Exhaust Headers

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Aug 7, 2006 | 09:51 PM

52 panel

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Joined: Sep 2004

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From: Pensacola, FL

Exhaust Headers

I am currently upgrading my 52 Panel. (See Gallery on page 3 of 1952 model year). Have driven it two summers without air in the Florida Panhandle and decided it was time. I bought a set of stainless steel headers that supposedly are for 5.0 HO engines. They look about as funky as anything I have had my hands on but the Ford collector guy I got then from says they will give a definitely increase in performance over the stock cast units I had. The tubes are of unequal length, seem to be crimp in places I would not have thought they should be crimped. Do you have any ideas what I have my hands on?

I should add that the headers are going on a 302 (74 block and 68 heads). Quite a bit of head work done (oversized valves, ports cleaned up of all ridges). Kieth Black aluminum flat tops, Comp Cam (.493/500 lift, 296 duration at 105.5 degree centerline). Elderbrock Performer manifold and 600 Elderbrock Performer carb)

Last edited by 52 panel; Aug 7, 2006 at 09:59 PM.

Aug 8, 2006 | 05:48 AM

merc546

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From: Michigan

It sounds like you have a set of production Mustang headers, The crimps are for spark plug instalation (tool clearance for the machine).

Aftermarket ones will flow a lot better.

Just took a look at your panel VERY NICE.

Chuck

Aug 8, 2006 | 06:53 AM

52 panel

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 144

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From: Pensacola, FL

Thanks for the feedback. I'll post a picture on my Gallery today of the rework that will show the header.

Bernie

Aug 8, 2006 | 09:31 AM

Randy Jack

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Joined: Jun 2004

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From: Riverside, So Cal

The crimps wreck the whole idea of headers. The smoother the transitions, the better the flow. Matching port sizes/shapes between mainfolds and heads will do more to increase performance than anything. The usual steps at the port interface do more to creat turbulence than the dimples will.

Aug 8, 2006 | 02:17 PM

AXracer

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Durham NC

IMHO unless the crimps are very constricting you'll never feel the difference against one without crimps on the street. No matter what is claimed no one has that well calibrated a butt-o-meter! Just the increase in sound over the cast manifolds will make you swear it's 20 MPH faster tho.

Aug 9, 2006 | 09:59 AM

52 panel

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 144

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From: Pensacola, FL

Made the decision on headers.

Thanks to all of you. I just didn't like what I saw after getting my hands on the headers. I will post the picture of the ones I was talking about on my gallery. After discussions with you and with others, I have opted for as set of shorty polished ceramic coated headers made by Gearhead. The engine mount in my setup makes the long tubes a hassel so have opted for the shorties. I don't think the high rpm range will be too compromised for my use as the truck is a daily driver and promotes my real estate company.

bernie