I have an R code 66' mustang and am putting on a new exhaust system from the block back. Got the exhaust all mounted and loose fitted, but when I went to test the fit of the headers I noticed they wont go on straight because of the California emissions things on either side of the 289. I wanted to keep them on simply because you dont see many mustangs with them (at least around here in ohio) but it looks like I gotta remove them to put on the much more important headers.

When I remove these should I expect anything to drain out? I'm not sure what exactly the emissions things do if its exhaust related or if does something else. They mount on the block itself right under the heads and just barely in the way of the headers. Manifolds fit fine because each tube is seperate, but the header tubes are all connected with a solid strip of metal. Also what would I plug those holes with, is there screws or something you can plug in there that will be flush with the block so I can mount the headers?

 

i have a 66 gt coupe with california emissions on it. i took all that off and boxed it up to put my hooker headers on. no fluid should leak out, at least nothing did for me. i bought screw plugs from the local mustang shop (although i think you can by them from any hardware or auto parts store) and they fit perfect and the top of the screw sat flush with the heads. im not sure if you have to take the emissions system off. i thought i saw some headers with holes to allow for the emissions tubes to be screwed in after the headers were on. the hooker headers i got go right over where the emissions tubes are supposed to go, so i didnt have a choice.