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Kooks Header Adventure

  • Thread starter Thread starter reldla1996
  • Start date Start date Sep 10, 2011
R

reldla1996

Member
May 4, 2011
356
22
19
Dayton, Ohio
Sep 10, 2011
#1
  • Sep 10, 2011
  • #1
I picked Kooks headers for my engine rebuild to get the 3" bolt spacing (versus 2" spacing for typical headers), eliminating a pinch point, and improving exhaust flow through the heads, and my heart went pitter patter with the thoughts. Then after waiting several weeks (months) they arrive and look oh so gorgeous, though they do come in 3 pieces per side. I trial fit them on the engine on the stand, and they still look gorgeous, but they don't clear the Moroso 7 quart pan. Fortunately a few taps from a sledge fixed that, so no big deal. Then I try to install the headers in my 89 Mustang, and they don't clear my aftermarket K member. Kooks claim they clear factory and AJE K members, and might clear UPR. So after much research, I order an AJE K member, pay for it, wait for it, and then install it. Headers clear and I think I'm home, it's a sweet day (though I'm not fond of the AJE K member). Then I find out the AJE moved the steering rack, and now my steering shaft is over an inch short, which costs me another week and custom work to resolve. I also slowly discover you really need to assemble the three piece headers in a precise order, or they don't go together very well. Next, the Kooks headers don't allow the exhaust to clear the Ford transmission mount, nor do they connect to any standard H or X pipes. More custom work to modify (lengthen) the transmission mount and fabricate an exhaust system, since no muffler shop will touch the car without cats. I sure hope the dyno shows they are worth all the trouble they've been. Every other engine I've rebuilt has taken a few days to reassemble the car, but with these issues, it has been weeks....but they do look sweet....
 
R

Rookie71

Member
Jul 25, 2006
28
7
19
Sep 11, 2011
#2
  • Sep 11, 2011
  • #2
I am running a set of 1 7/8" x 3" Kooks on my 351 setup. I didn't have any problems with the UPR k member, but had to modify my Mac Prochamber to connect to the Kooks as well as running into the same issue you had on the driver's side collector not lining up with the routing under the transmission mount which required additional work on the Prochamber.

I have heard these same problems a number of times from Kooks owners. Glad you got it sorted out and looking forward to your results.
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
Sep 11, 2011
#3
  • Sep 11, 2011
  • #3
Ive cleared the UPR K-Member many times with Kooks, what PT# do you have? The X-pipe stuff is standard and I am usually able to fab the X-pipe up to leave the trans cross member alone, but depending on the combo Ive made custom ones for clearance.

I've even added adapter plates to space the header out to gain clearance even with the 3" bolt pattern, also allows me to port and raise the exhaust roof just a little more
 
R

reldla1996

Member
May 4, 2011
356
22
19
Dayton, Ohio
Sep 11, 2011
#4
  • Sep 11, 2011
  • #4
They were part number 3038S, which are 1 7/8" with 3" collectors. Sounds like I should have went iwth the UPR K member, I almost did. The AJE looks light for cornering loads, and we're adding some bracing to it to compensate. I didn't think about the adapter plates, that would have cleared the Moroso oil pan without the love taps.... I also raised the roof of the exhaust ports a little. Take Care,
 
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