Looks to me like the Clutch Z bar is going to be right in the way. Anyone here have a small block 67 or 68 with manual transmission - top loader - and have headers? What do you recommend for headers? Be as specific as possible. Is there a particular brand, model number that fit without hitting anything else. I have manual steering, so I don’t need to deal with drop brackets and ps hose routing at least. I got a free pair of short headers from a mid 90s mustang that I thought would work great, but they dump out right directly in line with the clutch z bar. I’ve heard tri-y long headers fit, but does anyone here have actual experience and know what fits without having to beat the crap out of brand new headers to make them fit?
I’ve used Hooker, Hedman, Cyclone and Tony Branda headers on a '67 Cougar with factory 4 speed. No problem with any of them. Any brand you buy should be fine. All of them fit factory 4 speed no problem.
Manual steering is a good thing. If I were you I would use Hooker.
I ordered a pair of Tri-ys that are listed as being replicas of what Shelby used on the Mustangs - they were pretty cheap - the brand is Patriot. I’m kind of thinking now of sending those back and order a pair of Hedman Elite headers as I’ve now had a couple of people recommend them because they have a ball and socket flange which I guess supposedly stays sealed better because they can flex a little and not blow out a gasket. My front end is pretty low, so I’m a little concerned about scraping them on speed bumps. I appreciate everyone’s advice, because I’ve always just had the stock manifolds on the car, and just wanted to put something on there that flows better to go with the new exhaust that will be going on next. I’ll update once I decide which ones to go with.
If you haven’t made a final purchase yet, you may want to look at FPA headers. These are some of the best fitting headers I’ve seen. Take a look at them at http://www.fordpowertrain.com
The Shelby-style Tri-Y headers that I first used fit very poorly. They didn’t clear the starter motor or the
scattershield and they leaked because the flange was not flat. I had to clearance the mounting holes
just to bolt them on. The pitman arm clearanced itself but several other areas required dents for clearance.
The ones that fit are the Hooker Super Competition headers. Just make sure you use the factory motor
mounts - these headers were designed for them, not the India imports. Headers make the clutch linkage a bear to adjust …