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The Hookers have 4 hole flanges on each cylinder flange. They will fit all 390 427 428 configurations that's what makes them nice. No they are not original and take some extra effort to install but your stockers wont be a cake walk either. Good luck on what ever direction you choose.

I guess our biggest concern is that...although yes they have 4 hole flanges, they aren't designed to accommodate offset configurations like the stock 428 heads. Under this setup, two of the upper holes can't be used without additional fabrication. My biggest question is really whether people have continued to install them without modification and only use 2 of the 4 upper holes in offset configurations.

Our assumption is this would compromise proper fitment as two of the flanges wouldn't be fully secured at the top. But, if people have continued in this fashion and not had issues, we are happy to try it.

Hooker does not make a setup from the factory designed for the offset bolt holes unfortunately.

Remember Randy's suggestion of elongation the hole of the header flange on the ports with the offset bolt hole. That way they will fit the pattern and you will have the extra clamping force for a good seal. Also not mentioned but just to make sure you are aware that you will have to run a special powersteering bracket to relocate the powersteering ram down lower to clear the headers. Also plan on test fitting and removing to modify with some well placed ball peen hammer hits for clearance before final install . If you don't have to more power to you . The headers can be very close to the shock towers even to the point of contact. Best to do the pre fit first before painting.  If you decide to run the stock manifolds it is even more important to have the ports surfaced so that they are all flat in the same plane. From the factory there is no exhaust gasket used so a flat surface insures a good seal . I always smear a thin coating of orange high temp silicone before bolting on the cast iron manifolds . I don't put much on and if any little bit squeezes out I can take a razor blade and pick it off. Don't forget a good high temp cast iron paint for the stock manifolds .You don't want to skimp like with a inferior VHT rattle can product because you only want to do this once.  Best of luck what ever you decide.

Everything else is ready to go. Had the heads resurfaced earlier this week to ensure proper fitment.

Already made sure to have the drop down bracket as well. Thanks for the suggestions.

We will likely just drill out new holes on the headers to "ovalize" the two offset ports.

The Hookers have 4 hole flanges on each cylinder flange. They will fit all 390 427 428 configurations that's what makes them nice. No they are not original and take some extra effort to install but your stockers wont be a cake walk either. Good luck on what ever direction you choose.

I guess our biggest concern is that...although yes they have 4 hole flanges, they aren't designed to accommodate offset configurations like the stock 428 heads. Under this setup, two of the upper holes can't be used without additional fabrication. My biggest question is really whether people have continued to install them without modification and only use 2 of the 4 upper holes in offset configurations.

Our assumption is this would compromise proper fitment as two of the flanges wouldn't be fully secured at the top. But, if people have continued in this fashion and not had issues, we are happy to try it.

Hooker does not make a setup from the factory designed for the offset bolt holes unfortunately.

At this point I really think I should just use the stock exhaust manifolds as my car is fully matching numbers. I only considered headers because we were given the wonderful surprise of blown head gaskets. My thought was "now's the time to try them." I'm generally particular about keeping everything original. Don't know why I tried to deviate this time. Maybe we will just scrap the header project.

Ryan

Here is a picture that should show the alignment of the top set of exhaust manifold bolt holes C7AE NOS head

I would post pictures but I am too lazy for the 12 step plan.

Only 20 steps for me

Yep, thank you. That's what I got...outer bolts are lower than the centers. Guess I won't be able to use the Hookers afterall...

Bob,

These are also 14 bolt FE heads. According to Hooker, the "in-line" top four bolts are typical for 16-bolt FE heads. Any clarity would be great.

Ryan

Bob,

I just double checked and I do have the stock original heads, C7AE-A. Yet, they are NOT in line. Would could be the reason!? Hopefully it means my car is extra special and more valuable,

Ryan

Of course we noticed this now on the day we are planning to install the Hooker Headers for the GT500 with Stock FE Heads...

According to the Hooker Header disclaimer...

The headers "Will only fit 16 bolt F.E. cylinder heads with the top four exhaust bolt holes in line. Header will not seal properly on
heads with the end upper bolts lower than the center bolts."

