I'm at the point that I need to acquire a pair of headers, to keep my project moving forward.
Here is my set up" 351 Windsor, 4R70W Transmission and a John Starks, Cavalier Rack and Pinion.
What headers will work with this set up? Are they a bolt on, or do they require some modifications? Modifying them is not a problem, I'd just like to know what I'm facing.
Gasman826 A.K.A Gary, previously made a recommendation, but I can't find it. Gary, could you please post your recommendation again.
Thanks,
John
On the '57 wagon with 351W, AOD (same exterior dimensions as 4R70), '64 Galaxie power steering (no R&P), custom transmission cross member and '64 Galaxie shimmed 289 engine mounts, I used HEDMAN mid length headers for 64-73 Mustang. The headers end before the drag link so they should end before the R&P. I did no modifications and had no clearance issues. The headers can be installed on the engine as it goes in or installed after the engine is in. I also use high temp, red silicone sealer only. All my headers are installed without gaskets and haven't had a leak yet. I didn't try the full length version but I see no reason they wouldn't work.
https://www.hedman.com/product-detail/88656
Thanks Gary........I appreciate the information.
Hoping some others on the Forum will share their header knowledge.
John
I think one could draw the conclusion that if the HEDMAN header is for the '64-73 Mustangs with 351W, other manufacturers application would fit similarly. To take another leap, I think that FE headers for '67-70 Mustang would also be a very close fit in a FE to '57 conversion.
Gary, THANKS again. I'll look into both suggestions.
John
Quote from: gasman826 on 2022-10-30 12:08I think one could draw the conclusion that if the HEDMAN header is for the '64-73 Mustangs with 351W, other manufacturers application would fit similarly. To take another leap, I think that FE headers for '67-70 Mustang would also be a very close fit in a FE to '57 conversion.
Although the Hooker 6114 FE Mustang headers are pretty close to fitting a 57-59 Ford as is, the problem , and I assume other headers for different engines in a 67-70 Mustang, is that the header collectors dump directly into the factory transmission crossmember. For the original posters car, the aftermarket rack & pinion may, or may not be an issue.
Quote from: 59meteor on 2022-10-30 17:00Although the Hooker 6114 FE Mustang headers are pretty close to fitting a 57-59 Ford as is, the problem , and I assume other headers for different engines in a 67-70 Mustang, is that the header collectors dump directly into the factory transmission crossmember. For the original posters car, the aftermarket rack & pinion may, or may not be an issue.
Thanks for the reply. At this point I don't know what problems the R&P may present, but whatever they are, I'll deal with it. Hopefully, someone will reply , outlining the problem and maybe supplying the solution. As to the cross member, remaking it, or modifying to clear the exhaust will not be a problem. These bumps in the road are what building a car and Hot Rodding is all about, in my opinion.
Please keep the recommendations coming.
Thanks,
John
I used the Headman short headers for the mustang 69/70. I have a 302 with cavalier rack and pinion, no clearance issues. Mine are ceramic coated, if you want a part number let me know.
I tried some later year model 302 headers but the driver side would not fit, I tried to modify one pipe but it looke terrible since the ceramic coating was damaged with the welding.
How quickly I forget both of my '57s have modified cross members. The AOD as well as the 4R70 will fit will minor modifications to the crossmember but for serviceability, I modified a '64 Galaxie cross member for a better fit to the transmission with the benefit of eliminating the exhaust blockage issues. The other cross member for the TKO600 was made from scratch to fit the transmission and clear 3" exhaust.
I've scratched ceramic coated headers. I touched up with a good, silver header paint. It was a fair match and has held up.
Quote from: Wirenut on 2022-10-30 20:08I used the Headman short headers for the mustang 69/70. I have a 302 with cavalier rack and pinion, no clearance issues. Mine are ceramic coated, if you want a part number let me know.
I tried some later year model 302 headers but the driver side would not fit, I tried to modify one pipe but it looke terrible since the ceramic coating was damaged with the welding.
Thanks for your reply. YES, I'd like the part number.
Where is Floresville,North or South Texas. I lived in Texas three times. Once in Dallas, twice in Houston. Texas is a great place to live!
John
Quote from: gasman826 on 2022-10-30 20:11How quickly I forget both of my '57s have modified cross members. The AOD as well as the 4R70 will fit will minor modifications to the crossmember but for serviceability, I modified a '64 Galaxie cross member for a better fit to the transmission with the benefit of eliminating the exhaust blockage issues. The other cross member for the TKO600 was made from scratch to fit the transmission and clear 3" exhaust.
Gary, my crossmember is scratch built as well. Easy to modify it for the exhaust. Thanks for the photos and advice.
John
I used the Hedman shorty headers # HED-88400, bought the plain version and had them coated locally. Here is a couple of pictures when I was building it, it's a 351W with adapters to put FE valve covers on it in case you were wondering.
Quote from: KYBlueOval on 2022-10-31 05:21Gary, my crossmember is scratch built as well. Easy to modify it for the exhaust. Thanks for the photos and advice.
John
Oops, I forgot, my crossmember is also home fabricated, so the full length exits may cause a problem with the stock crossmember.
Quote from: 57chero on 2022-10-31 09:43I used the Hedman shorty headers # HED-88400, bought the plain version and had them coated locally. Here is a couple of pictures when I was building it, it's a 351W with adapters to put FE valve covers on it in case you were wondering.
Thanks. I like the Valve Covers. I'm not familiar with the adapters you mention...........What can you tell me about them?
Thanks
John
Quote from: Fairlane62 on 2022-10-31 12:24Oops, I forgot, my crossmember is also home fabricated, so the full length exits may cause a problem with the stock crossmember.
Remaking or modifying the home built crossmember is not a big deal.
What headers are you using? Are they on a 351W with an automatic?
Thanks
John
There a billet aluminum adapter that bolts flush to the sbf heads and are shaped like a fe head with a set of holes for the fe valve covers to bolt to, a lot of the cobra kit car guys use them on the small block 427s to put big block cobra valve covers on. I see them on Ebay occasionally.
I changed up the motor a while back putting on a pair of 390 baldy valve covers mocked up to look like a y-block, fools a lot of people when they take a quick glance.P1020849 (2).JPG
The Hedman headers part number is 88408. Floresville is just 20 muinutes S.E of San Antonio.
Good luck on your research and decision on your header choice.
San Antonio was my home town as a kid! I sill like to go there. Next time...I will let you know and we can go eat and have a brewski! :occasion14:
Sounds good to me, I like brewski!
Quote from: 57chero on 2022-10-31 21:08I changed up the motor a while back putting on a pair of 390 baldy valve covers mocked up to look like a y-block, fools a lot of people when they take a quick glance.P1020849 (2).JPG
Now that Sir, is class ...!!!
Quote from: Wirenut on 2022-10-30 20:08I used the Headman short headers for the mustang 69/70. I have a 302 with cavalier rack and pinion, no clearance issues. Mine are ceramic coated, if you want a part number let me know.
I tried some later year model 302 headers but the driver side would not fit, I tried to modify one pipe but it looke terrible since the ceramic coating was damaged with the welding.
Wirenut....... I sent you a PM
John