1978 351W headers?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
You're not imagining things cuz the 351W wasn't offered in the Dentsides. Is your application 2WD or 4WD and manual or auto????
For long tubes, the closest you'll get is a 2WD with a 302. 302 shorties will work and I think it's hit and miss with 3/4 length headers (longer than shorties but not long-tubes).
For long tubes, the closest you'll get is a 2WD with a 302. 302 shorties will work and I think it's hit and miss with 3/4 length headers (longer than shorties but not long-tubes).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
The 351W has a one-inch taller deck height and is slightly wider than a 302. If you can fab, then order a set for a 302 for your year, extend the primaries, and maybe angle them to compensate for the increase in width. Your auto trans makes things a bit easier since there are no linkages to deal with.
I did a search in the 73-79 forum for "351 headers" and came up with 17 pages of hits. A quick scan of the results indicated some fellow FTE'ers went with shorties.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2011
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 6,305
Likes: 18
From: Boulder Creek, Ca
Same issue w/ 65 did not come with a 302; understand chassis same/simular 65-78, found Hooker longtube worked. Had to lift passenger side slightly to get the header around the starter. In addition, used 4 1/2" grinder to remove small amount of metal on passenger side engine crossmember I wanted additional clearance for header flange. Seem to recall thread on simular topic, believe member mentioning the 351w will set slightly higher than the 302. Not sure about shorties. 
Just had exhaust system installed found experienced shop can install for just about any application. Anyhow, food for thought.
Just had exhaust system installed found experienced shop can install for just about any application. Anyhow, food for thought.
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