Machspeed Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 I foresee myself having the exhaust system re-done on my truck in the future. The current system is not the OEM and was done almost 15 years ago. The tailpipes are just about to rust through. When I do, I'd like to do the whole system at once, headers back. I have a set of Ford Lightning headers on it now that are rusted and appear somewhat restrictive. Frankly, I'm surprised they were on a Lightning Pickup. Would like to acquire a set of quality stainless shortie headers, preferably used. Trying to get off on the cheap. I know 302 headers will bolt on to 351 heads but will, for example, a set of shorty headers from a Mustang fit on our trucks? Wondering what my options are in this when I go to look? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat in tn Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 simply put yes. I have found that each time I use "truck" headers designed to fit the factory y pipe i have fit problems. many on other trucks and only one of my own. as a rule, I use shorty headers from a mustang. I know many may cringe at that and may wish me burned at the stake but there you go. I have my reasons. fit just happens to be the main one. truck headers generally turn down more to fit the y pipe going under the oil pan in front of the bell housing and across to join the cat on the passenger side. I have done and will continue to do custom exhaust. I have done a few different versions to achieve flow without being loud. i love to hear a v8 especially one with a rumble but it should be able to still be enjoyable after a 500-mile trip. the mustang style headers have outlets facing further back and at a shallower angle. do not mistake the early mustang headers for this! I'm using "fox body" headers. not the factory but the aftermkt ones with larger tubes. on the driver side the header comes about one inch from the pinch weld seam of firewall/floor pan. no clearance needed but available if it were needed. and it's the header flange so clearance of the pipes is still three inches. better than a cat to heat shield from factory Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted January 9, 2022 Share Posted January 9, 2022 Hey John, I went with truck shorty headers on my '84, and I really liked them. They seemed to stand up well too, as they discolored a little with heat, but they didn't rust at all. They were the BBK 3510's. I believe there is a different set again for the 351w. They weren't cheap however, and the gaskets and bolts that came with them were no good, so they had to be replaced before I even installed them. Having said that, if you do end up going with headers, make a note to buy Remflex header gaskets. I had two engine shops recommend these as "set-it-and-forget-it" gaskets, and they were right. Never did leak. I hate to go against what Mat says above about Mustang headers, but I'd be a bit leery of them myself. I know some guys make them work, but I've read a lot of reports of guys that couldn't make them fit. A lot of things come into play with fitment of them, and the slightly taller 351W might aggravate that a bit as well (Mustang headers are meant for a 302 after all, at least the Foxbody ones). A lot of guys have issues with them getting in the way of shifter linkages, and hydraulic and mechanical clutch equipment. I assume they're OK with certain automatics...I'm not sure. The good news about Mustang headers is that they're everywhere, and pretty easy to find used, so if you did buy a set and they didn't work, you won't be out much money. I have a set of Foxbody stock shorty headers here. If you were just down the road I'd give 'em to ya for test fitment! The other thing is to look on Ebay, Amazon, and elsewhere. I just ordered a set of stainless shorty block hugger headers for my 5.0 project, and there were like $129 bucks, plus $20 shipping (shipping to you likely would have been free). I have talked to a couple of guys that have been running the cheap Ebay headers for a few seasons now, trouble free. I figured for the price, they're worth the risk. So if you do look at the Mustang headers, you should be able to find used ones for a decent price, and if you can't, you can buy new Chinese ones for the same or less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat in tn Posted January 10, 2022 Share Posted January 10, 2022 Hey John, I went with truck shorty headers on my '84, and I really liked them. They seemed to stand up well too, as they discolored a little with heat, but they didn't rust at all. They were the BBK 3510's. I believe there is a different set again for the 351w. They weren't cheap however, and the gaskets and bolts that came with them were no good, so they had to be replaced before I even installed them. Having said that, if you do end up going with headers, make a note to buy Remflex header gaskets. I had two engine shops recommend these as "set-it-and-forget-it" gaskets, and they were right. Never did leak. I hate to go against what Mat says above about Mustang headers, but I'd be a bit leery of them myself. I know some guys make them work, but I've read a lot of reports of guys that couldn't make them fit. A lot of things come into play with fitment of them, and the slightly taller 351W might aggravate that a bit as well (Mustang headers are meant for a 302 after all, at least the Foxbody ones). A lot of guys have issues with them getting in the way of shifter linkages, and hydraulic and mechanical clutch equipment. I