It is time to figure out a exhaust system for my project.

First headers or manifolds? Who here has headers on a big block '68? Brand? And how do they fit? How much swearing is required to get them in?

I bought my car in pieces 23 years ago. It was a 289 car that the previous owner put a merc 428 in but never got it running (cam was 180 out). He had headers on the car but he also bashed in the shock towers, which I have repaired. I took it apart at that time so I don't remember where the clearence issues are and whether I can modify them to fit. The headers have no numbers on them so I don't know if they were designed for a Stang or not. I don't want to modify the shock towers.

In looking at other options I don't see a lot in the way of FE headers, and the ones out there are expensive. The manifolds are equally expensive.

Now tubes, 2 1/4 enough or 2 1/2? The engine is mildly built, should be 400hp or so.

I am itching to get some tail pipes in because I am just in the process of putting the rear diff in and want to fit some tail pipes with the sway bar however it seems the pipes are usually sold as a kit, and I haven't seen a 390/428 kit, and of course you have too know what is at the engine end with a kit. So who has individual pipes for BB applications, where I can buy the tail pipe, muffler and intermediate pipe now and figure out the H pipe later?

Mike

 

Personally, I'd look at some FPA headers. Those are what I want for my car, eventually. Every pic and review I've seen of them, fit and finish is absolute top notch. Give them a call and see what they have available for you.

As for everything behind the collectors, I'd just take it to a muffler shop. There are bolt-in options, but you can get something better fitting for about the same price from any competent muffler shop.

 

Scrap the headers that were on your car when you got it. They are 23 year old technology and fitment. Your only real choices are FPA and JBA. The guy at FPA is very helpful and they have an excellent product. That's what I'm going to be using on my 69 when I reinstall my engine next winter. Our engine compartments are the same. However, is your car a factory small block car or big block car? If it's a factory small block car you will have extra room for headers. Although, you may want to reinforce those shock towers if in deed your car is a factory small block car.

As for pipe size, I'm going with 2 1/2" for mine. I have a 428 in my car too with mildly ported 16bolt heads and a hydraulic roller cam. I want that baby to breath!!! Did I mention I'm topping it off with the C7AE aluminum PI intake and factory 735cfm Holley? But then, my car is a double R code car anyway and came with a big block. Good luck dude. Bruce

 

We'd really would like to see this installation once it's finished please.

 

Yeah certainly. I will posting pics of my engine compartment in the next couple of months as soon as I get it finished. I also have an extensive power point I am going to be putting together soon of porting work I did on my C8OE-N heads. Bruce