I'm using the hooker headers too. I'm not sure if it's possible to install them without removing dipstick tube...but, a heads up to you; I snapped mine flush with the block on the original 283. This prompted me to pull the motor...and pulling the motor prompted installing a crate 350
it all turned out nice. I went to the hardware store and built an adjustable pedal-to-zbar linkage with a couple heim joints and threaded rod. Original linkage was worn severely. Overall, I shortened the effective length of this link by about 1"...the clearance is fairly tight, and shortening this link seemed to help.
...you can follow my journey through link in my sig
