302 headers

[jay1718]

i have a 302 mach one engine in my fox body, i want to replace the current headers because they are old and rusty and after driving a little while the headers smoke as if burning off the rust, my question is can i use any headers for a fox body on the engine, are the flanges different?

 

[allcarfan]

a 302 is a 302 is a 302....unless it is a boss 302. You can use any foxy body headers on a 302 engine (in a fox body) unless it is a boss 302.

If your headers are smoking, My bet is that they are burning more than just rust.

 

[jay1718]

what else could it be burning off?

 

[Route666]

Oil, dust, paint, rubber. Anything that's not fireproof that could have gotten on them. If you want to replace them because they are smoking, I'd get the motor warm and go drive it till they don't smoke. It's cheaper than buying new headers. If they keep smoking indefinitely, there must either be a constant source of the smokable material (oil leaking onto them) or the smoke is leaking through them, but I think you'd need a real smokey motor, and I think you'd notice the hole.

 

[ratio411]

Chances are you have a valve cover gasket seeping oil down on the headers.
Common problem.
Dave

 

[triostang]

sorry to butt in but will 351w headers fit on a 302? (cylinder heads fit on both so wouldnt the headers too?) sorry, i just have no idea

 

[ratio411]

They bolt up.
Some header makers list the same part number for both engines in some cars.
The collector of an SBF header will sit about 1" higher to the floorpan when put on a W engine.
As well, a 351w specific header would hang 1" lower to the ground when on an SBF engine.

The big thing is what car you have. A car with a tight engine compartment, like 65-66, wouldn't fit SBF headers on a W because of tight clearances.
Where a later, larger car would allow interchange because tolerances are not as critical.
Dave

 

[triostang]

so 351w headers will fit on a 302 just 1" lower? its a 72, so plenty of space. so chances are they will fit a 302 if not then i guess i'll put them on my 69's 351 (still a rust bucket)