High 11s

As you know I am working away to get our 442 a little faster! Per my previous post and your advice - headers are next.

I am thinking hooker super comp with 1 3/4 primary's, PN 3101. Long term I plan for good aluminum heads and hydraulic roller cam. 500hp range appears possible based on what I have read.

Again in need of your experienced advice.

What is/are the preferred header choice(s) for the 442? Our car is an factory AC/ TH400 trans car.

In the past (on Chevy projects) I always preferred hooker super comps. I see also hooker has a comp version (PN3902) - those are not typically made as well. ARH and Dick Miller have stainless versions but a bit expensive.

Your thoughts?

Thanks.....James

wr1970

If you can get the cash i would go with Dick Miller. Arh are not cheap. I have hooker super comps. as well a ARH on my motors. JMO

olds 307 and 403

I would consider the larger 1 7/8" or 2" primary tube if you are considering upgrades into the 500 hp range.

BlackGold

If I remember correctly, the larger 1-7/8" Hooker SuperComps, in addition to having larger diameter primary tubes which don't shroud the exhaust ports the way the 1-3/4" do, also have longer primary tubes -- something which is always good for low-end torque. Let's face it, you probably won't be spinning your engine above 5500 RPM, right?

cutlassefi

You could actually get by with 1 3/4 if your build will stay mild. Made 500 on those just a few weeks ago.
I wouldn't go more than 1 7/8. I went to 2.00" on a 600+hp build and lost midrange torque. Didn't gain anything up top either.

High 11s

I might just save up for Dick Miller....stainless is the way to go if funds permit!

BlackGold...You are absolutely correct- 1-7/8 hooker super comps have 36" primaries vs 32" on 1-3/4's, and yes 5500 rpm is my limit!

I remembered that you made 500hp on 1-3/4 - good info thanks Mark!

Thanks for your quick and helpful replies- I was thinking 500hp is likely the transition point for 1-3/4 vs 1-7/8.

James

olds 307 and 403

There you go, go with an expert's opinion. I would have thought 1 3/4" headers were on the small side for 500 HP, the dyno shows otherwise.

wr1970

You really think that the header size was the root cause for the loss at mid range and top was the headers being to big?

cutlassefi

Yep, no other change. It's on ROP under "Header Test".

wr1970

I guess what i am asking what leads you to think that? I may be off base because i need to go reread the thread.

wr1970

Okay i checked your thread on header test. You tested without the cones and merge collectors which i think means a open tube.That in it's self could account for the loss. Not quite sure why someone would order the ARH without the cones and merge collectors. This was brought up to me by a engine builder as why american racing headers are a very good header is because of the cones and the merge collectors. The one thing not used in your test on this 600 + hp engine. Also stated on ARH site as a big factor to achieve Max torque.

wr1970

PM sent to EfI for a reply on this discussion.

cutlassefi

Both headers dumped right into the dyno exhaust system. Neither header came with reducers/merge collectors, not even the ARH's. You'd think they would after spending $1400 on a set.

Thanks.

wr1970

Thanks for the reply. According to the ARH Tech i called this morning you must have ordered them without as the norm is they come with cones and merge connectors. I think a mix up happened but who knows. Still a very impressive build. My bet is more torque with the cones and merge collector. Possible that it might change your mind set Mark.

cutlassefi

I know. The guy there, Steve, dropped the ball. I ordered them but never got a confirmation. I called a few weeks later to get an update and got no effort on resolving the issue. It wasn't until I called Nick personally that it got done. Even with that he was going to charge me the full shipping cost, even though it was their fault. He finally agreed to eat the shipping cost, a whopping $60.00. Real sacrifice for a $1400.00 set of headers huh. I shouldn't have had to ask.
I'm fan of their product but their customer service really sucks.

wr1970

Now we have the whole story Mark. Again thanks for letting all the facts be known. Congrats again on a great build for madmax.

madmax442

I'm happy with the results! I probably should have had bought a girdle but we both didn't think it would lay down 622 horsepower! Those heads were awesome! I'm sure with a bit bigger cam, more timing and a steel crank I could get 650 but obviously it would still need a girdle!