Well I got the Hedman's on my '79. They're not all the way bolted up, I just put a few in to see how they fit. Sure was a pain. I had to take the passenger side motor mount out and hold the side of the engine up with my cherry picker. Had to take the manifold heat sheild off of the cab too. Even then, it still took me over the motor and my buddy underneath the truck rocking them in little by little. I had to take the starter out too; only problem now is how to get the starter back in. I haven't tried yet, but I think if I take them off and push them back a ways, the starter will go in. It looks like you have to take the headers off if you ever have to replace the starter down the road, though. This truck originally had a smog pump, so it looks like I'll have to have the alternator bracket machined down some, for it to clear the headers. Doesn't look like too big of a deal though. Nonetheless, here's a shot of them if you're curious!

 

A min-starter might help.

eBay Store - DB Electrical-Starters-Alternators: Starters Automotive: FORD F TRUCK BRONCO 4.9L 300 6CYL NEW STARTER 1965-1996

 

Thanks for the link. I will have to get underneath and take some measurements to see if this would work out. If so, that'd be a great solution.

 

Wow!
Those things look like they mean business!
You will have to get a sound clip, so we can hear 'em when you're done.

 

Looks nice. What's this in? I'm guessing it's carbed, you have any other mods done to it?

Matt

 

Thanks guys; I have an Offy intake for it and will be adding a 4-barrel carb. No internal engine mods. Also adding an electric fan setup. Not so much for performance, but more for safety. When it's all done it's off to the exhaust shop for true duals; I'm curious to hear what it will sound like.

 

You should be able to slide starter in from rear of engine sliding it in between headers and engine block with out having to remove headers. I have the Clifford Headers and Intake I dont think they are shaped that different.

 

I forgot to mention you might have to slide out tranny tube also. Thanks

 

Is the flanges thickness of the header the same as that of your intake manifold? IF not it will probably be a PITA to stop from leaking.

 

Actually am in the process of rerouting the transmission lines.

Nick - all flanges are 3/8" thick. The stock intake and exhaust manifolds, and the headers and Offy intake. It is so everything is interchangable.

 

Just wondering cause a set of cliffords I had were not the same thickness.

 

Ahh the wonderful world of modification. I am running the same hedman headers on my 300 six. Among the mods were grinding a fin off from the alt. support and notching a 3/4" X 2" oval out of the frame. The real fun came after all that though. Routing the 3" tuned duals and keeping them tucked up tight to the frame. They run together to the mufflers at the rear axle, and the "Flo's" are actually welded together. From there the driver's side pipe crosses over and the duals exit at the outside corners of the stainless drop bumper. The mounts for the upstream, and downstream sensors were welded into the pipes after the header collectors. This meant adding extension harnesses. And because the Cat. was gone, I had to install an O2 simulator so that the computer still believed it was there. I didn't have to remove the starter to install the headers though. To be honest, I'm dreading the day I have to replace the starter. It looks as though there may be just enough room to slide it forward enough to be able to pull it out at an angle in an opening between the pipes that may have been bent as they are for just that reason. I'm hoping anyways.
Was it all worth it? YES now that it's all completed and functioning it was well worth it. Aside from the unbelievably aggressive growl, It increased the power off the line, and the lack of restriction opened up the power band in the higher RPMs as well. Of course the exhaust was only one of the alts done to the 300 six in the quest to terrify the local 5.0s it was a success and I'd do it again........and again.
Regards,
Daniel J.
LucasOS
The Insane 6

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...184700&width=0

 

ya the headers are a really tight fit. i have the head man headers, set with an offenhouse intake manifold, holley 4bbl. it all fits together really snug. i had to shave some off the alternator bracket, and off the flange to make it all fit, but it runs great now. i am sure you will like it. ohh and they do fit with the stock starter, you just have to wiggle a little. the only real problem i have had was building the exhaust. the headers stop right at the cross brace for the tranny. hard to route exhaust around it. enjoy,