Hey gang,
I want to add headers. I heard a rumor that you have to remove the engine to get them on. Is that correct? What is the easiest set to add?

Thanks again,

Russ

 

If you arent careful when you remove the bolts and are under the car they will almost fall out on your head. Pull the starter and you have plenty of room for headers. The only sticky point is if you have a 4 speed, because the clutch linkage can get in the way of some headers. If someone is having to pull the engine then they are doing it wrong, or trying to get the headers out the top like a chevy.

With headers you get what you pay for, if you go with the cheap Summit headers they will be small tube and might need some massaging to get them on, if you buy Hooker Super Comp headers they will fit great but the tubes will probably be a bit big for a street car. I highly recommend ceramic coating, I have a couple sets of headers with it and its a world of difference in how long they last.

I have a set of Blackjack headers that fit good on 4V heads, and I have had good experience with even the cheap ones like Summit sells. I dont expect the cheap ones to last forever or make the best power, but they do work and usually fit ok.

 

So to pull off the stock manifold and to put the headers on you attack it from the bottom (after the exhaust is off ofcourse)? The stang is auto.

Sorry for the basic questions, but I like the advise and want to make this as easy as possible.

 

I was looking at headman headers.

 

In a 71? You must be hangin' with Chevy guys. The engine bay of the 71-73 was designed to hold the 385 series 429 V8. With only a 351C in there, it should be pretty roomy.

 

You pull the bolts from the top, and stuff the headers in from the bottom. These arent shorty headers, you want long tubes. Even with a Cleveland in a 67 there is a ton of room for headers. Really Im not kidding they will fall out and hit you in the head. Headmans work, have used them before on my Pontiacs.

Now stuff a C in a 64-66 or a Maverick and then it gets tight. 2V fits much easier than 4v though, the primary tubes are considerably smaller.

 

I am under the impression on a 71-73 you have to relocate the power steering.

 

I didnt on the 72 coupe, and it wasnt in the way on the 71 either.

 

I am planning on putting hooker competition headers on my 72. And yes the super comp are tuned but if your not planning on racing it the comp headers are good enough.I agree on the ceramic coating it will lower the heat inside the engine bay enough to make it worth the extra 200$.From what I heard the hooker headers go on pretty easily.

 

My 71 (also with a 351C) has a Modern Driveline clutch cable instead of the stock linkage. Anyone have long tubes with this setup? Or am I going to to have to go with
shortys?

Another question: will shortys give more low end torque than long tubes? Do shortys gain much power over the stock manifolds?