I searched lots of threads talking about headers and some briefly mentioned issues with headers and power steering with a 390. Has any one found any headers that worked with the power steering and didnt heat it gearbox up to bad, would ceramic coated ones help?

 

I installed Whitebox headers on my 390 and had to bash the crap out of #8 tube to clear the power steering knuckle.

 

Thaks for the info. Did your setup look like mine for the steering?

 

Mine is a 67 with Bendix power steering. The headers also hung about a half inch lower than the trans cross member and had to make a new intermediate pipe to go over that to connect to the collectors. It was a real pain in the butt and understand why they only cost $120 LOL. Of course the passenger side went in with no problems except for the cross member.

 

What you have there is a Ford Integral steering gear it isn't a Saginaw. Try calling Summit or Jegs and tell them what you have and let them recommend a set of headers that way if they don't fit you can return them. But be aware almost all aftermarket headers may require you beat on them a little somewhere. If you have 1/2-inch clearance on the PS box that's plenty especially if you use a PS cooler. Get ready to get your check book out if you want a good set of headers that are coated and will last.

 

Thanks guys for all the responses, sorry it took me so long to respond have been busy working on the truck. I am trying to get all the floor pans and cab corners welded up and some rusts spots done anyways. The truck goes off to the painters in July after I test fit all the front clip parts for fit so he can then finish removing the cab and bed to get it soda blasted, then i will bring frame back and install all driver train. This is the long answer to why i am needed to get headers ordered lol. I do have a power steering cooler and since I dont have the bendix gearbox hopefully i can find some long tube header that will work. I just got a 10K order from LMC so I need to go check it in and store it, the fun never ends lol.

 

I fit a set of hooker super comps that I believe we're for a mustang. No problems with power steering, the starter had to come out and reinstalling took some finesse. I'm a bit worried about the heat on the starter as well. Also had to cut a small section of frame on the passenger side. So far no problems for me.

 

I used these in ceramic. '71 F-250/390/PS/PB/2WD Camper Special

https://sandersonheaders.com/product...earch_word=390

 

I believe these to be block hugging headers . There are 3 MAIN types of headers , block huggers , full long tube , shorties . My understanding/opinion is if you do not use full long tube , the others are not worth the price compared to the HP gains !!!
Also install at least a foot of header collector pipe ...... I also am concerned about heat by my starter !!! I have long tube and are very close to my starter
I plan to buy a fancy small high torque unit in future or try some kind of heat shield , or both......

 

I put in a powermaster 9106 high torque mini starter and wrapped it in a heat shield. So far I haven't had heat soak issues.