i built a 351w for my 70 shortbed. i can't find anyone that has headers that will fit. 302 headers won't work. my budget is $250.

 

How about posting in the exhaust related forum?

 

Flowetch makes a header (Blackjack runs about 150.00) You can order them at AdvanceAuto.com

 

No one makes a header for your application; I know from experience. I have a 351W (stroked 393) in a 69 shortbed and from numerous trial and error purchases of several different header brands went with a set of NOS discontinued Hooker super comp long tubes for a 69-79 F series truck with a 302 but had to alter several header tubes to clear the steering gear and the passenger side frame rail. Also had to remove the riveted on rear cross member that is located right behind the oil pan due to the longer tube lengths that lead to the collector. I believe this crossmember is the front support if your running an automatic tranny but I got a 4 speed toploader so this worked for my application. My suggestion would be to purchase a set of blackjacks to fit your truck with a 302 and start cutting out the tube areas that want clear in the engine bay and bolt them on. After you have a good seal fit at the heads and your collectors clear things at the bottom to bolt up your exhaust you can then weld pieces of pipe back in the cut out areas. Don't get in a hurry or discouraged because this want be a weekend thing (I worked on mine on and off for a month) but this is the only way you can do it with the $250 budget you have.

 

thanks for the helpful information. do you think shorty headers will work?

 

The problem areas in mounting are not in the tubes as they start down adjacent the oil pan and block but at the header-head mounting area where they make the bends downward. I never tried shorties but I feel you may encounter the same problems.