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Ya, i got those cheepo's too and they do not fit with a stock starter, or a mini starter! - 68' F250 2wd, 390 I need to go back out there and re-think this.
I bought some Flowtech headers from Jeg's for about $115, and they fit fine with the stock starter.
Edit: I just remembered the passenger side one came too close to the trans crossmember. The crossmember had to be notched to allow the exhaust to bolt up to the header.
Last edited by pollock; Feb 15, 2005 at 04:50 PM.
Reason: my bad
I don't see why you don't just adjust the tube with a ballpeen hammer. Thats what I did on my '65 Coronet 440 running headman headers. I didn't need to smash the header tube in half by any means, but it doesn't sound like you would either if you can get the header that close. Dimple it enough to get your header on and add a little extra room for some sort of heat shielding. Either a metal shield, starter blanket or header wrap.
A little denting isn't going to hurt anything, this is just how it goes when running cheaper headers, the fit is hardly ever ideal.
Thorley headers will fit a FE 2 x 4 68 CS with stock starter. Had the headers when new ceramic coated inside and out, no starter blanket, no problems. Copper gaskets, install and forget.
WillyB, on the 410 i'm running I installed 1975 cast with ribs manifolds vs the smooth log style, that alone helped because they flowed better. Then I installed the headers with X cross then out the back (photos in exhaust forum pg 31 under exhaust tips). This made a difference in power at 2,500 cruise rpm's, (not your race rpm zone) and pulls harder up to 5,600. Your exhaust valves will like you. This is with 427 heads with ss valves, pocket porting and general clean up. Yes headers help even if your not going to race around, i'll have to admit i'm an agressive driver so when I have the right conditions, jerk cutting me off whatever i'll stand on it. The only trouble with headers is fit and sealing. I had to raise the motor to check fit, remove and have coated then reinstall again, a small pita for the great return. Also I installed copper header and collector gaskets as I hate to replace all the time. Install and forget. Just my opinions.
Just got some dynomax headers and some flowtech after burner mufflers. Gasket from summit should be here today. Only broke two bolts getting the old manifolds off. Anybody tried the dynomax headers (from summit) on a 69 with a 360 3 speed Manual? I will let you know how these work out.
i just put on a set of dynomax hedders no prob with fit.had to remove starter to install and jack left side of engine up alittle but no clearence probs.
If they are easy to install on a Ford truck with a FE motor your doing it wrong.
Once done the reward is worth it, only another person that owns a bumpside will appreciate your love of labor. Anti-seize compound the header bolts for future removal and enjoy your efforts.
I just installed Blackjack Flowtech Headers with a stock sarter. No clearnce issuse at all.I did used an engine hoist and loosened the mounts to make install easier. Definently noticed the difference!! This is my daily driver with 2 1/2" dual pipes going in/out 3" mufflers and down turn dumping in front of rear axle. Man it sounds far better thab my truck looks. You should see the heads turn.