it and make a change. If not, at the very least I would look elsewhere for a catback from now on. Especially since there is about to be a price increase on that CB. Good idea, lets drop build quality and increase the price.
Over and out.
Its been a solid 10+ years or so since Holley bought Hooker 
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Largest Stocking Distributor of LS-x Engines / CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE!
COMP - FAST - PACESETTER - DIAMOND RACING - EAGLE SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - CALLIES - COMETIC GASKETS
RAM CLUTCHES - MOSER ENGINEERING - KOOK'S HEADERS - ARP - GM BOLTS AND GASKETS - MSD - NGK
POWERBOND - ASP - AND MORE!
There has been a massive consolidation in the performance aftermarket. It is amazing to me how many companies that Holley and Edelbrock own. It does not appear that these acquisitions have been good for these companies products or customer services to me. However, it is likely that if some of these companies had not been absorbed, they may not exist at all anymore. I guess we have to decide if that is a good thing or not.
I laugh too, but it's sad. And it's happening everywhere. Even my newest Snap-on tools aren't built like they used to be. I've broken more Snap-on in the past 2 yrs than I ever did 10 years ago. Makes you wonder....It's the American way now. Maximize profit by manufacturing overseas and f-ck over the customer.
I just want to know which idiot thought it was a good idea to quit flaring the over-axle pipe. Now you cannot even install the catback without first taking the pipe to an exhaust shop to flare it.
I just want to know which idiot thought it was a good idea to quit flaring the over-axle pipe. Now you cannot even install the catback without first taking the pipe to an exhaust shop to flare it.
Sounds like a great opportunity for customer feedback. If you like the systems and want to see them return to their former glory, then the onus is now on you to work with the manufacturer to help get them back on track.
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TECH Enthusiast
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From: south jersey. again
If anyone searches through the archives, you'll find that I've always been a HUGE supporter of Hooker, namely the Aerochamber catback. I've been pushing that catback for 10 years.
However, as of late I'm extremely disappointed with their drop in quality. Just within the last 6 months I've had 2 Hooker mufflers fall apart on the inside, and now they're shipping catbacks without flared ends on the over-axle pipe?!? I'm not sure how Hooker expects people to install the catback when both mating pipes are the same size.
From what I understand, Hooker was bought out by Holley. This could be the issue, who knows. Either way, I'm sending out a courtesy warning about Hooker products from now on. Hopefully somebody from their team will see it and make a change. If not, at the very least I would look elsewhere for a catback from now on. Especially since there is about to be a price increase on that CB. Good idea, lets drop build quality and increase the price.
Over and out.
However, as of late I'm extremely disappointed with their drop in quality. Just within the last 6 months I've had 2 Hooker mufflers fall apart on the inside, and now they're shipping catbacks without flared ends on the over-axle pipe?!? I'm not sure how Hooker expects people to install the catback when both mating pipes are the same size.
From what I understand, Hooker was bought out by Holley. This could be the issue, who knows. Either way, I'm sending out a courtesy warning about Hooker products from now on. Hopefully somebody from their team will see it and make a change. If not, at the very least I would look elsewhere for a catback from now on. Especially since there is about to be a price increase on that CB. Good idea, lets drop build quality and increase the price.
Over and out.
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Brett Foote Yep. They've been contacted. They've already had to send me 2 new mufflers in the past 6 months because the baffles are falling apart. I can't be the only one this is happening to so it must be a known issue at this point.
yes we have had some problems as well since they moved their production back to mississippi from mexico. We are good friends with a couple of their sales guys and they are fully aware of what is going on with some of the ls stuff. we sell alot of hooker product and they are always quick to take care of us. 
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2010
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I can't edit post on iPod.. Anyways.. With the extra 100$ I paid to have a shop to take it all off expand the OTA pipe and put it all back on i could have got borla or the like.. Tried to save some cash and got screwed.. I did however purchase a set of ther offroad ceramic coated headers from there " scratch n dent" department and the quality is excelent .. Even came with o2 extensions
I can't edit post on iPod.. Anyways.. With the extra 100$ I paid to have a shop to take it all off expand the OTA pipe and put it all back on i could have got borla or the like.. Tried to save some cash and got screwed.. I did however purchase a set of ther offroad ceramic coated headers from there " scratch n dent" department and the quality is excelent .. Even came with o2 extensions
I'm starting to dislike hooker cb's as well cause at the beginning of the year I brought their catback brand new then 4 months later the muffler started making a metallic rattling sound so I brought another muffler and right now it's making the same sound. I won't buy another one!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
But honestly, I think you may be jumping the gun here. They only tack weld baffles inside mufflers, and especially when cars sit for extended periods, condensation forms and the tacks rust and then vibration breaks them. In a daily driven car it shouldn't be a problem, but in a performance car that might not see daily use and in a hot and humid climate (dirty south) well there ya go. As for the pipe flare, well thats a matter of opinion. I do not have slip fits coming off my headers, never have, and I don't mind one bit. Never any yanking or tugging to seperate pipes. I run stainless band clamps in a butt-connection style and it works like a champ. While this may not be the best for the masses, nothing is stopping you from running this connector as opposed to "going to the muffler shop" before installing the catback.
On The Tree
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 102
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Butt connection on a ota pipe.. No I'd rather not.. If you're going to do something half-assed then y even bother.. That's something a ricer would do.. Buttjoint .. lol seriously.. headers fine, Y pipe to I pipe fine but otap not a chance
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 24,241
Likes: 89
From: Turnin' Wrenches Infractions: 005
Yeah, I get what you are saying, but with hangers on the Y and on the muffler and tips there won't be any stress on that joint. And a butt connection wont budge an inch under those conditions 
