Header Headaches (Hooker 2451)

[willny1]

I bought a set of hooker headers 2451 - HKR

Got them from amazon. Checked my application to see it it fits

1986 Buick regal
SBC 350
TH350 Transmission

Summit, amazon, and various sources shows that these headers "Fit".

Well I got a call from my mechanic and he tells me that they do not fit. I cant remember for sure but something with the control arm, the steering shaft etc.

Well I called Hooker directly and they told me that I have the correct header and they should fit.
I verified that I did in fact receive the correct header and that this was not a case of a miss-package.

Now, I am going to return these ones and order a new set. Before I do, I would like some input on a header. I spent around $160 for these and need to stay in that range as money is an issue right now.

My mechanic mention that the rusted headers I have on there now have dents in them to allow for clearances and that they are a different shape from the Hookers. He said try a different manufacturer which I am. I cant I.D. the header I have on it now due to rusted off manufacturing plate or I would just order the same ones and be done with this.

So theres my problem. Any one been down this same path and can offer some suggestions for me?

 

[84cutlass454]

take off your old header and there might be a part number stamped on the inside of the header flange

 

[willny1]

I will be headed down to the shop tomorrow and see if I can snag a number off the plate. The way my luck is running is that I will be able to read the number and look up the header to find out it cost $$$$$ that I dont have right now lol

Going to go that route first and see. In the meantime, I guess I can scour around for some information for a header that will fit and not cost too much $$$$$.

Will post how things go.

 

[CHINO]

yep i just went threw the same thing with my malibu wagon two different sets of long tube headers third times a charm i guess happen to be a set of FlowTech headers from summit part # was 11104 FLT and only $133 shipped to my door fit great but this was on my WAGON so i would still double check since you have a Buick

 

[84cutlass454]

take a look at jegs headers part number 555-30060

 

[willny1]

yep i just went threw the same thing with my malibu wagon two different sets of long tube headers third times a charm i guess happen to be a set of FlowTech headers from summit part # was 11104 FLT and only $133 shipped to my door fit great but this was on my WAGON so i would still double check since you have a Buick

I checked out the part number and it didnt have my car listed in the application. Thanks though.

 

[willny1]

take a look at jegs headers part number 555-30060

Those headers are priced right up my alley at this time.

A fellow over at malibu racing mention to me about Schonfelds. They require me to use a short oil filter and no AC. Not a problem concerning the AC as I have a delete plate on, but not interested in the short oil filter requirement.

84 Cutlass, on those jegs headers, you have any experience with them on a 86 regal? I know our cars are similar. 🙂

 

[jordanfr13]

If it helps anything, I had these on my cutlass with a 305 chevy/th350 transmission, and they were a pain to get in, but once in, i only had to slightly trim the ear on my control arm mounts and modify my gear shift linkage a bit

 

[85Frankencar]

take a look at jegs headers part number 555-30060

I run these in mine (85 Regal) with a SBC 350, no problems....but I don't have AC or anything like that, so that may be part of the reason....it is a bit of a squeeze, but they work.

 

[willny1]

take a look at jegs headers part number 555-30060

I run these in mine (85 Regal) with a SBC 350, no problems....but I don't have AC or anything like that, so that may be part of the reason....it is a bit of a squeeze, but they work.

I have an A/C delete plate on so I should be ok with this header, Did you do any fabrication to make them fit? Looking for a simple install. If there is such a thing