Does anyone know of some headers that will fit in a '58 with a 351 W? I am not looking to spend more that $200 on a pair. I have already bought/returned 3 sets in the last year, none of which fit correctly.
Thanks for the input.

 

Which sets did you buy? I don't want to do the same.

 

I bought some Hedman long tube headers. I was able to get a refund on those. I also bought some polished stainless steel shorty headers from ebay. They bolted to the motor but the flange had the steering box under it where I couldn't put exhaust pipe on it. I also bought some others from a friend that do fit. They are long tube and I don't know what brand they are. The thing about them is that the bend of the header is so tight that it touches the spark plug wire boot and melts it. I am at my wits end with headers.

 

You may have to compromise on that 200.00 limit.One thing that may work is trying a set of plug wires that have boots/connectors that can be bent 45 degrees or so.Otherwise,buying a set of header flanges and having tubes custom bent may be your only other option.Doubt that can be done for 200.00.Someone who has a Fridge with a 351 may come along and give another solution.I had a set of Sanderson headers,which I believe to be of the highest quality available,on my Y-block,before switching to Ramhorn manifolds.Try their site?

 

I´m running Sanderson FC3 headers in my `60 with a 400. The 351M/400 should be similar in size to your 351W.

Good fit, good quality, no clearance issues on starter, steering and frame.

 

Sanderson seems to be relatively expensive. I have a set of headers now that would work if the driver's side was bent about two inches more, but then the header would hit the block. I'm about to give in and do manifolds but I hate to have spent so much money on building the motor and using stock manifolds.

 

After looking at the Sanderson FC3 headers I'm thinking I may save up for them and hope they fit. $345 ain't too bad for fitting headers.

 

The headers you got from Ebay may work now that the original steering box is no longer in the truck.

 

Because I wanted to use the original column I had to do some bracket work. Now the bracket I made takes up just as much room as the original steering box. So it's five steps forward and two steps back. I tried bending the bracket out some but it turns out welded steel is pretty strong, even when cherry red.

 

The search for headers ended today. I finally found some that fit. They are from Speedway Motors. They are labeled as Small Block Ford tight fit headers. There is plenty of clearance on both sides. And they only cost $169 unpainted. Much better than $345 for the unpainted Sanderson headers. I painted mine with high heat black paint and they look great.

Just thought I would tell everybody about some headers that will fit and doesn't break the bank.

 

How close are they to the starter?

 

Not at all. I would guess 6-8" in front of the starter. They come almost straight down instead of pointed to the rear. I will have to take a couple of pictures to show ya'll.

 

Bought the speedway headers and they hit my starter. BUt just barely I might be able to grind the flange enough to fit the starter in anyway.

 

Hmmmm I just Swapped sides with the headers and that way does not hit the starter... Maybe that's what fast58 did.

 

New starter fixed the issue, but still tight on the motor mounts. Also my steering is not going to be pretty. Gonna ship these back and try some shorty mustangs with the dumps facing back.

Seems like I'm talking to myself.