I have a question. I just bought a 56 ford truck with a 302 and aod, it is riding on a camaro clip, I was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for what type of header would work with my set-up? Any suggestions?

 

I've always used the "look and see" method for figuring out what type/style of header will fit. Then, research header manufacturers (such as: Sanderson, Hooker, Gibson, etc) and contact them once you think you know what you need. Ask them for confirmation.

Obvious things to look for are: steering linkage distance from/to headers; motor mount clearance issues; collector tube location and clearance between transmission and body frame rails; starter clearance on the passenger side (302); and length of header (shorty? full-length?). Do you need a block-hugger style? Or, will either a block-hugger or a full-length header fit? These are some questions you should consider along the road to your final decision. You "may" have to go with one style of header but have to change the starter. A bit of the old "give-and-take" to make it work.

Then there's the decision of ceramic coated? Stainless Steel (SS)? Chrome? The fun's just beginning!!!

Fitment is your first hurdle, obviously. Start there. In my '59 for example, I had full-length headers until I put the Dakota IFS in. At that point, I had to switch to block-hugger headers. The block huggers fit on the driver's side, but I had to get a smaller starter so they'd clear on the passenger's side of my 302. Again, it's that "give-and-take" method that factors into the final decision.

Good luck,
Daryl

 

DS59 pretty much summed it up. I have the stock suspension and purchased some block huggers ceramic coated. The collector went right up on the motor mounts. The passenger side actually hit the motor mounts. Not much clearance on the starter either. I tried the 5.0 shorties. The passenger side worked nicely. The driver's side hit directly on my steering box. Now I understand the Mustang long headers fit in without a problem. Clearance is a concern with the long pipes. It can get costly switching headers around. Sometimes it pays to have a custom header place install a set for you. Then take em out and get them ceramic coated. Could save time and bucks in the long run.

 

Gentlemen,

Flowtech headers worked for me on my 54. Fit perfect where everything needed to be. Only thing i had to change out was the original starter due to the header barely hitting the cable hookups. I would recommend a mini-starter to anybody. Once i put it in, man did i have some clearance. Those little buggers put out some torque and no problem with turn-over now!!!!