Working with Hooker 2312 headers

So I'm looking over these headers, figuring out how I want to tackle this job. I'm wondering, why does the primary that is originally #5 and becomes #7 need to be cut? It seems the inside pipe could just as easily be routed to become #1. Cutting it after it passes from behind #5 and welding in a mandrel 150* or so should be easy to get it to route across the top. I'm considering trying this, but would like opinions. Is there a reason it hasn't been done? It would make the re-welding much easier, only dealing with one primary that isn't even cut at the collector.

I purchased this section of header pipe since I knew I would need extra plumbing. Can't this 180* bend be used?
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I originally planned to do what you are talking about, when I purchased the Hookers and started cutting I realised that It would be a poor approach to the problem. The left rear is critical for steering shaft clearance.
If you can afford it I would seriously suggest you buy some bespoke headers.

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I would love a set but they aren't in the budget. I need to work with what I have. I know these headers will work, xchops finished headers look nice, I'm just wondering why this simplification won't work. The steering shaft clearance issue is in front of primary #3, so a change back at #5 and #7 shouldn't affect that. I'm going to do more measuring tomorrow and see if I could make it work. If not, I'll do how others have done.

Well I figure I'll throw some pictures up of this process so far since there aren't many on the site and this is the easiest option without spending 850+ on longtubes.

Ground down the flange so the material is flush and can just start seeing the ring of the pipe:

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Just gave the flange a love tap from there to break what little weld was left holding it

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Mocking it up

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I think I can make this section work, we shall see

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A problem I'm seeing is clearance for my oil pressure sensor. I'm already going to run copper tubing for it since it will be close, but this is about as much room as I think I'll be able to make (don't know if it'll clear the booster and firewall). Not running that 2" exhaust section either, it'll be 2.5" right off the collector.

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I spent the cash and bought the kooks headers. They are worth every penny and fit and sound fantastic. Good luck to all, but if you want a great set of headers, the Kooks ones are the way to go!

always fun to watch a Headers thread im hoping to go this route also kook 2312 hungers

any update on finished product?