assume they're OK with certain automatics...I'm not sure. The good news about Mustang headers is that they're everywhere, and pretty easy to find used, so if you did buy a set and they didn't work, you won't be out much money. I have a set of Foxbody stock shorty headers here. If you were just down the road I'd give 'em to ya for test fitment! The other thing is to look on Ebay, Amazon, and elsewhere. I just ordered a set of stainless shorty block hugger headers for my 5.0 project, and there were like $129 bucks, plus $20 shipping (shipping to you likely would have been free). I have talked to a couple of guys that have been running the cheap Ebay headers for a few seasons now, trouble free. I figured for the price, they're worth the risk. So if you do look at the Mustang headers, you should be able to find used ones for a decent price, and if you can't, you can buy new Chinese ones for the same or less. gentleman all is good. you are not going against anything. I only share what has worked for me. my project which I'm wrapping up is an 86 xlt, lb, 2wd with the 5.8 h.o. certainly more of an h.o. now. this one does have the mustang headers and it is a great example. when I have used them on the 5.0 there is even more clearance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 Hey John, My El-Cheapo EBay headers showed up yesterday, and for money spent I'm pretty happy with them. The fit and finish is decent, and the bolts and gaskets that came with them all fit and seem good. For $129 or whatever they were, they were worth the risk. No good for a Bullnose obviously, but I had to go with the block huggers in my '52 build. Only issue with them...and nothing to do with them being Chinese, is that the block hugger headers don't leave much room for the starter. Otherwise I'm happy with them, and they look pretty good. My aftermarket tubular crossmember is bolted up here to make sure it clears also. It's close, but there's room. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 Hey John, My El-Cheapo EBay headers showed up yesterday, and for money spent I'm pretty happy with them. The fit and finish is decent, and the bolts and gaskets that came with them all fit and seem good. For $129 or whatever they were, they were worth the risk. No good for a Bullnose obviously, but I had to go with the block huggers in my '52 build. Only issue with them...and nothing to do with them being Chinese, is that the block hugger headers don't leave much room for the starter. Otherwise I'm happy with them, and they look pretty good. My aftermarket tubular crossmember is bolted up here to make sure it clears also. It's close, but there's room. They look good, Cory. But that starter sure is close. Do you think a blanket will suffice, or will you have to have a heat shield? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rembrant Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 They look good, Cory. But that starter sure is close. Do you think a blanket will suffice, or will you have to have a heat shield? I was thinking of using some header wrap around the collector and flange. Are there starter blankets? On the upside, it's not like this thing will get driven all that much...couple thousand miles per year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Lewis Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 They look good, Cory. But that starter sure is close. Do you think a blanket will suffice, or will you have to have a heat shield? I was thinking of using some header wrap around the collector and flange. Are there starter blankets? On the upside, it's not like this thing will get driven all that much...couple thousand miles per year. Yes, there are starter blankets. But header wrap would work. Or, if there's enough room, a spacer between will make a big difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat in tn Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 Yes, there are starter blankets. But header wrap would work. Or, if there's enough room, a spacer between will make a big difference. I know some manufacturers of even stainless headers will claim that header wrap will void their warranty, but I can imagine even having the collector and pipe wrapped would help too. but hey headers warranty voided for wrap vs starter warranty voided from being in a blast furnace. hmm take your pick. I would wrap them nice and pretty! way too many benefits to worry about the small stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Machspeed Posted January 21, 2022 Author Share Posted January 21, 2022 Hey John, My El-Cheapo EBay headers showed up yesterday, and for money spent I'm pretty happy with them. The fit and finish is decent, and the bolts and gaskets that came with them all fit and seem good. For $129 or whatever they were, they were worth the risk. No good for a Bullnose obviously, but I had to go with the block huggers in my '52 build. Only issue with them...and nothing to do with them being Chinese, is that the block hugger headers don't leave much room for the starter. Otherwise I'm happy with them, and they look pretty good. My aftermarket tubular crossmember is bolted up here to make sure it clears also. It's close, but there's room. Cory, thanks for the input! They do look good. Are they stainless? Which exact header off ebay did you acquire? There are tons, I know......probably all coming out of the same Chinese factory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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