Shorty Headers for 56
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Indianapolis USA
Shorty Headers for 56
Hi All, I have a 56 with a 302, C4 tranny, toyota power steering box, will center dump shorty headers work with my application? Are these decent headers? Any input would realy be appreciated, thanks.
Dave
Dave
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
Shorty Headers for 56
Dave
I can't comment on fit because I have a 302/Volare IFS. Folks on the other boards say that full length headers are far superior from a performance aspect. Shorties are just a good set of manifolds. I think you are on the right track though. Every set of full length headers I have ever owned was a pain in my rear for clearance or gasket leaking issues. I was always too cheap to drop $400 on a set of Hookers or equivalent though. I take it Mustang shorties are out of the question? The Ford shorties can be purchased used and clean up like new.
'fenders
I can't comment on fit because I have a 302/Volare IFS. Folks on the other boards say that full length headers are far superior from a performance aspect. Shorties are just a good set of manifolds. I think you are on the right track though. Every set of full length headers I have ever owned was a pain in my rear for clearance or gasket leaking issues. I was always too cheap to drop $400 on a set of Hookers or equivalent though. I take it Mustang shorties are out of the question? The Ford shorties can be purchased used and clean up like new.
'fenders
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 296
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From: Red Bluff U.S.A.
Shorty Headers for 56
Dave when I put the Toyota P/S on my 54 I had to use shorty headers with the center dump for clearance, i'm using flow tech headers made by holley but you need to use good gaskets, get them tight let the motor warm up then tighten them again
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 25
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From: USA
Shorty Headers for 56
I also have a 56 with a 302, fmx trans, toyota PS. I am using hedman blockhuggers. The fit alongside the engine mounts is very very close. The tubular engine crossmember can be mounted one of two ways. I never really realized it until I saw one the opposite of mine. I guess I just lucked out and had the "curve" the right way. I have it so the engine is mounted as far back as possible. If the crossmember is reversed, it actually gives a little more room between the mounts and the starter. Ideally, the headers don't have to be quite so "blockhugger". If they had more space between them and the engine block, they would clear the mounts better. But as far as the hedman quality. They have functioned well, but the factory painted finish burned off in 2 minutes. I tried some Sanderson headers first. Very expensive, and rubbed against the starter. Just my .02 worth. 
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 111
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From: Indianapolis USA
Shorty Headers for 56
Thanks alot for all the info guys, it seems to me that I read that full length headers gives clearance problems with the steering box, the particular post I remember was a mustang header and a guy recommended center dump, I was also wondering if the specific headers that mid fifties sell for a 56 has any clearance problems. I am not making the engine mount crossmember permanent until I have the radiator, fan shroud and headers mounted in case I have to tweak the motor forward or aft for clearance problems. I will not be racing my truck, just building for a pleasure cruiser so absolute performance is really not that big of an issue. Thanks again for all the comments and I appreciate any more that may come up.
Dave
Dave
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