Header Testimonials....Header Chart??

[DJs350H]

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]

I run a set of full length Flowtech headers (don't know part# off hand, but if you want it I can look it up). I originally put them on when I had my C4, but also have them on now with the 6 speed. I did have to grind a little off of the flange of my Lakewood scattershield to get them to fit, but not enough to affect the scattershield. I have no problems changing plugs and they tuck up pretty close to the body. Here is a link to some pices of the headers (I just had them re-ceramic coated). There is also a pic of the entire engine/trans combo out of the car with the headers on it.

http://www.2mfffabshop.com/xcoat.htm

Ground Clearance

 

[C0V3R]

I've also got flowtech ceramic longtubes. Very happy with the quality overall, though they hang a little low and sometimes scrape. I have trouble with some driveways and speed bumps that I had no problems with before hand (the car was lowered + shelby dropped before putting on the pipes)

 

[fastback brian]

Ive talked to both RCI and Accufab about headers for my 65. Im goin with RCI since they seem to understand about my specific needs. 1 3/4 long tubes that they claim wont hang as low as hookers but must use the 66 newer engine mounts and brackets. My headers are getting a special bend at the head cause of the high port design.

 

[DJs350H]

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]

You know sanderson will build you a set of custom headers for about $1300. They are up by San Francisco. You have to leave your car there for 2 weeks but NOTHING looks as nice as a custom built set of headers....I also found a guy in Orange, that will do it for the same price. Takes him about 3 weeks. That is what I am going to do for my 427windsor in my fastback.

Chris Barton

 

[gp001]

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?



Thanks again!
DJ

Anyone else???

I paid $200 for just the headers. However, I also had my x section done so I don't know if they gave me a break or not. They quoted me $225 over the phone. You can get the flowtech headers for less than $100 (non ceramic). I originally purchased the ceramic version (part# 32100flt) and they help up ok.

http://www.holley.com/HiOctn/ProdLine/Products/ES/ESFT/FThdr.html

If I remember correctly the plug boots are 135*. I use a pre-made set from Taylor Wire. I can get the part# if you want.
I run the 7 qt Canton pan. I have never had any clearance issues with it. I run the Shelby drop, 1" lowering springs, and 235/45-17 tires

Hope this helps

If you do go to Specialized tell them you heard of them from Johnson.

EDIT: added Flowtech link

 

[SoCalCruising]

I have the ceramic coated tri-ys from Doug's Headers. 1 5/8" primaries, 2" secondaries, and 2 1/2" collector. Same car setup as yours. Fit is excellent with lots of ground clearance. Plug access is fine. BTW, the Thorley Headers tri-ys use 1 7/8" secondary, so it seems that when Doug had a second chance at this design, he increased the secondary to 2".

 

[DJs350H]

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

 

[Loup-garou]

I have the ceramic coated tri-ys from Doug's Headers. 1 5/8" primaries, 2" secondaries, and 2 1/2" collector. Same car setup as yours. Fit is excellent with lots of ground clearance. Plug access is fine. BTW, the Thorley Headers tri-ys use 1 7/8" secondary, so it seems that when Doug had a second chance at this design, he increased the secondary to 2".

Just curious... did you order those ceramic-coated Tri-Ys directly from Thorley? I didn't see the ceramic version on Summit's website.

 

[DJs350H]

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