Header Testimonials....Header Chart??

Ok, I was going to build some custom headers so I wouldn't have to deal with header fittment problems and lack of performance, but right now my budget won't allow me to go custom and still finish my project.

Basically my engine made 563hp, so I need the most aggressive header I can fit, but will also allow me to change my plugs without pulling the headers, and I need a bit of ground clearance. I went that route before with a pair of Sanderson Shorty Headers, and I'm not doing it again. Anyway I've been calling header manufacutures and they can't really tell me how they fit. Of course they all say you can change the plugs.....riiiiight.

I have a 65 Fastback, 289, Toploader, stock clutch setup, and a Lakewood Scattershield. I've been researching the folowing headers.

Hedman Elite
Hedman Street
Hooker Super Competition
Hooker Competition
Patriot Tri-Y
Doug Thorley (THY-268)
Doug's Headers
Flowtech

If you have any of the listed headers and a similar setup can you tell me....or if you have any other ideas....

1) How do they fit? e.g. poorly made, had to dimple something?
2) Can you change all the spark plugs easily?
3) How low do they hang beneath the engine compartment? e.g. will they cause clearance issues on a lowered car?
4) Primary Size/Length, Secondary Size/Length, Collector Size/Length?

Maybe somebody should make a Header Chart.....like the Modified Tire and Wheel Chart??????

Thanks
DJ

GP001 - Thanks for the reply...I've had your website saved in my favorites for a few years now. Your headers look great now with the coating. How much did it cost if you don't mind me asking? I'm local to the company (LA)and I figured it might be better to invest money in their coating versus a factory coating that won't last or look as good. I was also wondering if you had to run any special angled wire boots to pervent burns on the wires? I also noticed you ran the same Canton oil pan as I am....the 9qt or 7qt? Mine is the 9qt and I was wondering what kind of clearance you have with that?

C0V3R - Thanks for your input...I'm running the Shelby drop and possibly a slight drop with the coil springs too. I was hoping to select the optimum header for my car, but I guess a little scraping might have to occur. Hopefully I'll get a comparrison with other headers as to how low they hang. e.g. do Hookers hang lower etc? I have high hopes for the header chart...

fastback brian - In a few years I'll go the full custom route too. I have all the components picked out and the welder to build them, but right now I need to just get the car running, and to spend the rest of my money on getting a new rear end to handle the power. Besides if I do a good job selecting a nice set of headers, I can put them on my other Stang when I get the custom headers built.

Thanks again!
DJ

Anyone else???

Cbarton - Thanks for the advice...I've found a few places locally that can build a custom set of headers. Right now my main concern is the cost. I am eventually going to build a custom Tri-Y design with components selected from Burns Stainless. I had them run a header analysis with all my engine information and engine dyno sheets and they spit out all the dimensions of the "ideal header." Unfortunately the cost of the Tri-Y components adds up to around $1000, then I have to pay someone to weld it all up.

The other thing I have to worry about is making all the proper primary and secondary tube lengths and diameters...I'm not even sure yet if the "ideal header" design will actually fit in the 65 enginebay. So for now I am going to just get the car running and select the best fit header for performance and livability. If I do a good enough job selecting a header this time, when I make a custom set I can put the old headers on my other Stang.

gp001 - Yes, your info was helpful. I think I will get the coating done at Specialized, and I will be sure to tell them I heard of them from Johnson. It looks much more durable and nicer than factory header coatings.

It also looks like I'll be exchanging another set of spark plug wires....set number four. Red Super Conductors, then black 90 degree, then black straight, and now it looks like I'll need black 135 degree boots. The straight boots bent weird in the wiring looms anyway...new wires should look a lot better.

I'm glad to hear you've had no clearance issues with you oil pan. I was worried a bit....

SoCalCruising - Thanks for the advice...now I can check three headers off my research list. When I'm done I can weed out the poor fitting designs and I can discuss all the dimensions with Burns and decide on which header will work the best.

Thanks again!
DJ

Anyone else have testimonials for any of the following headers?

Hedman Elite
Hedman Street
Hooker Super Competition
Hooker Competition
Patriot Tri-Y

I'd like to know how they fit....and ground clearance etc....

Thanks,
DJ