Advice on Big Block FE Headers for a '67

Cougar Community Classic Cougar Maintenance Restoration and Repair
1

I have tons of checking, and given that I have PS/PB/AT, there appears to be only one choice besides bolt up race kits ($1,000+)

They are the Hooker 6114HKR on MustangsUnlimited:
http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=H6114+01&srccode=mucvweb

The heads are Edelbrock Alum’s with 16 bolt pattern and 1.66 exhuast valves. They spec the 428CJ exhuast as proper.

Does anyone have any experience with these, or opinions? 1.75 primaries and 3" collectors.

I would have liked the Doug’s with 2" primaries, but it looks like they will not fit PS equipped vehicles.

Is the extra $250 for ceramic coated ones is a good investment over the ‘non heat resistant’ black painted ones? I would hate my future beauty to develop rusty pipes!

Thanks!

2

I can’t comment about your particular choice of headers. However, I will note that painted headers will VERY quickly rust. If appearance and durability are concerns, its definitely worthwhile to have them coated. Whether the $250.00 that Hooker charges is a good investment, I don’t know. There are a number of firms that will coat headers, (Jet-Hot and Performance Coatings come to mind, http://www.jet-hot.com/; http://www.performancecoatings.com/headercoatings.html, but you’ll find others if you look) and they may offer colors or finishes that appeal to you more than what Hooker offers. You’ll need to do some comparison of services and prices to determine what’s a good value for you.

3

Many other companies make headers for the FE / Cougar / Mustang application.

I’ve used FPA, Hooker and JBA.

With the Hooker headers you MUST use either a 428CJ cylinder head, or one of the aftermarket aluminum cylinder heads. They do not fit properly on the 390GT cylinder head due to the low port configuration. So for you, this is a good option, and likely the cheapest. The Hooker headers fit properly every time in my experience. You will have to buy the power steering ram drop bracket, which MUST be welded in place.




4

With the FPA headers, fit is hit or miss. Sometimes Stan makes a good set that bolts in with no problems. Other times he has a bad day. Either way, they are about $800.

I had a set on my '67 GT. They interfered with the motor mounts, the block, the bellhousing, the starter, the steering box, and the clutch linkage. I had to modify all those items, plus beat the living tar out of the headers in several places to make them fit. At the end of that 8 hour ordeal (thank God the engine was out of the car) they were great.

5

With JBA headers you get a great product, but they are at the top of the price category. No complaints about fit, but you will be spending $900.

6

Thanks! This is the thing I am trying to avoid, I appreciate the tip on the JBA product, I am going to search what the have for my application. The Hookers run $750 for the ceramic coated which I definitely want now (thanks cj).