390 GT Heads.....Need help from the experts..

[bishop1911]

I have a 390 GT engine I am putting into my 67 fastback. The GT heads have a code of C8AE-H on each and they have the 14 Bolt pattern for the exhaust manifolds. I ordered some Hooker Headers to fit on there, which according to the ordering catalog, fit 390, 427 and 428, baically any FE engine. When they arrived, guess what....they don't even come close to fitting. A real shame too because they were nice headers. anyway, we want to go with tubular headers for this car and gain that extra horsepower. Can someone recoomend another header that will fit my application? I have been looking around and cannot find anything. The "fits any FE engine" headers are not fitting at all. I need to find the ones that would fit the 14 Hole bolt pattern properly. Thanks guys.

Jon

 

[D.Hearne]

www.fordpowertrain.com --------they're not cheap, they're quality headers and they'll fit. Stan makes tri-Y's for this. (big block Stang) I had Hookers on my 67 back in the 80's and hated them. Leaked constantly, hard to install, tighten the bolts, yada, yada, yada........... Never again.

 

[bishop1911]

headers

Thanks for the info. By the way, who is Stan? Is that the contact at the Ford powertrain applications? Do you have any experience with this company or their products? Thanks.

Jon

 

[D.Hearne]

Stan's the guy who runs FordPowertrain from what I understand. He's the guy I talked to when I ordered a set of his headers for my 68 Merc Monterey's 390. These cost me $430 shipped, but well worth the money. I think his prices have gone up (like everything else) since then, but they're in line with other similar quality headers. Only thing I didn't care for was the gaskets that were included, these were the old type white asbestos type (or at least I think that's what they're made with)

 

[Blue Oval Man]

I second the headers made by Stan's Headers and sold through Ford Powertrain. They are real quality, and fit great, even with the big block. They are a tri Y design as stated previously. Since I bought mine they have changed the collectors to the ball end style on the newer 5.0 stangs so that is a nice upgrade. I bought mine with the standard nickle plating, and although it is standing up quite well, the ceramic coating is something you may want to check out, although it adds a bit to the price.
David

 

[68RCodeConv]

You're not going to find much in the way of headers that fit the 14 hole bolt pattern. AFAIK the FPA headers are your only option. All other FE headers are going to be designed for the 16 hole CJ bolt pattern or the 8 hole passenger car bolt pattern. The 14 hole pattern is very similar to these patterns but IIRC the rear bolt holes are in a different location and must be plugged and redrilled to get "standard" headers to fit.

 

[bishop1911]

Headers

Can I ask who AFAIK is as far as headers? I only know of JBA and FPA. Who is this other vendor and what is their site? Thanks.

Jon

 

[1320stang]

AFAIK is ahorthand for "as far as I know".

I hate the text message era.....

 

[D.Hearne]

You're not going to find much in the way of headers that fit the 14 hole bolt pattern. AFAIK the FPA headers are your only option. All other FE headers are going to be designed for the 16 hole CJ bolt pattern or the 8 hole passenger car bolt pattern. The 14 hole pattern is very similar to these patterns but IIRC the rear bolt holes are in a different location and must be plugged and redrilled to get "standard" headers to fit.

The hole location is an issue for GT heads and headers, but easiliy overcome by drilling the headers instead. I did this with the Hookers on my 67 Stang and later with a set of Blackjacks when I swapped the GT390 from the Stang to a 70 F100.

 

[1320stang]

I would suggest to not buy a set of ceramic coated headers, buy them uncoated, put them on, dent them where they need to be dented, then send them out to be coated.

 

[bishop1911]

Headers

I called and spoke with Stan....very nice guy. I was impressed with all the positive feedback from here and a few other forums. I decided to put in an order with him and they will be here in a couple weeks. I felt comfortable with the product and he answered all of my questions. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for all the help and feedback on this.

Jon

 

[Max Power]

Or you could just get a nice set of Edelbrock heads?