Crush-proof Hookers??

[ejoedirte]

I can see that installing my new Hooker Competition headers in my 74 Challenger that there is no reason for the new ones to not end up likeold ones- Crushed cuz they're cheap and too low. Does anyone have a remedy for this that doesn't include:
A) Scrapping 'em and going with the more expensive TTI s that go above the steering linkage
B) Adjusting the ride height and therefore throwing off the front end geometry
C) Jacking up the entire car and making it into a monster truck

Someone out there must have a solution to this common albeit unforseen problem. Yeah I know some wiseacre is going to say "TTI, man they're the way to go!" but I'm bucks down at the moment. :

[MY340]

Go with the tallest front tire that will look good on your Challenger. Of course you may have to change back tires now too. I sold my almost new 4 tires to help out but recouped most of the money when I sold them.

Raise ride height just a reasonable amount and have front end realigned. Of course doing these to things you won't be able to run the 24 hrs of LeMans anymore but it won't effect you at the strip.

I have Hedman headers on mine and have 4.75" clearance on the low drivers side which is fine. My car isn't all jacked up and I run 205/70R14's up front & 225/70R14's on the back. You should be able to go taller easily especially if you have 15" rims.

It's just part of the fun of having headers! Good luck!

[ejoedirte]

Thanks!

[rumblefish360]

I run the Hooker Super Comp. headers with the larger pipe over the standard 1 5/8 size. I think there 1 3/4. There is plenty of space between them and the ground. These are it besides the TTI's. At about $300 and change, there a tad cheaper than the TTI's.
One warning. I have a 4spd manual tranny car. They do not fit with a Lakewood scattersheild. 1 pass. tube gets in the way.
Other than that, great fit.

They come painted black or coated for extra money. I had them blasted clean and applied por-15 on the header with good results.

[littlecampbell]

Boy am I glad to hear this! I adjusted my ride height back to stock and now have a lot more clearance under there. Now to find out if those hookers will fit

[76Duster]

Leave my hookers alone Gary!

[littlecampbell]

If I didnt know any better I'd think you were the Hinton pimp! ......Hey Corey check out the back page of the March issue of Mopar Muscle, there a pic and bio of MrMopars Swinger!....Where the hell is Daysland

[451Mopar]

On my old headers I welded a skid plate on the bottom of the headers, but even it got knocked off!
Stiffer Torsen bars may help as they will allow less suspension movement when going through dips, etc..

Like everyone else mentioned, taller tires or ride height will get you a bit more ground clearance.

This is one of the reasons I have been pimping the TTI's.
They listened to our complaints about the old style headers and developed some good ones. Now the only complaint I hear is the price of the TTIs, usually from those that don't own them. Everyone I know who is running the TTIs tell me they were worth the extra cash.

[DartGT66]

I have welded skid wedges to the K-member to protect ehaders and oil pan, and have not had a problem even with a low car.

[ejoedirte]

OK anyone know the factory ride height for a 74 Challenger and how high I can push it without becoming un alignable? Also (This sounds a bit red in the neck) but would a 3' lift in the back help or hurt?
Thnaks fellas