I have the 69 4v 390 in my Cougar and am considering going to headers when I rebuild my exhaust system. Anyone have good experiences with headers at a reasonable price?
Thanks!
Most ford guys like FPA headers.
You might want to check this out. /www.bing.com/search?q=fpa+headers+mustang&qs=AS&pq=fpa+heade&sk=LS1AS3&sc=8-9&cvid=F3A778B15DD149D19D4C62D57DD2C9C3&FORM=QBLH&sp=5
You will need to get one head drilled in one location to make them fit, but the 428 Cobra Jet exhaust manifolds will make a nice improvement without the continuous hassle of headers.
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I’m in complete agreement with Bill regarding the installation of the cast iron CJ exhaust manifolds in lieu of headers. They fit properly and retain some residual value, as well. Every time I’ve used headers it’s been a disappointment. They leak, rust or cause some other system problem. Never again. I use 289 Hipo manifolds on my small block cars, too.
I just got through spending 8 hours installing the header bolts in a set of JBA headers for a car with a 494CI FE (427 with a 4.25" crank). It was an absolute ass whipping due to the owner deciding not to spend the extra $200 to have his Edelbrock heads drilled with the CJ bolt pattern. I agree with Bill’s suggestion, the CJ manifolds are the way to go despite costing 50 horsepower. You can get that power back by installing a 4.25" crankshaft in your 390. Check out Barry Robotnick’s website for parts packages.
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SO where would I acquire the CJ Bolt Pattern and is there a link to Barry Robotnick’s website?
Easiest thing to do is to get the manifold and then mark the head with the manifold installed except for the one bolt.
http://www.survivalmotorsports.com/index.html Barrys website
http://fepower.net/simplemachinesforum/index.php There is a ton of info here.