Header Help - 69 Chevelle L78

[sixt9rsx33]

Since my car has a fresh engine, and this car is a day 2 vibe car, I want to put headers on. I plan on installing 1 7/8" long tube headers, ceramic coated, but don't know which brand has the best fit? May car is a manual steering car.

Thanks!

[BARRY]

Hooker

[m22mike]

I had new Hooker dark side headers on my L78 69 Camaro, they fit great.
Mike

[sixt9rsx33]

These?
1969 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE Hooker Super Competition Headers 2250-1HKR

[Salvatore]

Hooker Super Comp

[scuncio]

The Hooker Comps fit well on my '70.

[sixt9rsx33]

I am using 1.835" inch tubes. Engine builder suggests this size. What size are you guys using?

[novadude]

Hedman 1-3/4" headers fit very well, and the smaller tubes will actually perform better on an L78 (or even a street 454).

[Flying Undertaker]

Hooker super comp #2217-1 for hooker ceramic coated headers, #2217 with black paint & you have them coated. 2" primaries 35" long with 3 1/2" 10" long collectors and they fit with PB,PS,AC, both stick and auto trans. 2" primaries recommended by Chevrolet Power Manual and How to Hotrod Big Block Chevy books. Don.

[dustinm]

What I have experience with are Hookers. At track you will not gain or loose MPH with comp vs super comp. I doubt you will see any seat of the pants feel 1 7/8" vs 2" as its worth about 5 lbs under 4000 rpm on dyno. I have used both sizes of comps and 1 7/8 did have better spark plug access. I also order them plain, fit them, then ship out for coating.

[markjohnson]

I concur. I’d skip the Hooker Super Comps and go with regular Hooker Comps. They’re cheaper, slightly thicker wall tubing for street use and you can practically throw them at the car and they’ll land in place. Let me add the fact that I’ve installed Hookers on MANY cars and have NEVER had to take the BFH out of the toolbox.

[ZiggyL78]

Hedman 1-3/4" headers fit very well, and the smaller tubes will actually perform better on an L78 (or even a street 454).

X2.Hookers suck.Way too low.

[sixt9rsx33]

If you're looking for a really (Really!) nice production line header, look at these:

https://americanracingheaders.com/products/chevy-big-block-1968-1972-chevelle-malibu-el-camino-headers

They're stainless steel, very nicely welded and even come with a high tech hourglass style merge collector (something Chevy actually came up with in the "we're not racing era"....L-O-L) . Available in 1-7/8-inch or 2.0-inch. Not cheap, but probably the highest quality production line headers I've ever worked with.

Wayne

Those are sweet, but I don't want to spend that much dough!

[sixt9rsx33]

Anyone have any luck with Doug's? I have found the tube size and collector size that I want. 1 7/8", 3.5". They have also come recommended by a few guys local.
Thanks for all the replies and help

[L72Chevelle]

Dougs hang low. I have the American racing ones on my car now and they are worth every penny. Let me know if you want pics.

[8secchevelle]

I like the hooker 2455 this header does not hang low like a super comp does and is available in carbon steel and stainless , I currently have the stainless on my 2nd gen camaro and my chevelle they fit very well and must work good the chevelle has been 5.98 in the 1/8 at 3500lbs on engine alone. Spark plug access is very good , I've also used the steel version on wife's former daily driver 1970 elcamino with no gasket issues

[sixt9rsx33]

I like the hooker 2455 this header does not hang low like a super comp does and is available in carbon steel and stainless , I currently have the stainless on my 2nd gen camaro and my chevelle they fit very well and must work good the chevelle has been 5.98 in the 1/8 at 3500lbs on engine alone. Spark plug access is very good , I've also used the steel version on wife's former daily driver 1970 elcamino with no gasket issues

What diameter tube are you running and what size collector?

[ZiggyL78]

Dougs hang low. I have the American racing ones on my car now and they are worth every penny. Let me know if you want pics.

Great race headers but to low for the street.Lemons are killer but so is the price.

[8secchevelle]

The hooker 2455 is 2" primary with 3.5 collector

[sixt9rsx33]

The hooker 2455 is 2" primary with 3.5 collector

Is it difficult to get to the plugs with 2” primary?

Will the reverse lock out work with headers?

[8secchevelle]

Spark plug access is great , I used the 2 1/8 " super comp on the chevelle for awhile and plug access was terrible that was one reason I went back to the comp header , I have the backdrive on the camaro and did have bend the bar that goes on the frame but a little time and it worked fine

[sixt9rsx33]

Guys thanks for all the great suggestions. After reviewing and knowing what my long term plans are for the car I went with JEGS brand headers. I will eventually restore this car to an original level so opted to buy the inexpensive headers and added cutouts to the mix. The headers I got are 1 7/8" long tube, 3.5" collectors, and 3/8" flange ceramic coated. The tech at JEGS told me that Hooker made them for JEGS and JEGS orders 500 pair to the lot. I found on Team Chevelle where guys had used them with no fitment issue. Once installed I will let you know how they fit.