I am putting a '97 Vortec 350, auto tranny and all of the associated electronics into a narrowed frame. Since it's narrower, I need to use block-hugger/shorty headers. I would love to hear folks opinions on whether they think the Hooker or the Hedman's would be a better choice. The Hedman's go directly 4 into 1, while the Hooker headers are a bit different. The tubes are closer to the same length. They ran the first and fourth tube on each side directly to the collector, then ran the second and third outward a bit and then hooped them back in to keep the tubes close in length. I am not looking for necessarily the highest horsepower, but more for lots of torque and as broad powerband as possible. Any thoughts anyone??? Oh, also, in case it makes a difference, I have the 160 degree Hypertech thermostat and the Power Programmer III and a fairly (but not excessively) high flow exhaust is going in. Thanks again all!

Scott

<font color=green>Beartrack</font color=green>
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I have had numerous sets of headers and never had a problem with any Hooker headers. Cheaper headers always have more problems then they are worth!
I am not sure what model number you are talking about, But I KNOW Hooker makes "Excellent" headers always a TOP quality product! I don't think you could find a better header, but you could definetly find cheaper! I would call hooker or find there website and ask them about the torque and powerband.[img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
I have also heard "Thorley" are good, but don't know first hand.

PS. I would try to find their website for you, but I am at work and I don't think I should do a search for "HOOKER" [img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif[/img] LOL [img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/laugh.gif[/img] You know what I mean[img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

I suggest checking into Sanderson Headers. It's been a couple years since I've checked on the location of Sanderson Headers, but they should be in South San Francisco. Quality for narrow frame applications is there speciality. Last phone # I have for Sanderson is (650) 583-6617. Sanderson also manufactures a block hugger cast iron exhaust manifold (similar to the old Corvette ram horn) that flows as good as any header and lots quieter! Hookers are excellent, Sanderson's are better!
dave

Here's Sanderson's site (actually it's the page on their site with SB Chevy blockhuggers for trucks)- http://www.sandersonheaders.com/pagesbypartnum/cc3.htm

Nice looking headers, since I only live about 30 minutes from them I'm going to look into having them make me some custom headers that I KNOW will fit perfect. Thanks Dave.

<font color=green>Evan</font color=green>[img]/wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]

<font color=red>- Contagious Off-Road -</font color=red>

i have to agree with the hooker headers being excellent products and are dang good for the price plus they "usually" have
a longer tube design which will promote torque and low end power
hooker is now owned by holley (who is buying up alot of companies if anybody has noticed)
so check out holley's site at www.holley.com (sorry not active but i am lazy!!)

Thanks for the replies all, I definitely appreciate the info.



<font color=green>Beartrack</font color=green>
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