ERA FIA/Slabside exhaust question

[dacobb]

I am looking at a repro exhaust maniford that is a copy of the ones that go on the SBF Mustang, in lieu of the headers from ERA.

Was wondering if anyone had done this on their car, and if there were any issues getting them to fit in the engine bay.

Pics of each below. The Scott Drake hi po exhaust manifold on left, ERA headers on right.

[strictlypersonl]

Because the engine sits between (not in front of) the foot-boxes, it's doubtful whether those headers would fit. We'd love to find an aftermarket header that fits, but haven't been successful yet. It's especially difficult because the pipes must go out over the frame rails, not down and straight back.

[dacobb]

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Because the engine sits between (not in front of) the foot-boxes, it's doubtful whether those headers would fit. We'd love to find an aftermarket header that fits, but haven't been successful yet. It's especially difficult because the pipes must go out over the frame rails, not down and straight back.

Yeah when I saw the pics you sent me it's pretty clear they aren't even close in the way they turn out and downwards. A pity, but it just saved me $300.

[fintubi]

While we're on slabside undercar exhausts, what's the consensus on coatings? I believe all the parts (headers, piping, mufflers) are delivered in plain steel as fabricated. I'd like to just take all the parts to a coating shop before installing them but I don't know what to ask for. I'd like to get reasonable longevity and also try to make the parts under the car unobtrusive except for the "pea shooter" pipes at the very rear.

[LMH]

Gerry Hawkridge in England casts original type manifolds I think. I can email him and ask if you'd be interested. I'm not sure if they'd fit an ERA or not though. stricklypersonl may know for sure.
Larry

[dacobb]

Originally Posted by fintubi

While we're on slabside undercar exhausts, what's the consensus on coatings? I believe all the parts (headers, piping, mufflers) are delivered in plain steel as fabricated. I'd like to just take all the parts to a coating shop before installing them but I don't know what to ask for. I'd like to get reasonable longevity and also try to make the parts under the car unobtrusive except for the "pea shooter" pipes at the very rear.

ERA suggested to me to get the headers ceramic coated for longer life, and to just paint the rest of the exhaust (minus the tips) with a high quality high temp paint. The question is what color - black, aluminum, something else?

[PeteF]

My undercar exhaust on ERA2041 was installed by ERA about 18 years ago. The headers are ceramic coated silver and the mufflers/pipes are flat black. Some of the black has disappeared toward the rear of the pipes, but the mufflers, which are visible as you approach the car are still black and look good. I would not recommend silver unless you want them to be more obvious. The car has been in Massachusetts and Connecticut since new in 2001 and now has over 50,000 miles. Not driven in Winter.

[DanEC]

My 427 undercar exhaust - I had the headers, collectors/head pipes and mufflers ceramic coated inside and out. Painted the tailpipes semi flat heat resistant paint.

Forgot to add I did wrap the tail pipes in the rear wheel wells as on the 427 cars a 2-1/2" tailpipe runs just a fraction of an inch from the tire and trunk liner panels. May not be an issue on 289 cars.

[Karl Bebout]

Ditto on the ceramic coating (Jet Coat, etc) for the headers and semi or flat black for the rest of the exhaust. I've found that BBQ paint holds up at least as well as the "high temp" stuff, is 'way less money and very easy to find in the big box hardware stores.
Another thing to consider for the headers is the insulating wrap. Got mine on flee-bay. Found a 100' roll (lots of extra) for about $25, I think. Also bought a packet of 100 SS zip clamps to be sure I had plenty. If you go this route, I see no need for the ceramic coating and you'll have greater heat reduction in your foot boxes. My 2¢ worth.

[fintubi]

Thanks for all the input, guys!