Race header questions

Time to replace the headers on my bracket car. I am currently running the Hooker Super Comp's, 2" tuned primary's, 3.5" collectors. These have been good enough and lasted about 12 years (a LOT of passes!!), but now need to be replaced. Other choices include Doug Thorley, tti and possibly Headman. This is strictly a bracket car, no street use.
"72 'E-body, RB with Edelbrock RPM heads, 727 trans, engine in stock location with torsion bars, full shock towers, man steering box, & Milidon S/S pan with steering link pass through. The Hookers have a tube on each side that is separate and goes around the out side of the torsion bars.
What headers to you use? Why? likes/dislikes? fitment/installation, ect? Not really interested in a coated header, or stainless (it is a race car).

Thanks, Brian

On your deal I would step up to the TTI step race headers

I bought the hype about how great TTI headers are… big mistake! I should have just bought another set of Tubular Automotive brand for my A motor / A body. Having to take the front suspension apart to remove the headers when the motor comes out stinks, they fit real close to the trans, I had to modify my shifter mounting bracket on the trans to clear the headers. They might be okay for a street car but a race car that the motor comes out of once in awhile they aren`t too great. The only thing I gained was not having to use a 90 degree oil filter adapter. My car sits in a dry trailer or garage and got caught in rain maybe twice and the TTIs are rusting already after 3 years. My application is a 68 Dart with a small block with Indy 360-1 heads and a 904 the TTIs are pretty much one piece also a pain when taking in and out. For $1000 I expected better fitment, ease of installation and quality… I didn't get it with TTIs .. the next time my motor comes out the TTIs aren't going back in !

Have you considered having a set custom made for the combo and car? Price is higher for sure but usually the results are worth the effort.

What is the rest of the combo and performance?
Weight, CID (stroker?), cam, CR, rear suspension (leaf, ladder, 4-link), gear ratio, converter stall speed, ET/mph

weight is 3280 w/ driver, stock stroke 440 , 4.350 bore, 13.5:1 compression, .590 solid MP cam, modified S/S leaf springs in rear, 6 cyl torsion bars up front, 4.56 Dana, 29.5 x 11.5 MT tires, T/A 17509J converter, quarter mile 10.50 (or quicker most any where but Bristol) at 125 mph. This is the defininition of an "old school" Mopar bracket car, for sure! But hey, I'm old school too! The thing that I really don't like about tti's, is the fact they are a one piece design, and like mentioned above, this engine is out on a regular basis.

Brian

It may be worth a call to TTI to see what they can do to make the install easier. They may have the option to make them multi-piece.

I'll never buy Hooker headers again. Last set we got had a big "made in China" stamp on the side, and I've never had a set that didn't get dented for install. TTIs are made in Cali.

TTI does make a race header, stainless steel not listed in their catalog. Call and ask for your application

I can't comment on SB applications but on a BB tti's are the easiest header I've ever installed. I can drop them in 30-40 minutes and installation doesn't take any longer.

Two tips crap can their gaskets and also get arp small head header bolts. You will only need then on the 2nd header bolts on both banks(2nd bolt from the front on both sides).

I don't have a lift and install these while laying on my back easy peasey. I feel the 2" fits better around the starter than the step header.

Have you checked out Hedman Hedders #75340. 2in. primaries,3 1/2 collectors (slip fit).Summit has them listed. Hedman also lists a set for 440 only vehicles with Indy heads.Don't have any personal experience with either but the quality of their weld up kits is good.Built a set of 2 1/8 tubes for my tube chassis Lancer. That was difficult, but stock chassis cars would be much harder with all the obstacles.Not even suggesting it.Building headers is a skill. I probably will never do it again. They turned out nice, but me and my son burned up the better part of 3 weekends before we were done. Bill

I forgot about how good the Hedman A body BB race headers fit and worked on my old pump gas Duster.
Their race header plant is on the east coast nearer to you so if they don't have a set on the shelf they will make them right away and they can be drop ship direct to you if you order them from summit and maybe Jeg's or Competition Products also
I really like the ones I used on My Duster