• Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech

Shock Tower Clearancing

  • Thread starter Thread starter pmangelos
  • Start date Start date Nov 23, 2009
P

pmangelos

New Member
Nov 21, 2009
7
0
1
Nov 23, 2009
#1
  • Nov 23, 2009
  • #1
Hi All, I am new here, but have been a longtime Mustang owner. I have a 1965 FB that I am building a new engine for. The engine is a 351W stroked to 427 with Canfield heads. These heads have raised exhaust ports (by about .200") and I can find no headers that are listed to fit these heads in my car. I am considering going to a tubular style upper a-arm and then removing the humps in the inside of the shock towers where the stock a-arms pivot) along with also cutting back the raised brace that the engine mounts bolt to, and then re-welding everything back up to hopefully gain about 1" per side which should give me room for headers and some spark plug access. Has anyone done something like this and do you have any pics? I am not lookin to spend tons of money on a MII, coil over, or strut supension setup. Do you have any suggestions? I am just trying to gain a bit of room.
Thanks for the time.
Paul
 

rusty428cj

10 Year Member
Sep 29, 2007
943
266
104
Port Richey Fl
Nov 23, 2009
#2
  • Nov 23, 2009
  • #2
Specialty Auto Parts For Sale - Crites Performance Parts - critesperformanceparts.com

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Shock Tower kit for extra clearance for big & small block engines (detailed instructions included) - $125

This kit is for a 64 Fairlane but I think you can use it on your Mustang check with Crites.
 
D

D.Hearne

New Member
Sep 29, 2000
11,730
6
0
south louisiana
Nov 23, 2009
#3
  • Nov 23, 2009
  • #3
You don't have to do any of that. Just cut the towers back about 2" Start shallow at the top under the firewall braces, then curve the cut deeper to about 2" all the way down to just above the upper control arm bolt points, leaving enough to allow upward movement of the arms. Same headers for stock heads work. I did all this on my 77 Comet with the 331 & Canfield heads with raised (by .500" ports) The Comet's engine bay is almost identical to your 65. Go to Pictures by baddad457 - Photobucket I've got pics in there of what I did on page 4
 
P

pmangelos

New Member
Nov 21, 2009
7
0
1
Nov 24, 2009
#4
  • Nov 24, 2009
  • #4
Thank you both for the answers. I spoke with Crites last week and was told that they do not offer anything for Mustangs as far as shock tower clearancing. I was thinking more along the lines of what you(D.Hearne) have done with your Comet, the problem that I think I am going to run into is that the place that I need more clearance is right where the upper control arm bolts up, that is where I need to gain room. I think that there is some room to be had, I am just trying to go about it in the most simple way.
Thanks once again
Paul
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Intake
  • James S
  • Jul 10, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
206
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 12, 2026
James S
J
R
What's it Worth? 1997 Cobra, a ton of mods and restoration
  • riored97snake
  • Jun 18, 2026
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
2
Views
235
What is it Worth?!?!? Jun 21, 2026
riored97snake
R
Considering widening my rear wheels, would like to verify my thoughts on fitment
  • 2000xp8
  • Jul 9, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
25
Views
592
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 6, 2026
85GT4V
B
Where to go from here on my build…
  • B0udreaux
  • Jul 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
254
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 18, 2026
AeroCoupe
A
SOLD For Sale: 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra Modified
  • anjteal93
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93)
Replies
13
Views
2K
Fox Body Mustangs For Sale (1979-93) Oct 26, 2025
Mindseye007
M
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1965 - 1973 Classic Mustangs -General/Talk-
  • Classic Mustang Specific Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?