Does anyone out there have experience with a 51 F1 with a 302/AOD, tilt steering, and using headers? What problems were encountered on the driver side and what make of header was used?
Firedrake
Dave

 

I was just about to put up a post on that piece. I have a 302 with and AOD. putting it together right now. I offset the engine 1" to the right to give clearance to the steering. (Volare steering box) lots of power was not my concern so I got the cast iron manifolds from summit. they look really nice in there. tons of clearance all around. and they should put less heat in the engine bay also. The issue I'm having now is trying to figure out how to connect it to the rest of the exhaust. but if you chose to go this route, maybe that problem will be solved in the post I'm about to put up.


steering shaft is not connected there but you can see how much room there is.

 

I used the Speedway block hugger headers. Not the best performance design but they work. I also offset the engine to clear the power steering box.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am also considering stock manifolds, but think the sound and performance from the headers outweighs them. I won't have the steering box to contend with due to the rack I'm using. Where did you find the stock manifolds? Decent price?

 

No not a decent price. summit racing. I think they were 280 or so. there were cheaper manifolds but these looked like they would flow better then the others. SDK-C5ZZ94301B part number.

 

I'll check summit and compare costs with headers. The front of your engine looks great, I hope that mine turns out that good.

 

Thanks for the reply. I see that the collector dumps in the middle of the manifold. Was that a special order?

 

They are an off the shelf item, available plain or coated. You must use a mini starter.
Small Block Ford Block Hugger Tight-Fit Headers, Plain - Free Shipping @ Speedway Motors

 

I see now that the starter is smaller. Already have large starter so... Looking at options, thanks.

 

Sell the big starter, buy the small starter. You'll run out of room before you know it.