FE Hedman headers

59meteor · 2014-02-18 18:11

I see that Hedman lists a header setup for a 390-428 FE engine in a 55 thru 59 Ford passenger car. Has anybody here ever tried these headers, or even seen a set in person? I am kinda interested in a set for my 59, but would appreciate any input, if anybody has any.

rmk57 · 2014-02-18 19:52

I haven't personally seen a set but at $700.00 from Summit I'd be looking at the FPA's instead. Crites makes a set for about half the price. The fit is really good although the four front tubes do hang low, about 4 inches with a 28 inch tall tire.

57AGIN · 2014-02-19 01:43

59meteor:

I don't have any experience with FE's and Hedman headers. But the set of Hedman's I had on my 65 Mustang, back in early 1965 gave me 1/2 second and 7 mph improvement at the drags. Photo of the engine compartment shows we really didn't give a darn how it looked, just how it ran. lol

Bob
57 AGIN

rmk57 · 2014-02-19 08:13

Cool photos! Is that Lions drag strip?

JPotter57 · 2014-02-19 08:29

My friend Joe Gerardi has a set on his Custom. He said they bolted on easily, no real hassles. I have seen them in person and they look good. Problem is, they are not I stock and if you order them it will be several months before you get them. Joe got his when they were still readily available. It's a good part...too bad they don't keep them in stock.

57AGIN · 2014-02-19 15:02

rmk57:

Yes, that was Lions Drag Strip. I've still got all my timing slips from Lions. When I get them out and look at them I can see that on a given Saturday or Sunday I'd get as many as 15 runs on the car. Lots of time trials early, then the class eliminations. Because of the class I was in G/SO F-6 (G Stock Optional, Formula 6 meaning 280 to 300 cubic inches, single quad, hydraulic lifters) there were lots of cars in the class. Nova's, Camero's, Studebaker Lark's, Mustangs, Falcon's, etc. so eliminations could result in 6 or 7 runs. Lots of good memories.

Bob
57 AGIN

59meteor · 2014-02-19 23:53

JPotter57, how are your buddys Hedman FE 57 Ford headers for ground clearance, and is his car an automatic or manual trans? I am curious how they would be for clearing clutch linkage. And did they point at the trans crossmember, or go above or below?
I am aware of the FPA headers, and I have known Stan Johnston at FPA for over 30 years, but I would prefer a full length 4 tube header. I am also aware of the Crites headers, but the lack of ground clearance concerns me. I know guys who have modified headers for a 67-70 Mustang/Cougar, or headers for a 66-69 Fairlane/Comet. The Fairlane headers have similar ground clearance issues as the Crites, and either have issues with the collectors aiming right at the trans crossmember.

JPotter57 · 2014-02-20 09:11

Ground clearance appears to be good. I have a side shot of the car somewhere, when I find it I will post it. I dont think you can see them hanging down. His car is an automatic, and I am not really sure of the compatibility with clutch , z bar, fork etc. Look at Hedmans website, it should have footnotes saying if it will work with manual trans. I tend to think it will but with floor shift only.

JPotter57 · 2014-02-20 09:14

By the way, yes, the trans crossmember is a problem. I fixed mine with a late crown vic crossmember grafted into the old brackets. Bolts in like stock but has double humps to clear the exhaust.

Jeff Norwell · 2014-02-20 11:51

Great info on the crossmember James.

57AGIN · 2014-02-20 15:26

James:

Rick did a similar thing on my trans cross member, but did it to work with the original frame mounting and the much longer TKO 600.

gasman826 · 2014-02-20 18:05

sliced up a piece of box tubing to make the hump for exhaust.

Jeff Norwell · 2014-02-20 18:08

Sorry to Hi Jack. really good info here on the crossmember.On my build i will be using my Hedmans from 61-62.Not as efficient as the new units,I really don't care.
Bob,I see your using a aftermarket Bell housing..I plan on using a factory FE unit,I am trying to get a bead on a measurement on extending the trans mount to accommodate a TKO.
maybe this has been posted before.Just trying to make sure.

57AGIN · 2014-02-21 00:47

Jeff:

The Bell Housing is made by Lakewood, I bought it back when I was bolting up my 351W to a BW T-10. It worked well for the TKO 600, too.

Gasman: Heck of a nice job strengthening your frame.

Bob
57 AGIN

Jeff Norwell · 2014-02-21 07:40

Quote from: 57AGIN on 2014-02-21 00:47
Jeff:

The Bell Housing is made by Lakewood, I bought it back when I was bolting up my 351W to a BW T-10. It worked well for the TKO 600, too.

Gasman: Heck of a nice job strengthening your frame.

Bob
57 AGIN

Thanks Bob,great info.
Yea Gary,super trick frame,Bullet proof!

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FE Hedman headers