OK, I am looking for headers and having a hard time of it.
The application is my 72 GRande, 351C-2v, FMX tranny. The dynomax Blackjack headers claim they only fit with a C-4 or Manual tranny, as do many of the others. What are my options? Ant recommendations? THanks

 

Well, you've probably searched thru Jeg's / Summit and / or the Hedman catalog, but if not, you can try that. I'd be interested if you found any full-length headers that will work with the 1972 / FMX combo. I am more interested in going the "torque monster" approach for my 351W so shortie headers were fine by me... I don't care about top end HP so much. Hedman does make some shorties for the 1972 with 351W and FMX, but nada on full-length headers. I can certainly understand that you would rather get full-length for your Cleveland. I did find some full-length Hedmans that are supposed to fit the 1972 with 351W and C4 or C6 auto, but never found any that said outright they would work with FMX. I guess the tempting thought is that if it will fit with a C6 then it will fit with an FMX, but it's probably not that simple.

The shorties do fit my car (with power steering) very well, only thing I had to do was modify (bend) the kickdown rod but that was easy enough. Very happy with them.

 

THanks Rustang,

Anyone else here have any experience with header fitment on this combo? I had really hoped I could count on you guys for more than one response.

 

I realize a lot of these cars were set up with FMX'es back in the day, but they are becoming fewer and further between. You can get stuff like shift kits and torque convertors for the FMX, but it's not so easy to find off-the-shelf exhaust headers that will work with the FMX.

Depending on what your budget and long-term plans for the car are, you might want to bite the bullet and just swap over to a built C4. I'm sure it sounds lame to change transmissions just so you can get exhaust headers more easily, but at the same time the C4 robs something like 25-30 less HP than the FMX and C6 do. Just mentioning this so you don't end up spending money on an exhaust that works with the FMX, only to have to build a whole new exhaust should you decide to switch to a C4 later.

 

John, check with these guys. I believe they can hook you up with headers that will work with your FMX.
http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/FPA%20index1.htm

 

Thanks Soaring I already checked with them and they do have a set for my application at almost $500. Which at this time is waaaayy out of my budget.

However, I think I may have scored by writting to Dynomax Tech support. They are going to send (free of Charge) a set of blackjacks to test fit. I have gotten work on the cleveland board that these actually will fit, but that the collector flange is close to the tranny pan, other than that they are fine. I guess I will see.

Thanks for the help.

 

There is a listing on the fitment chart in the FAQ for a 73 Coupe, and the guy used the Blackjack Long tubes that fit with his FMX. He has a stock bellhousing and used the 1-3/4" headers. He also used a fel-pro gasket. Sounds like you are narrowing it down. Good luck with it.

 

Well, good news after much research and correspondance with the different manufacturers I am going with the Blackjack headers from Dynomax. Their tech support responded to my email that though their documentation states their headers are for c-4 trans only, they would send me a set FREE to try. Fit or not they are mine to keep, and I guess modify if needed, at NO CHARGE.

So They have my business(sort of) for these headers and I will attempt to deal with them for other exhaust needs. I give them an A+++++++ in customer service.

 

Wow! Free headers. You lucky dawg. Let's just hope they fit with your FMX.

 

My Free Blackjack Headers from Dynomax arrived yesterday. I must say that I am pleased with what they sent. They do appear brand new. I am guessing that they were pulled off the production line for quality control checks or R & D, because they have what appears to be measurements and radius markings all over them. But that's nothing some hi temp header paint won't fix. I am not sure when I will get to install them yet, but I will report back on the fit.