FWIW, I have those exact headers in my '65 but am using them with the Ron Morris Performance adjustable motor mounts (the '66+ height ones, not the lowered ones) and it fits perfect. As noted, the quality of the JBA headers is top notch. FWIW, I tried a set of Patriot shorty ceramic coated at about 60% the cost of the JBAs and they didn't come even close to clearing the right shock tower.

You can try using small spacers on the motor mounts and/or grind the outer corner of the steering box if you are missing by just a bit. The 66+ or RMP mounts is probably a better idea.

Good luck!

 

A better idea yet !

 

CPRStreetMachines, I don't think the towers are collapsed. I have a new Shelby style export brace on it. I also have new 66 and up style motor mounts and frame brackets.

FakeSnakes, That does look like it fits well. I just want to stay away from Hedman.

Does anyone know of any other short or midlength headers that are shaped like the ones that FakeSnakes has? That upward bend would definitely fit better. It looks like it could pose problems accessing the bolts though.

After purchasing a set of Hedmans for my F150, the quality was so lousy that I would not want to get Hedman again. A friend of mine bought the same ones for his F150 and has the same problem with the leaking. He didn't notice it before they were installed. There were pinholes in the welds that you could see light through. I also tried a set of BBK for my truck and they didn't fit at all. Needless to say my F150 still has manifolds on it. Another friend of mine had a pair of the 150 dollar long tubes and they weren't made well either. I'm usually not one that has to have everything perfect, but I just don't wan lousy headers.

I was going to avoid long tubes because of my clutch cable. The Hedman 88300 were one of the headers I was originally considering. I have a Modern Driveline clutch cable and they say that the 88660 Hedman will fit. They don't say anything about the 88300. When I look up the 88660 it says its for 351 conversion and not 302. So wouldn't it make them hang low if used on a 302?

I was thinking about massaging mine to fit. A friend of ours said there is a shop in south Austin that makes custom headers that will heat them up and put dimples in them. I may look into doing that this week.

I am so tired of hearing about header fitment troubles. I can't believe that these companies can't make the fit better. At this point I am tempted to just get a pair of Hi-Po style manifolds and forget about headers altogether.

 

I remember you replying to my other post before I chose the headers. I really wanted JBA since they are some of the best made headers I know of without going to custom made headers. I have 66+ mounts and frame brackets.

 

Tex, I'm helping on two different forums. 10secgoal on SN.com
I know the shelby bar probably fits fine, but chances are it' narrower than it should be. Measure for me and I can tell you. I have a 65-66 car here with towers that are completely relaxed. Most cars are collapsed by about .500 inchs. You shocks are bolted down by two bolts into the tower. Measure from the center to the center of the two front bolts, and tell me what it is.

 

Gothand, Does your number 8 header tube go above or inside of the steering box? How much clereance do your headers have between the number 7 and the shock tower and the number 8 and the steering box?

Cprstreetmachines, Thanks for helping on both forums. I measured the shock towers. The distance between both front shock bolts is just over 33 1/4 inches from center of each bolt. Whats the distance supposed to be?

Also, That would not account for the steering box interference though would it?

What does everyone think about having a local custom exhaust shop put dimples in the header tubes to allow for clearance. A friend of ours said he had that done to a pair of custom headers for is road race Alpha Romao.

I'm also concerned that the JBA 1650H H pipe will not clear the bottom of the firewall. I can't actally tell since the header is not fully installed, but it looks like it will be a tight fit as well. Also, the emergency brake cable is right in its path.

 

I'm thinking the same as Gothand. The Ron Morris mounts will allow you to move the engine back. It looks like that would do the trick. I have a set of FPA headers that do not fit. After going over all the info with Stan he F'ed me bad. I have $900 into mine and had to heat and dent them. Made me sick afterwards thinking I spent all that money and had to ruin the driver's side to make it fit. Don't dimple the headers, it will be visible and look crappy. Try the adjustable mounts first.

 

Wow, that sucks! I'm running cheap-o hedman 88300 in my 65. I'll report on how they fit when I get around to installing them.

 

The thing about the motor mounts is that I already bought these 66 style new with frame brackets and all. I really do not want to replace the motor mounts. Also, to me the Ron Morris ones do not look as strong, but maybe its just me.

I can't send the JBA 1650H H pipe back because I no longer have the box it came in. So, I would like to make these headers fit.

Also, Most of the other headers do not have as thick of a flange and are not as heavy gauge of tubing. The reason I bought these JBA headers was to avoid having to buy headers again in the future.

I'm am really growing tired of this stuff that is supposed to be a bolt on but ends up requiring modification. There have been quite a few of them on my Mustang. I know that it is expected, but it just seems like these days too much of this stuff requires it or just doesn't fit at all.

 

I'm not even sure the adjustable motor mounts would allow it to work out.

If the motor is moved to the passenger side at all then that header won't clear the shock tower. Also, If the motor is moved back at all then the H pipe will be up against the lower firewall.

Also, The T5 crossmember and the transmission mount do not allow for side to side movement only front and back. However the slotted mounts on the trans still might work for a slight movement of the engine. I still don't think moving the engine will help.

I'm also a little pissed that neither Summit or JBA will email me back about this.