Truck Specific Longtube Headers
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Truck Specific Longtube Headers
I have a 351w in my 1978 F100 which originally came with a 302. Over the next year I will be putting an intake manifold & 4bbl carb as well as a cam/heads when funds allow.
My question is, what should I do about the exhaust. Longtube headers for this truck are 302 specific, which I don't believe will fit correct?
Shorties are very inexpensive and I'll be redoing the entire exhaust anyway (no cats back to dual thrush mufflers with all new parts from headers back).
Should I attempt to buy 302 specific headers and HOPE that they fit or should I just go with shorties, what will the power differences be? I know that longtube will help under 3000rpm compared to the shorties, but how much really? And will it even be that noticeable if i build the exhaust correctly with better x-pipes, etc?
Thanks in advance!
My question is, what should I do about the exhaust. Longtube headers for this truck are 302 specific, which I don't believe will fit correct?
Shorties are very inexpensive and I'll be redoing the entire exhaust anyway (no cats back to dual thrush mufflers with all new parts from headers back).
Should I attempt to buy 302 specific headers and HOPE that they fit or should I just go with shorties, what will the power differences be? I know that longtube will help under 3000rpm compared to the shorties, but how much really? And will it even be that noticeable if i build the exhaust correctly with better x-pipes, etc?
Thanks in advance!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,335
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From: Midwest
302 long tubes will not fit. I used MAC shorty headers from a 302 mustang when i swapped the 351w into my 78f100. they fit ok,kind of a tricky bend on the passengers side to clear the frame rail. Look up user loudfords on here,he has some pics available of the shorties installed on his truck.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: East Flat Rock NC
dwardle
Long tube headers do work very well on all 351w in 65--79s, I have installed them on many
65--79 2wd trucks ,with the only issues being the ( Trans crossmember ) the headers on
these trucks come out right in line with the (Trans.crossmember) no matter what engine
is installed, you may benifit by going thuogh my old posts I can add some Links heres 2 >>>
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/682205-headers.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...r-trouble.html
Wally Womack
Long tube headers do work very well on all 351w in 65--79s, I have installed them on many
65--79 2wd trucks ,with the only issues being the ( Trans crossmember ) the headers on
these trucks come out right in line with the (Trans.crossmember) no matter what engine
is installed, you may benifit by going thuogh my old posts I can add some Links heres 2 >>>
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/682205-headers.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...r-trouble.html
Wally Womack
Last edited by Pro-Street/StateTK; Apr 27, 2009 at 10:24 PM. Reason: watching my Ps and Qs
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Thanks Wally. So it sounds like Cyclone or Hedman 302 specific headers work, but sometimes they bang against the trans cross member?
In the second link you showed a picture of the crossmember and you had cut a piece out of them to create a header pipe notch. Unfortunately I'm not able to weld at all and don't really have any fabrication experience. I'll take this to the exhaust shop and see what they say.
Anyone have any suggestions regarding the power differences between going longtube vs. shorties with the appropriate pipes after the headers end?
In the second link you showed a picture of the crossmember and you had cut a piece out of them to create a header pipe notch. Unfortunately I'm not able to weld at all and don't really have any fabrication experience. I'll take this to the exhaust shop and see what they say.
Anyone have any suggestions regarding the power differences between going longtube vs. shorties with the appropriate pipes after the headers end?
