66 mustang 302 header clearance

[afreejack]

I have a 66 mustang convertible with an 83 5.0 and t-5 installed. I'm converting it to a cable clutch. (the original job was to put the right engine plate in (it had one for an auto tranny) but it turned into replacing the clutch, bellhousing and flywheel as well.)

I put in a modern driveline cable clutch kit, but it won't work with the headers that were already on the engine. (I've already pulled off the headers. They are all rusty as hell and I'm glad I have an excuse to placate the wife so I can buy new ones. The rest of the exhaust was all welded together and it was a complete pain in the ass to get them out from under the car) So now I'm looking to replace the entire exhaust system.

I've been doing a lot of searching for headers that will work with my car, but my biggest concern here is the clearance between the heads and the shock towers. There is only about 3" on the drivers side and about 2 1/2" in the passenger side.

Can anyone give me an idea of what headers would work with the tight space and the cable clutch setup. I'm thinking about shortys, but I'm open to suggestions. I'm also making this car a daily driver, so I dont need anything that's real high performance or big bucks (this job has already cost me 3 times what I thought it would ). I'm also have to replace the dual exhaust as well and I'd like to find something that will work with the headers together.

Thanks in advance.....

 

[j69302]

Shorties will work.

on my 69 I have Ford Power Train (FPA). The make really nice full lengths that will fit, but they are not cheap.. However the quality is amazing. They tuck up next to the block.

Talk to Modern Driveline, they should be able to recommend you some headers.

 

[2+2GT]

The OEM 66 clutch linkage will work perfectly with your setup, and will cost you less than exotic cable-compatible headers.

Any 66 289 header will fit your 302.

 

[afreejack]

I've already installed the modern driveline cable. and tranny and and all of the associated components. Now, it's on to the exhaust.

I did look up previously what headers would work (accorrding to Modern Driveline) their website says: "The cable will clear Headman 88660, Doug Thorley Tri-y, Hi-Po manifolds, stock manifolds, shorty headers." I did look online, and a few of them seemed a little too beefy to fit in the gap between the engine and shock towers.

Is there any advantage to going with a particular style or does it come down to aesthetics?

 

[2+2GT]

Tube diameter and length to the collector effect engine performance. Depends on your cam, carb, head choices, trans type, rear axle ratio, where you drive, and what kind of driver you are.

Typically, smaller, shorter tubes, such as a Tri-Y, will work best in street driving. You'll lose top end power at the track, if you care. The HP manifolds will move the power band down even more (but from 500-1500 are very comparable to any header) but offer the heat/noise/installation advantages of an iron manifold. Like I said, though, a lot depends on the type of driving you intend.

If you are using stock iron heads, and have not had them port-matched to your exhaust, all of this is a waste of time and money. You can do this yourself in a couple of hours, which is less time than it takes to R&R them.

 

[grainboy]

I used Heddman 88400 shorties. They clear everything reamrkably well, even plug wires on drivers side.

 

[tx65coupe]

I also have the MD clutch cable. I have the JBA mid length headers that are coated. I think the number is 1650SJS. I think the number for the non coated stainless ones is 1650S. They have a thicker flange than most headers so they shouldn't warp. I would not buy the prefab H pipe though. It doesn't clear the trans crossmember and hangs too low. I just had my exhaust shop make me an H pipe.