I finally bit the bullet and bought some Kook's LT1 long tubes. I got the 1 3/4 straight headers with 3" collectors. I wanted some stainless headers plus I liked the idea of long tubes that have better clearance than the Hooker or Jet-Hot headers. For those considering Kook's headers I figured I'd just post some comments on the install, the clearance, and my overall impressions so far. I haven't finished putting everything else on my engine back together and have not started the car yet, so I don't have final results. I don't have pictures but those have been posted before.

The headers are beautifully constructed. The detail work is great. The flanges are thick and welded to the primaries from the inside. The welds are ground smooth for max airflow. The supplied gaskets are the perfect size and shape to match the ports. Incidentally, Fel-Pro 1406 gaskets are a hair too small and would need to be trimmed a little to use. There is a cone on the inside of the collectors where the primaries meet. They weigh 24 lbs (DS - 11.5 lbs, PS - 12.5 lbs), and the y-pipe weighs 13 lbs.

The install
I had to get the car way up. After getting it high enough, the driver's side header went right in. I didn't even need to remove the oil filter.
The passenger side header wasn't quite as easy. I had to undo the mount and jack the right side up. Once installed, the fit is perfect. They aren't even close to hitting anything.

Plug access
I decided to try to install the plugs from the top to see how easy they each were. Numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7 went in easily from the top. The driver's side plugs could all be changed in a few minutes. The passenger side plugs are more difficult. Numbers 2, 4, and 8 went in from the top. It took a little more effort than the DS plugs, but they weren't bad at all, even with my fat fingers. Number 6 had to go from the bottom. From there, #6 is easy. I think that with these headers, a 30 minute plug change is very possible. I used a shortened 5/8 spark plug socket with a Gearwrench on the end. The cut socket is an invaluable tool for this. For comparison, I had ASM/RKSport headers and every corresonding plug on those headers was much more difficult than the Kook's headers. Changing #5 and #6 on the ASM headers was a total nightmare. They're comparative cake on the Kook's headers. The plug wires clear perfectly using the stock looms. I use 8 mm Magnecor wires cut a little longer for headers. I don't anticipate any problems with burnt wires.

Clearance
They're long tubes. Still, they don't look to hang anywhere near as low as the Hooker and Jet-Hot's I've seen. They tuck up very nicely. I would think that if you've got a lowered car and want long tubes, these are the way to go.

Overall, I am extremely impressed with these headers. They are 304 stainless and that is a big plus, but in addition to that, the fit is impeccable, the detail work is great and they look good too. I'm anxious to finish this car so I can see some results.

 

i think i need some pics...

 

I love my kook's. Once they were installed, I was running around in circles trying to get everything back on the car so I could finally start her up. Once you run them for a while you'll get that famous gold/bronze coloring from the stainless and it looks awesome Let us know what you think when you take it for spin the first time

 

simple question - how much did they cost you, and where did you get them?

 

Horsepower Engineering

Speed Inc. also sells them, but they aren't on their site yet.

Both are board sponsors. I'm sure there are other places as well.

Yes, they're expensive at around $1000 for the combo.