[macdroid]

I am looking to change from my HOOKER COMP headers(which in my opinion are VERY difficult to bolt up properly), to the new THORLEY 341's, for my '74 TRANS AM. These are the three-into-one headers that they offer. I was looking for UNBIASED opinions as to the QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, and EASE OF INSTALLATION of these headers, as opposed to others. I am under the impression from things that I have read, that THORLEY headers, are the best money can buy. Talk to me people! Thanks for any help.

P.S. I ALSO need small A/C components(switches, solenoids, etc.) for my '74 Trans AM. THANKS!

[macdroid]

I am looking to change from my HOOKER COMP headers(which in my opinion are VERY difficult to bolt up properly), to the new THORLEY 341's, for my '74 TRANS AM. These are the three-into-one headers that they offer. I was looking for UNBIASED opinions as to the QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, and EASE OF INSTALLATION of these headers, as opposed to others. I am under the impression from things that I have read, that THORLEY headers, are the best money can buy. Talk to me people! Thanks for any help.

P.S. I ALSO need small A/C components(switches, solenoids, etc.) for my '74 Trans AM. THANKS!

[Brian Baker]

Don't know anything about the Thorley headers, but I do know this. You suffer the same fate as I with headers. You own a 2nd gen. F-body (LOL). Unfortunately, teh 2nd gen. Firebird has got to be the most difficult Pontiac to fit headers in (next to fitting headers in a 3rd gen. with a "traditional" Pontiac engine). Regardless of what you select, you're going to have a hard time. I have found however that the Hooker Super Comp's bolt right in without having to tweak any of the tubes to clear the frame/chassis. They're still a bitch to bolt in, but they didn't require any tweaking.

[Robert Williams]

I agree with Brian. I have the Hooker Super Comps #4202 for my 76 T/A with 2" primary tubes. I did a test fit on the car with a bare block and Edelbrock heads. The #4202's fit right on the car without denting any of the tubes. I had to do this before i send them out for coating. I did not install all the flange to head bolts, i installed 3 on each side. I also rebuilt my motor mounts (clamshell) on the frame using the poly inserts instead of the rubber. With the poly mounts the engine may sit a tad higher in the frame. I have the front clip off the car so that makes things easy to work on. Also before i send my headers out to be coated, i want to try some mods to the flanges to make the headers easy to bolt to the heads. In the October 2000 issue of High Performance Pontiac an article named Header Headaches. This article shows how engine builder Jim Taylor installes these headers on the second gen firebirds. I am going to try it Mr Taylors way before i have them coated. Just some info, hope it helps.

[ March 22, 2002: Message edited by: Robert Williams ]</p>

[larry davis]

macdroid, it os my understanding that the Headers by Doug (Doug Thorley) are the top of the line "custom" type headers, w/o the "custom" type price. I personally cannot attest to their particular attributes as I have not used them previously. I can tell you that their reputation is excellent w/ every marque's crowd.

I can attest that NO header is easy to install in a 2nd gen Firebird or T/A!

We are currently organizing a group purchase on these, where we can save 15%. If you are interested contact me via PM or e-mail.

[Sixties Guy]

Be aware that Thorley headers and Doug's Headers are not the same company. Doug sold Thorley headers a while back. Now he is in the business again dba as Doug's Headers. His new headers are supposed to be high quality and fit well.

[larry davis]

This is true!

While I won't presume to speak for DT, his newest header involvement is a result of middle of the road products being sold w/ his name.
Headers by Doug, seeks to set this sh!t straight & does! They are "premier"!