Since I have been rebuilding my front end, power steering control valve, steering box etc. I thought it would be a good time to pull my crusty exhaust manifolds out too!
I have to this point been trying to maintain the cars originality. So thinking of adding headers that will play nicely with all the power steer components so I don’t need to modify anything. I will be replacing the whole exhaust system too.
I have read pages of past comments on this site with no real answer on a header for a stock 302 in my 68. I have a few that had been mentioned that I am looking at.
The Tri Y set up from Scott Drake or the Patriot Clipster mid length. I want to put the in before I have to return all my power hoses and have some space.
This is just a driver so no track of racing usage.
Most any long tube headers you install will require a drop bracket for the power steering cylinder. If you go this route make sure you get one of the heavy duty brackets. The light duty flex too much and will eventually pull out the nut inserts in the frame. This bracket is one of the best.
I have been wanting to do the same thing, my challenge also involves clearing the z-bar too since I have not found a solution to go hydraulic yet. I also plan to ditch the factory power steering for something else so trying to find a header with future clearance to upgrades down the road.
I’m thinking these will be my best choice or I’ll need to go with a short style header instead. The tri y headers are a popular choice it seems and they work well on stock to mild build motors. More aggressive built motors need larger primary’s then what the tri y can offer which is where a conventional full length header comes into play. These JBA are reported to fit well and give good ground clearance.
I some recommend the patriot or scott drake headers but you do get what you pay for when it comes to a header. Also whatever you choose make sure it’s ceramic coated as well.
You could order a lot of the upgrade items that Shelby added from the dealer. Assume Tri-Y Exhaust Headers would be included.
Drake Industries makes reproductions but not sure if back in the day if they were offered as dealer installed on new cars or more of a “day two” item but would be original.
I didn’t know that they (Shelby) would have made those for a 302 application but will look into that, thanks.
Seems like the Tri Y is the favored choice.
Would those then need a short h pipe to connect to?
I have never added headers before.
John, we have spoken on the phone before as I live down I5 a bit from you.
If I went with more of a shortie header, would I run into the same clearance issues with the power steering gear box or ram? And what would I need for H pipe ? I value your opinion on this.
For H pipe options there are several available if you want to built your own system. Here is an option for Patriot Tri Y headers. https://www.npdlink.com/product/h-pipe-tri-y-headers-2-14-inch/149586/213264?year=1968 You would need to weld on a flange then fabricate your exhaust from the H-pipe on but that is pretty easy too as there are prebent tailpipe options. Choose a muffler and some bulk straight pipe from summit and have at it.
or an exhaust shop can fabricate the exhaust system from the header back or h-pipe back if you desire.
Try-Y gives you a little more torque, which is what you feel in the seat of your pants,
and also a small improvement in economy,
for a street motor its a must.
