When I turn the wheel the entire way to the left, there is only about 1/4 inch or so of clearance between the header pipe and the tire on the driver's side. I'm not too familiar with what clearances need to be, but this seems like it is a little on the low side to me. Thoughts?

 

Are these the 2" Hookers that run a pipe over the frame rail? Normal headers that sit inside the frame rails don't have this problem. The Hookers are primarily drag race headers, where there isn't a lot of wheel turning needed.

 

Yes, they are over the frame rail. I've thought of removing and returning back to factory, but if I can avoid that for now I will. It is a little expensive. Not as expensive as shredding a tire and crashing into a tree...but I also am taking into account how often I would turn the wheel that sharp. Any turn like that would likely be low speed. Unless I'm justifying myself here. You tell me.

See attached pics:

 

I'd be more concerned about hacking up original red inners...

 

I know...a loss of original red liners (one side.) but who can blame him? This guy's need for speed was something that he went for. And I respect that. Ultimately I'd like to have the car original as possible. But there is a coolness factor that goes along with all of this vintage add on stuff too.

 

So, you think the clearance thing is a non-issue? Or is it an issue? I fully trust your experience here Joe and I'll put narrower wheels on the front or spacers if needed. He had 7.5" on the front and these are only 7", so I thought they would be fine.

 

I would suggest driving it and seeing what happens. As you point out, you aren't likely to be making sharp turns at high speed, and you'll hear rubbing long before there's a tire shredding issue. Use common sense and see what happens. Expect the worst problems to occur when you hit a bump with the wheels sharply turned, such as hitting the dip when turning into a driveway.

 

Ok thanks. I'm relying on you and guys like you to help me get this beast on the road. Wish you just lived down the street from me. Although I bet you are glad you don't. HA!

 

Well, with luck we can all gather for adult beverages at Nationals in TN this year.

 

That's a good point. Though I'd be a brave man to take a non-A/C car there with a black interior during July. Super close to me though...may have to consider it. Plus, someone lives in TN around that area that knew my father in law (and this car) well so it would be nice to get up that way and meet some guys from here too.

 

Well i doubt these guys have this header on their car! No disrespect intended. They are very informed guys. I could be wrong about them having used them on there cars. That is a hooker 2 inch header.I ran this set up on my 1970 442 for around 13 years. I never ran into the tube ever with a tire. I am not a advocate of this type header going around the frame. Yes i raced my car but also drove it on the street. The best thing to do is check your tire on the car with a inspection mirror for clearance all direction. To tall of a tire may be a concern. JMHO

 

You said you aren't an advocate of this type of header, but you ran it for 13 years. What did you change to and why? Just curious. Don't think I'll be changing soon, but your reason could make it sooner if needed. I was wondering if it would make the tire pressure fluctuate on that side due to it being close to the heat. I don't know much about these things though, so tell me what your thoughts are.

The new tires I have on there now matched up about even with the G70-14 BFG's that he had on there. Those were mounted on 7.5 E-T unilug slotted aluminum wheels. The new wheels are 7" on the front and are wearing 225/50/17 tires, which are just a shade shorter. Credit to https://tiresize.com/comparison/ for helping me choose those. Their visualizer tool is great.

 

I changed them when i went to a engine with more get up and go. The headers i have now are not cheap. They are still 2 inch but stainless steel are in the frame now. I still plan to race at the track and drive my 1970 442 on the street.

 

So, out of curiosity, what HP change did these headers make? Was this the best thing on the market during the early 70's?

 

Not sure if there was a gain using the wrap around the frame headers from hooker! I think at the time this was all you could get in a 2 inch from the cookie cutter vendors. All i can say it wasn't a merge collector header like what i have now. These should provide good results at the track and they are inside the frame not hanging down low.To me that is a win win.

 

Well that's good marketing on their part then. But you would figure there would be some sort of gain, otherwise word would get around that those things don't do squat. Your setup does sound like something you are happy with. That's great!