Headers have long been the best option for top performance when putting together a competitive track build. They just do better at maximizing airflow with an upgraded intake than a stock manifold. Still, headers are too loud to be street legal in many places, which is why the Hooker exhaust system has become so popular for high-performance street cars.
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Hooker’s Header Design Reputation
Hooker header tubes have been among the most popular in the industry for a long time because they are made from high-quality materials and the are engineered for maximum airflow, so they work with the biggest and best intakes on the market. Hooker also did a great job engineering header tubes that work in just about every size you’d need, regardless of the manufacturer or model year of the vehicle you are upgrading.
One of the reasons header designs produce better airflow than stock manifold designs is because they do not engineer for reduced noise, and as a result, they are much louder than a stock system. When you want a drag car that outcompetes the rest of the local competition, that is great. When you want a high-performance road trip vehicle you love to drive for hours at a time, you need something a little different, and that led Hooker to the header manifold systems they offer for small block engines today.
Hooker Exhaust Systems
Hooker’s exhaust manifold system produces the noise reduction needed for DOT compliance while keeping performance at the top of the team’s design priorities. The result is a system that looks a lot like a header and even sounds a lot like one, just not as loud. The tubes look a lot like straight headers once installed, but they are actually a manifold system when you get into the technicalities.
This is accomplished by making the exhaust manifolds fit cleanly and save space like stock small block manifolds, but with the improved airflow you would expect from a set of headers. The result is not as powerful as a set of straight headers, but it fits into more builds and works in more situations, making it one of the most useful choices for many street cars. Exhaust headers have their place, but they just do not work for every application under the sun. You need options.
Making the Most of Your Hooker Exhaust System
Hooker systems work by equalizing the pressure out and in, working with your performance intake to maximize airflow through the engine block. That makes them an ideal addition to any build that plans to use a Holley Sniper conversion kit to move to EFI because it helps ensure the fuel injectors will get all the air they need to operate at peak efficiency.
If you are planning an exhaust upgrade, it’s worth taking a look at what a Hooker manifold system could do for your custom small block. They are made to work with a variety of cylinder head sizes, so it should be easy to match a set to your needs. Start looking for your perfect fit today.
