My experience is that all brands of 302 Maverick long tube headers follow the same design for the most part. Unless you are talking about some exotic header like Tri-Ys, big tubes, swap headers, etc... They all have the same basic layout. One exception being a recent addition to Hedman's line-up that do not have driver's side tubes run in split pairs for equalizer clearance. They are all 1 5/8"/3" collector, they all turn in slightly towards the tranny, they all have a high and a low running pair of tubes on the DS to clear clutch linkage (except recent Hedmans), they all come with crappy paint, they all need the PS drop bracket, they all have a couple bolts that are cramped behind primary tubes (trick on that in a minute...). One thing that differs slightly is the port shape at the flange, and general flange shape. Not really big issues. The trick to getting a 302 header bolted in is to put a bolt in each of the tight holes, 2 of them if memory serves... Do this with the headers away from the heads. Now put the gasket on the bolts and lift the headers to the heads while holding the bolts fully through the header flange and gasket. Keep the header supported away from the head enough to get the bolts started a thread or two without the bolt head pushing into the primary. Now use the tight bolts to get the header to the head. The rest of the bolts can now be installed, the hard ones are done. Do this on each side. If the car is jacked up 3', the headers will slide right in from the bottom. It's a little much to do in the driveway, but I have done it just to avoid unbolting mounts and such. Dave
I run heddmans on my '75 4dr,they fit good,no BFH required.Can't remember part# but they were long tubes,I run a factory type floor shifter.
I used the Lokar cable to replace my kickdown rod, worked fine. I also had to ding my tranny pan quite a bit to get it all to fit. Given options now, I'll be cutting and rewelding my collector as to not interfere with the tranny when its rolling again.
thanks 74merc. I figured the aod would require some slight mods to make everything work. The collectors are rubbing the trans so I will probably cut and weld them at a different angle. My AOD had a kickdown rod like a c-4 kickdown actuator. I will check out the lokar cable as soon as I get the chance. by the way, the trans mount requires some mods as well..
ok i'll answer it.. since i don't think anyone else here has tried both hedmans and hookers IMO since i have hookers in one car and hedmans in the other.. the hookers are easiest if you compare the two. now back to rambling. both headers work.. however if you have PS the power steering cyl WILL hit when you use the drop bracket with the hedmans and dent the header tube. also the with the hedmans you will have fun putting in the bolts.. like raito411 said "they all have a couple bolts that are cramped behind primary tubes" very ture but for hookers it not much of an issue as the hedmans. with hedmans some bolts you may have to cut.. if anyone here has them and you didn't have to do it great.. but i did. with hookers no dents no cuting bolts no having to put bolts in certain orders... personally its a better made header hands down! now if your using an aftermarket head thats another story and thread! good luck!
