302 headers
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 8
From: Bakersfield, CA
302 headers
Me again...same subject AGAIN. Starting to get a feel for header terminology. LONG TUBE..obvious HUGGERS...Appear to dump almost straight down and just behind the motor mount. SHORTYS...appear to be swept back more than huggers but dump more toward the firewall and slightly down. I have the long tube. They clear the steering but hit the AOD transmission on both sides. I have a good photo of huggers and think I might have interference with my motor mount. Anyone have a photo of their 302W with the SHORTYS? While shopping online I see a lot of mustang SHORTYS that say they fit 86 to 93. Curious if that's due to some difference in the engine fitment or body style fitment. An additional question and maybe the main question. Would a header that fit an '87 351w head also fit a 302w head?Thanks, Matt
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
The think you will find the 87-93 style will work. The body changed a lot in 94. If you are thinking stock shorties, they are good quality metal but they are crimped pretty bad at the head if appearance matters to you. I have them on my 53. Plenty of clearance to miss the firewall, transmission etc.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
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From: Bakersfield, CA
Thanks for the info and the picture. What year engine are you using. I have a chance to get a good condition, ceramic coated, set of shortys for $100 but I have to travel 2 1/2hrs in Christmas traffic to get them. Would be worth it if they work.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 531
Likes: 8
From: Bakersfield, CA
The think you will find the 87-93 style will work. The body changed a lot in 94. If you are thinking stock shorties, they are good quality metal but they are crimped pretty bad at the head if appearance matters to you. I have them on my 53. Plenty of clearance to miss the firewall, transmission etc.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,188
Likes: 4,795
From: Burbank, WA
There's no simple answer to the question. Understand that just because someone calls their header a shorty or block hugger doesn't mean they're the same. Every manufacturer/brand will be a little bit different as to shape and style, tubing bends, etc. Couple that with everyone's build and engine swap is unique means there's going to be a lot of trial and error finding the perfect combination.
302 and 351W use the same heads. The 351 being a taller deck block puts the exhaust ports in a different position. So while the header flange will be the same, there could be a difference in fit because the ports will be in a different spot to start with, all else being equal. The same block hugger header will be tighter to the block on a 302 than a 351.
302 and 351W use the same heads. The 351 being a taller deck block puts the exhaust ports in a different position. So while the header flange will be the same, there could be a difference in fit because the ports will be in a different spot to start with, all else being equal. The same block hugger header will be tighter to the block on a 302 than a 351.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 27
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Matt; I tried the shorty's and the wouldn't work right with the straight axle. I bought the block hugger's from Speedway, and bought their header extensions. I had to cut the extensions down, and expand the header flange to fit. Welded the flange pipe to the extensions. It worked better than expected. Good luck
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Mustang shorties will have a rearward exit. These BBKs are for an 87-93 Foxbody Mustang. The Pypes for a 94-95. The non-coated headers are stock 87-93 and you can see how they are crimped. Street legal versions will likely have an emission pipe hookup on the passenger side which you would have to close with a fitting. 94-95 will for sure. I'm not certain if all years 87-93 do or not.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Bakersfield, CA
There's no simple answer to the question. Understand that just because someone calls their header a shorty or block hugger doesn't mean they're the same. Every manufacturer/brand will be a little bit different as to shape and style, tubing bends, etc. Couple that with everyone's build and engine swap is unique means there's going to be a lot of trial and error finding the perfect combination.
302 and 351W use the same heads. The 351 being a taller deck block puts the exhaust ports in a different position. So while the header flange will be the same, there could be a difference in fit because the ports will be in a different spot to start with, all else being equal. The same block hugger header will be tighter to the block on a 302 than a 351.
302 and 351W use the same heads. The 351 being a taller deck block puts the exhaust ports in a different position. So while the header flange will be the same, there could be a difference in fit because the ports will be in a different spot to start with, all else being equal. The same block hugger header will be tighter to the block on a 302 than a 351.
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: northwestern Ontario
That's a Canadian stamping, mine's in the same place.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,510
Likes: 27
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
John's correct. that's where us Cunuck's had the vin stamped. My frame, I believe is a 54. ( found out the hard way installing 56 rear spring's from Posie's. I had to move the rear spring perches 4'' back ). Up here a body stamping is all we need to register. Good luck.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Bakersfield, CA
Well it's not over yet. Drove over the Grape Vine (summit) and bought a used set of headers from an '86 to '93 fox body mustang. On the way home got stuck in stopped traffic for three hours behind a mud slide. After being diverted in the opposite direction I took a secondary mountain road. Icy as it could be and after 15 miles of slipping all over I was lucky to get turned around without crashing. THEY DIDN'T FIT! Not only did they not clear the steering box....but the end of the header hit the engine block where the trans connects. I did not expect that. Like 52Merc said "trial and error" with emphasis on ERROR.