How are you all remedying this? For those of you who installed Hooker Headers...did you not use your stock FE heads?

Ryan
714-855-8505

Wow!

Love the responses. Wasn't expecting to see so many responses to my topic!

Ironically enough, I was able to find a guy locally who happened to be selling a set of unused ceramic coated Hooker Super Comps. Picked them up yesterday and plan to install tomorrow. We will see how they go.

Ryan

It is about a 8 hour job . If you can do it faster I'll the better. don't forget the ps drop bracket . FYI you need to reinforce the drop bracket. The leverage is significant. they will often pull the nut zerts right out of the frame. Many end up welding them permanent and they still will break at the base. Best of luck.

Bob,

Thank you! Just ordered the Hooker brand P/S bracket from Jegs. Should be in by tomorrow. My Father in Law and I look forward to the challenge!

Ryan

Wow!

Love the responses. Wasn't expecting to see so many responses to my topic!

Ironically enough, I was able to find a guy locally who happened to be selling a set of unused ceramic coated Hooker Super Comps. Picked them up yesterday and plan to install tomorrow. We will see how they go.

Ryan

Hi all,

I previously posted about suggestions for head/intake manifold gaskets. Thank you for all of your suggestions. Had a chance to remove everything today and sure enough, blown head gaskets on both sides (3 total cylinders). And holy crap, there is hardly any room to work under there. Everything is so tight!

Any who, I would consider ordering some headers to install on the car while the heads are off with the stock exhaust manifolds. Who is using headers and if so, which brand do you recommend for quality and fitment!?

Thanks,

Ryan

Good morning all,

Wanted to reach out and see if anyone had specific recommendations for a particular brand of gasket sets for the GT500 heads/intake manifold. Giving the car a run through for general maintenance and condition and seem to be running into the relatively common vaporing issue.

If there was one particular brand or another that you guys like, I'd love to hear it before I go and get any old brand.

Also, any suggestions for improvements/upgrades to cooling etc. that have been done by any of you would also be welcomed!

Thanks.

Ryan

A real stunner you got there, welcome to the most passionate site for these cars! I have a similar car that was a right coast car that came to the left coast for some fun in the sun. Look up Beauty and the Beast 1967 # 1189 also watch out for some trolls that like to upset the new guys stating your car is built wrong because it has Le Mans stripes and the proverbial caution sticker on fan shroud. Don't worry it is all in good fun and we all get a little thicker skin because of it, We can compare notes because of the similarities of our cars. WE LOVE THE NEW GUYS TO THIS LITTLE CLUB! Jump in don't be bashful

427heaven

Thank you! Oh don't worry, some of my car's inconsistencies have already been pointed out...Le Mans stripes...,incorrect shift knob etc. Here's what I say...I just got an F'ing Shelby!

Hope you can come with it to SAAC-43.

Don,

Missed this comment earlier. I would love to come up to Sonoma!

Ryan

Ron,

Can't wait to see it. Thank you!

AND THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ELSE!

Ryan

GT350CS,

I recently obtained info from the Shelby Registry which last had the following info on my car:

2869. GT500. Completed 7/14/67 and shipped 10/11/67 to Northwestern Motor Car Co. (Milwaukee, WI). Factory production order form is marked "Dearborn." Purchased 10/28/67 by orginal owner Phillip Koch (Franklin, WI). He sold it in '69. A defective steering wheel was replaced by Northwestern 11/13/67. Previously owned by Carl Ponath (San Diego, CA) '69-?; Mitch Walker, Alex Alonzo. Also previously owned by Thomas Huddon (Redding, CA). He reported that the car was stored in a barn for four years prior to his purchase. The last known owner wishes to remain anonymous (Franksville, WI) and sold the car in 2002 through a broker. Present owner/whereabouts not known.

Based on the last set of notes, this makes sense. I was told by the dealer that the most previous owner had the vehicle for the last 10-15 years and bought it in Texas and had the car restored. Based on the above info, it appears the car has ironically bounced back and forth between WI and CA, and now it's back en route to CA again; which I'd like to say is clearly it's rightful home now

Ryan