As title suggests who likes their headers and MOST importantly do they fit with P/S & column automatic... I can convert to floor shifter if necessary but the P/S will remain without exception... I'm sort of leaning to a shorty type, as I want something better than the asthmatic exhaust manifolds but without all the drama of the full length type... Max power isn't the priority(though it's begnning to look like I'll be installing my 331), it's ease of service and lack of conflict with other components...
Doug Thorley Shortys with PS and floor shift with all column linkage in place...no problems. (On my orange 1972 Grabber) I have also installed Hedman shortys on a PS, column shifted automatic.....no problems. (On a 1971 I had years ago)
Doug Thorley Shorties with 347, PS and column shifted C4. No drop bracket for the PS. Shifter bell crank was deleted because the 5.0 block didn't accomodate it. Made a single rod out of two that goes from the steering column to the C4. I like them fine. Shorties work well for 274 RWHP which is ample for the street IMHO. To get more I expect long tubes would be high on the list.
My Hookers fit with powersteering but needed the drop bracket. They are a pain to get on and off, and even more of a pain to get all the bolts started. The header tubes turn in too quick, so you can't get the header bolts straight to get them started. So even with the engine out of the car, it takes about 45 minutes to get all the bolts on or off. I think I will dent in the tubes near the bolts before I put them back on. Did not work with the column auto linkage at all, without serious modification. I ended up with a floor shifter, anyway. Can you guys get those bolts started easily on the Thorley's?
Not real hard. Some of the bolts will go in with the header against the block and some that are under the curved tubes have to be started with the header pulled away. I just put each bolt in 2-3 threads and then turn them all in a little at a time.
I'm happy with my used Hedmans, but then again I don't have P/S or a column shifter and I cut the shock towers back.
Anyone using Headman with P/S and/or column auto??? There will likely be a full 2.5" custom system after the headers, I just want as clean of install as possible... I believe I've heard there is a adapter bracket avail for the lack of a bell crank boss on the late 5.0 blocks??? Or is that a custom piece???
I agree with this 100%. IMHO, if you're going to the expense to install a 331?.. full length headers will be worth their weight in gold.. or the cost of a decent floor shifter at the very least.
I want the Comet to be a mild cruiser, with a bit of spirit, P/S, A/C, etc and none of that rump rump stuff will be allowed(got that with a Fox T-Bird that's getting a Fresh Pro Comp headed 306)... Even with only 66K mi, the smogger 302 in the Comet would need freshening, runs great but only averages 100 psi per hole... Instead of dished, those pistons must have more like bowls in them... It's a late June '72 with a D3 intake, guessing it's a '73 spec, 8.0 comp engine... Heads are later as it has 14mm plugs but the block as the correct VIN so it's orig... The 331 short block has been bought and paid for probably four years, I don't miss that money any more... Mostly I'm going to need gaskets, a exhaust system and the Trick Flow heads on the old 5.0 from the Bird freshened, already have about everything else... If the Birds BBK shorties would fit the Comet, I'd no doubt use a set of those...
A question about clearance with aftermarket cylinder heads - To the guys using Doug Thorley shorties, a C-4 and column shift - Are you using stock cylinder heads or aftermarket? Is there a header clearance difference between stock and aftermarket? In my 77 I have installed a 89, warmed up 302 roller motor with Trick Flow Aluminum Heads. I have the Doug Thorley shortie headers, thanks to Dave and Craig and it is time they were installed. Stock heads or aftermarket?
I have aftermarket heads. I had problems with spark plug clearance....so check that. I had to do a little "heating and massaging" to get them to work.
best fit with my heads I found was headman shorties but the tubes are so small I know they choke my engine, plus I also had to get out the acetylene and hammer to fix 2 tubes # 5 and 6 cylinder... Other than that, great fit and extremely fast to go on and off. Might use them for a custom set of long tube templates if I buy a build it kit
I have Canfield heads (raised ports by either .4 or .5) and my Hedman long tubes fit fine, but I've got a floor shifter.
