Long tubes vs equal length shorties

[allcarfan]

So...to solve my steering issues and clearance issues(AOD trans/MII rack and pinion)...it looks like I may opt to go with equal length shorty style headers in the 66. Anyone know a guesstimate as to what hp/torque I will be losing by switching from long tubes to these equal length shorties? Are we talking HUGE loses or 5-10 hp/tq.

-Shane

 

[Sicarius428]

http://www.mustang50magazine.com/techarticles/29618/index.html
Kevin

 

[allcarfan]

according to that article the difference is negligible. Anyone else have any input?

I just dont think I am going to be able to find long tubes for a 302/AOD that is going to have good ground clearance and (without a doubt) clear my steering shaft for my MII setup. If someone knows of such a header, by all means, let me know.

I guess I could always jet up the nitrous system 25hp to make up for it

 

[SoCalCruising]

Assuming they have the same tube diameter, the usual response is to gain a bit up top at the expense of low-end torque when moving from long tubes to shorties. This would be accentuated on a motor built for top-end power. Equal length is good for tuning the exhaust to a particular power peak. Unequal shorties, because of the differing tube lengths, actually broadens the power curve a bit. The latter may be an advantage for street performance.

 

[allcarfan]

Thanks socal. I was building an all-out street/strip vehicle. But I have since detuned a LOT. I am hoping to make somewhere in the realm of 300 RWHP under 6000 rpms.

 

[Robdogg67]

Hey Allcarfan, I have an 302/AOD/R&P combo in my stang. If budget allows, I highly recommend FPA long tube headers. The quality is awesome and they don't hang down any lower than my bottom frame rails. I also have the Magnaflow system with X pipe, it's tight but works.

 

[allcarfan]

Rob,

What rack and pinion/steering column/shaft are you using? Probably TCP.

Id rather not spend $6-700 on a set of headers, just to find out that they are not going to clear my steering shaft.

Anyone recommend a set of shorties? Can I just use some FRPP shorties for a fox?

 

[Robdogg67]

I do have TCP power R&P. Call Stan at FPA and tell him your scenario, he's striaght up and well know if they will work. Also ask him the price. If they fit your budget, they will be the last headers you'll buy for that car.

 

[allcarfan]

I had just sent him an email not long ago.

 

[mustangdave]

JBA shorties if you can afford them.

 

[BIG-MAC]

JBA shorties if you can afford them.

I agree. I had issues with the long tubes dragging at stock ride height. So going to shorties for a lowered car is ideal for ground clearance. For a street car this is more important to me than all hp.

 

[allcarfan]

Talked to Stan at FBA. He says he has a stepped header...1 5/8" primary to 1 3/4" secondary, 3" ball and socket collector with maximum ground clearance. Fits a 302 with an AOD or lakewood scattershield and clears both the TCP and Randall's Rack systems $475 uncoated $695 coated. Unfortunately, I have a Scott's hot rod front end, so I dont know if it will clear that steering shaft. This is where you come in Rob....You have a PM

 

[Max Power]

I got Hedman coated shorties for a fraction on the price of places like JBA, although they aren't equal length.

I like shorties on Ford because of power steering drop brackets. On a lowered car they are practically a requirement.

 

[SoCalCruising]

I don't know the current state of JBA shorties, but I bought a pair a few years back for my (then) 289 (stock manual steering and suspension). They did not fit. I had to return them. So, I would definitely check with JBA to confirm that that issue has been addressed.

 

[allcarfan]

I dont have to worry about power steering brackets and my front end has an adjustable ride height (+1.5" or -2.5") I have an email into Kenny of Dallas mustang to see if he knows if everything will fit. I will be able to take some measurements this weekend when i go home. Just need to compare my measurements with those of the TCP or Randalls Kit.

 

[Robdogg67]

Shane, pm sent