Help with 428 P.I. build...

[xlr8or]

You could just order a set of the stage2 edelbrocks from Kieth Craft. They start with the bare castings and do all the machine work and porting on a CNC machine so it's nice and consistant.

[Barry_R]

If your chasing CNC ported heads we can help too - but my impression was that this was not a max effort/max power type of build, and the CNC stuff is kinda spendy.

I've used Hookers on my Torino ('69 shock tower car). They do fit - but you will find yourself test fitting and tweaking (BTW - - tweaking is done with a hammer...) - they might fit Mustangs a bit better.

[Snakepilot]

FPA tri-y headers, www.fordpowertrain.com, are the way to go for Mustangs. Similar to JBAs but less expensive and a better design (the tubes are paired differently).

[d_ford]

I've used Hookers on numerous FE powered mustangs including a 67 GT500. I can't attest to the other makes since Hooker is all I've ever used but they do fit, it's sometimes a chore to get them lined up just before the engine settles into the mount location and getting to all the bolts can be tough but it's doable. I just installed a set in my 68 with a 427 tunnel port and these are hitting the shock towers on both sides. I haven't experienced this problem before but I think it's the exhaust port configuration on the tunnel port heads that's creating the problem. I'm hoping after I have it running they will kinda seat themselves so I don't have to take them back off and hammer-tweak them.

[Scott M Jackson]

All right I have to ask. What is the dif between a header and an exhaust manifold? What could be the difference between old headers and new header design? Why a long pipe header and a shorty (just fit?). Thanks, Scott

[jimmymac]

I have a set of Hooker Super Comp 2 1/8 on my 67 Mustang on a 427 stroker motor. Coated at Jet hot got just under a grand in them. Fit tight but you wont need the big ones 1 3/4 or 2 inch should be fine. the smaller tube on lower performance engines give more low end power. Before you coat them cut about a 1/4 to 3/8 inch from the flange between the tubes Installation will be eased. I lowered my uppercontrol arms so the car sit low. I have 28 inch tires on the front!!! Super comps set 3 inches below my Cobra t -pan I have 2 1/2 ground clearance. Smaller dia. tubes my have more ground clearance? The leading edge of my front bumper is 19 1/2 form floor for your comparisons. Add to my 2 1/2 clearance for every inch your bumper sit higher than mine for your clearance. I wouldn't change a thing.the car handles perfect. Steers left and right in a four wheel drift. If a Cobra handles that good I got to get one! Oh weld some skid plates on the lowest parts of the tubes If you don't have 4 inches clearance an keep good shocks on it! Do a good port job on Edelbrock heads,.no regrets heh! Also have a custom cam cut for your car it cost no more. Bullet cams ask for John Partrige Go get em jimmymac

[Carnut427]

Originally Posted by Scott M Jackson

All right I have to ask. What is the dif between a header and an exhaust manifold? What could be the difference between old headers and new header design? Why a long pipe header and a shorty (just fit?). Thanks, Scott

Scott, an exhaust manifold is made of cast iron, bolts to the head, and the exhaust pipe is fastened to it. They come on standard vehicles. A header is a set of individual tubes that bolt in place of the exhaust manifold and end up in a "collector" which the tubes are welded to. This also takes place of part of the exhaust pipe; you have to have a muffler shop bend new exhaust pipe(s) to fit between the header(s) and muffler.
Along came the catalytic converter, which we mustn't mess with. It's usually somewhere between the exhaust manifold and muffler. Shorty headers are just that...short tube headers that just take the place of the exhaust manifold, and the rest of the standard system hooks up to them, and the catalytic converter is still functional. Some performance vehicles come from the factory with shorty headers for more power.
Clear as mud?

Dan