When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Evening all,
I've made the stark realization that my engine is out of alignment, crooked is probably the more apt description. I've also learned that this is normal for older fords (engine being more on the passenger side of the engine bay). What I've also found is that my headers on the 429 (no idea what kind) are already beaten in to avoid contact on the steering box. I am removing the previous owners homemade engine mounts and installing factory 429 mounts from a late 70's ford pick up. I don't know where this will position the engine once installed.
Does anyone have a picture of their 429, with headers, showing proximity to the steering box?
(only pics I have of my current headers/steering box.)
Since you need to custom mount your engine, I would advise to set it in such a way to have maximum clearance between exhaust and steering box, even if that means finding different exhaust components. You don't want to suffer the same fate as these guys.
It's not the best look but you can beat those things nearly flat, and it won't affect the performance. On Motor Trends Engine Masters, they did a header bash test and beat the things till they were nearly flat, and it didn't change the dyno numbers. Ford put 460's in the F150's in the 70's and since the frame from the cab forward is the same on all of the 2wd's 65-79 headers for one of those trucks should fit.
It's not the best look but you can beat those things nearly flat, and it won't affect the performance. On Motor Trends Engine Masters, they did a header bash test and beat the things till they were nearly flat, and it didn't change the dyno numbers. Ford put 460's in the F150's in the 70's and since the frame from the cab forward is the same on all of the 2wd's 65-79 headers for one of those trucks should fit.
Literally just finished watching Engine Masters on this haha. that makes it much easier. cheers!
Engine bay is identical on a 72 with 73-79 factory perches and mounts.
My 72 has a 385 series engine with headers that bolt in without steering box clearance issues. I can take some pics tomorrow. Pretty sure they’re Hooker headers.
Engine bay is identical on a 72 with 73-79 factory perches and mounts.
My 72 has a 385 series engine with headers that bolt in without steering box clearance issues. I can take some pics tomorrow. Pretty sure they’re Hooker headers.
That’s what I’ve heard, but struggling to find photos of this arrangement. Pics of your engine bay would be great! Thank you
That’s what I’ve heard, but struggling to find photos of this arrangement. Pics of your engine bay would be great! Thank you
I have the Hooker Super Comp headers. I had to notch the intermediate crossmember, just a bit, on the left side. The Super Comps hang low but I wanted them because they have larger diameter tubes than the standard Hooker headers. The standard headers do not hang low.
Doesn’t look like it but there’s at least 1/2”-3/4” clearance on the steering box.
This is great!
I can tell by the exhaust ports that when I install the 429 engine mounts the header will be a touch higher than where it is currently. which I'm happy about. at least it looks that way.
This is great!
I can tell by the exhaust ports that when I install the 429 engine mounts the header will be a touch higher than where it is currently. which I'm happy about. at least it looks that way.
429 headers hitting the steering box
