I have a 69 Mach 1 with no engine (original 351W M code) and FMX trans. I have a rebuildable '66 428 from a Galaxie and plan to install it and its C6 trans. The heads are C6AE-R which are roughly equivalent to CJs after exhaust porting and larger valves. I would like to use long tube headers, but am unsure as to where the actual port opening will mate to available header openings because the vertical position of the opening varies from one FE head to another-even though the vertical bolt hole positions are constant. Which head was modeled for the header construct? Does anyone have experience here? Hooker vs Hedman? other brands I don't know of? Using these original heads saves me a bunch of money and will produce all the power I need, so I'd rather not buy other heads. thanks

 

To recheck.

 

I have used Hookers (Headers that is) for years. I trued Thorley and Headman but neither fit. My complaint on the Hookers is the slot in the rear upper bolt hole so they fit 390 GT heads as well. This causes leaks on standard heads. I've heard good things about FPA headers out of Washington. I think they make a tri-y. The hookers do hang down and I always end up collapsing the bottom tube.

 

Thanks for the info. What heads did Hookers work on and what 390 head leaked? My C6AE-R have the generic 8 hole configuration.

 

Hooker 6114 headers fit all heads. That is the problem as they use a slot for the rear upper hole. The 390 GT heads like in a 67 Mustang have a 14 bolt pattern. The CJ heads I use have a 16 bolt pattern. The standard 8 bolt pattern works but it is close to the shock tower at the front. Also hard to tighten.