'69 351W Header Advice??

[candy-a-Mach1]

It's about time to drop in the motor, and I really don't want to take a sledge hammer to any new headers. Good or bad experiences would be appreciated.
I've got a 1969 Mach 1, with original 351W block, Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads and Stealth intake. C4 Tranny, PS, PB, AC, Shelby drop and 620 springs on front, mid-eye's on the back. I noticed that there doesn't appear to be much difference between Hooker Competition and Super Comp's (Except Price). Super Comps have 1-5/8" x 28" long tubes feeding into 3" x 8" collector, and Competetion have 1-5/8" x 27" long tubes feeding into 3" x 8" collector for $200 less. I've heard of some fitment problems with Super Comp's. I'm not opposed to shorties.

Any advice is welcome.

 

[xoxbxfx]

I think you have it backwards... With my Hooker Comps, they were beaten a bit around the sparkplugs to make it fit... other than that they fit just fine. The supercomps are supposed to fit even easier because on one side, there is a tube that slips off and on. I would look into the 1 3/4" headers. Also, check into ceramic coating, its cheaper to get them done now and not worry later.

 

[bnickel]

i have hedman shorties and realy like them a lot, i did have to bang some of the tubes a bit to get the bolts in, but it was pretty minor, i understand that on the newest versions that isn't a problem anymore, best $99 bucks i ever spent and i'd buy 'em again too

 

[jikelly]

I like the hedman shorties too. The set I got has no clearance problems (of course I have a 73) and I didn't have to beat the crap out of it to get my header bolts in.

 

[mrfomoco]

I think you have it backwards... With my Hooker Comps, they were beaten a bit around the sparkplugs to make it fit... other than that they fit just fine. The supercomps are supposed to fit even easier because on one side, there is a tube that slips off and on. I would look into the 1 3/4" headers. Also, check into ceramic coating, its cheaper to get them done now and not worry later.

Which hooker comps do you have? A part number would be great.

-JM

 

[jasonn]

I have a 70 mach with a windsor. I called around to find headers a couple of years ago and talked with many companies. I even did the "can I talk to your boss and your boss etc." You would never believe what most companies told me why they listed headers for 69 to 70 mustangs with 302's and clevelands but not specifically for a 351w. They said they never came with windsors, only clevelands!! And this is from all of their so called "in house experts". Couldn't beleave it! And you sure can't argue with their "experts" I finally tried the ones from hedman. They are the elite series with the coating on them already that are the 1 5/8. I have a c4 in right now and they fit pretty good with no smashing. They list them like for 260-351w. OH, does anybody know of 1 3/4 headers for these??

 

[mrfomoco]

When your sig says basically stock 351w and you ran a mid 12, im curious what is basically not stock about your motor. On my basically stock motor and a t-5 I was running mid 14's.

 

[Edbert]

When your sig says basically stock 351w and you ran a mid 12, im curious what is basically not stock about your motor. On my basically stock motor and a t-5 I was running mid 14's.

Around here they call that "sandbagging", kinda like my 420fwhp 351W having a 289 sticker on the air cleaner

 

[mrfomoco]

ha ha - it'd be nice for the list of parts he has for those of us who would like to do a similar setup. I think everyone likes to hide what they have a little bit, but around here we are all in the same boat, nobody is competing, we're not at the strip. Here we're talking about whats in our cars, not hiding it.

 

[jasonn]

Around here they call that "sandbagging", kinda like my 420fwhp 351W having a 289 sticker on the air cleaner

No not really. I just like reading the posts, not having to keep paging down past all of these 3 page sigs. If I want to know about someones setup I just ask. They are usually more than willing to share information, as I am. My setup? All the basics are stock. Block, crank, rods, pistons, original heads. Just the basic bolt ons. Perf rpm with 750 holley. the headers and a mild ultradyne cam. And I did some head work back when I was 17. Had 1.9 1.6 valves put in and I ported them out myself. Nothing fancy or expensive in the motor. Stock rebuilt c4 with cheap 3000 ger converter and 4.11's. Ran 12.65 with 3.70's. I love racing all of my cheby buddies that have 11. to 1 'd, aluminum headed, huge cammed, high dollared motors and tranny's! Although that fun is over. New block is coming home from machinest thurs. New 408 with vic jr heads. Now it's time to start sandbagging! By the way, like I asked before, anybody know who makes 1 3/4 headers for 69 and 70's??

 

[mrfomoco]

Thats really respectable man. Right now I'm in the process of porting and polishing my stock heads, and as soon as I finish with this they are going to the machine shop to be cut for 1.94's and 1.60's along with a 3 angle valve job and being set up for roller rockers. Who made the stroker kit for your motor? I was about to order a 418 kit but www.fordmuscle.com made me skeptic of rod ratio's. Now i'm leaning towards a 372 or a 383. Thanks for your input.

-JM