"Slow and da curious" made a thread asking what the best LT1 header was. I figured that I would post up some pics since I haven't any threads that show a set of Hookers and Kooks side-by-side.

First, let's look at the headers by themselves. The Kooks (bottom) are new 1-3/4" emissions models. The Hookers (top) have a few thousand miles on them.



Next, let's see how the headers look side-by-side when held in position by their Y-pipes. The Hookers are using a Mufflex Y, which I bought before Hooker came out with their LT1-specific Y-pipe. Notice the difference in the plug access between the headers, and how the primaries are routed symmetrically.



Finally, let's compare the Kooks Y with the Mufflex.



Lastly, I should mention that although I'm a Kooks convert, I have to admit that the Hookers still cleaned up beautifully thanks to the JetHot lifetime warranty:



Thoughts?

 

I have always liked the quality of the Kooks and as far has headers go they are awesome. I still like that Mufflex Y pipe setup, not so much the equal routing cause that can cause contact issues with the underbody, but the Y merge is a better setup.



Bret

 

I don't know how the Kooks are, but I couldn't have asked for a better plug access LT than what I got with my Jet Hots (Hooker rip offs).

 

Nice post, this sure does get asked alot.

 

i've loved my Hooker/Jet Hot's.. Plug access was great, w/o that big price...

 

Just don't do mild steel headers... even with coating they are a waste of time.

 

Hooker's are equal length... but the Kook's sure don't appear to be (which allows for that better plug access IMO)... how does that come into play with things?

I think we've seen a few posts where the Kook's have made more power though.

 

I think the Kooks make more power because they are stepped (not sure if all Kooks are though).

 

Those Kooks aren't and not everyone likes stepped headers... as for equal length about the only people who can find the difference are Cup teams... the Kooks make more power most likely due to the smoother design, with less hard bends in them.

Bret

 

..and the spike collectors

 

Nice side-by-side comparison trax. Appreciate the info. Now you have successfully added even more doubt to which header I should go with.
While we're at it, what's the advantages of the "elbow" I keep hearing people mention. I'm assuming it goes into the throttle body but please bear with me. My other car is a mid 10's '70 Camaro bracket car. Last time I checked, it didn't have a throttle body, so just excuse the ignorance. Thanks again.


'97 A4 WS6 Trans Am
3.73's only...so far

'70 Camaro
383 Stroker - 625 hp - Eagle forged rotating assembly - Wiseco domes - Brodix track 1's - 750 Race Demon - .678 lift Comp Cam - 14 to 1 comp. No juice, No boost

 

those look alot like the pacesetters

 

You didnt really think that for 400$, Coated, Out the door, you were getting in-house R&D did you?

 

Slow Come on over to Dave's motorhome tommorrow with beer(Coors light)and i'll tell you all about the elbow and what i found out about headers Frank95z

 

Just to add to this, you can also get a Kooks Y-pipe with a 4" outlet. I just had my Kooks installed and they are great. I gained at least 1" of ground clearance over the Hookers. Great post and comparison--thanks.