Are there any long tube headers that do not have and low ground clearance issues for 69 442 big block?
Reinstalling the motor and mine are at least 30 years old.
Thanks
Tom

 

The Hooker headers on my car don’t hang any lower than the engine crossmember. Occasionally they do hit the ground, but I have to be going pretty fast with a not so smooth road for that to happen. I’m guessing that going to be pretty typical of any long tube header.

 

You're replacing them based on age alone? If they're not leaking or rusted through AND they fit the way you want, I'd refinish them over buying new.

 

All headers will hang down somewhat. That's the price you pay for better flow and a 20 HP increase. There's only so much room in the engine compartment to route four tubes of the correct diameter and length on each side. There's a reason why they were not factory equipment. Nothing is free.

Yes, you can get shorty headers. They give you all the cost and leaking gaskets of real headers without the pesky extra horsepower. Your call. Frankly, I'd use factory W/Z manifolds over shorty headers any day. The W/Z manifolds are internally divided for better flow.

 

Tom----I can't speak to the 69 442 but I can tell you that I am disappointed with the fitment of the higher-end Hooker Super Comp 1 7/8" headers that I have on my new 1971 resto build. The left side collector is not even with the right and hangs down prob an extra 1" or more as compared to the right. Between the price of the header from Hooker and then the Jet Hot coating...I am disappointed that I didn't pay the extra and go with American Racing Headers (ARH) per recommendations from this forum.

Just something to consider....