Exhausting Question

[zilverx]

Hi,
As an admirer of the FF Roadster for several years, I am getting ready to jump in and order a complete kit. I plan on going non-donor, with a 302, carbed motor. My question is about which is the best way to go, shorty headers and J- pipes, or the 4 into 4 headers? I was thinking that shortys and J-pipes might leave some room around the foot box and have some flexibility in connecting to the exhaust and have been reading about some of the problems encountered with the 4/4 headers. However, I was also told that the 4/4 headers let the engine breathe and perform better. Also, are there be any interference problems to consider,etc? Appreciate the help.

[edwardb]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your pending kit order. You're in for a great adventure. 4-into-4's are going to give better performance. There are no interference issues with the 4-into-4's for a 302 build. In fact, if you're willing to fab a few new panels, there's a mod for the passenger side that gives even more foot box room than the stock setup. I've build a MK3 and Mk4 with 4-into-4's and not had any big exhaust alignment issues. Granted, it takes some adjusting and work, but haven't had the major issues a few have reported. This subject has been talked about a lot. When it's bad, it's bad. But I personally haven't seen a common thread for the reason. And certainly doesn't happen for all. Shorty headers and J-pipes I think are mainly used where cats are required. But don't quote me on that. Others hopefully will chime in. FWIW I've seen dozens (hundreds?) of FFR Roadster builds, and yet to see a shorty/J-pipe setup in person. So seems 4-into-4 is the most common setup, but based on my observations only.

[Carlos C]

The keys to answer your question are these:
1. How much power will your engine make?
2. Do you plan to use emission equipment?
3. Do you already have a set of headers?
4. What's your budget?

- If your engine's power is fairly mild, then the J-pipes will do just fine, and upgrading the exhaust will not yield enough power increase to justify the cost of the full-length headers. You can get a good set of shorty headers for considerably less than what you'll pay for FFR's headers.
- If you plan to add emissions equipment, then your best bet is using FFR's J-pipe with cats.
- If you already have a set of headers, and the engine is mild, you might as well use the J-pipes that come standard with the kit.
- If none of these scenarios apply, and money is not an issue, then go for the full-headers, even if it is just for aesthetic purposes.
- If your engine will make considerable power, then your only option should be to just go big.

Hope this helps you make a decision.

Carlos

[zilverx]

Thanks guys, I originally was thinking j-pipes, but the 4 into maybe the way to go. I don't have anything yet, and FFR has the summer sale, so the price differential is minimal. I have selected the Ford Racing 306 w/340 hp - no smog hardware. Here in PA, my understanding is "specially constructed" vehicles do not require emissions checks, so that simplifies things a bit. My plan is for 15" wheels, no PS/PB, but heater & wipers, mostly built by the book. We plan to use it mostly for cruising and casual driving - no trailer queen. The wife has already called dibs for left seat time, so I'll have to share. She has no problems driving a stick, but am wondering about the cable actuated clutch. Lots to think about...

[CraigS]

Either exhaust will work but actually the 4 into 4s are easier. They require no hangers. Hangers actually tend to pull the bracket out of the muffler section so skip them entirely. I strongly suggest that you go w/ PS. It turns the car into an enjoyable light to control driver. Manual shouldn't even be a thought since your wife will be driving. Read a lot on brakes. Manual will work great IF it is set up correctly. There are many threads on the subject here and on the other forum. probably more there just because it's been around longer. The cable clutch is fine as long as you use a FORD cable. No substitutes. Absolutely do a heater and look at tops too. A top will extend your season by several months. There are too many days in the winter when it is beautiful weather, dry roads but 30 degrees. W/ a top, that is fine FFR weather.

[edwardb]

My plan is for 15" wheels...

Those look great, and are certainly the most authentic. Just do your homework on available tires and brakes. You will find the choices are pretty limited and especially for tires can be expensive for certain tires. Not trying to talk you out of it. Just make sure you know what you're getting into. Even 17 inch tires are somewhat more limited than it used to be as the industry goes to larger and larger tires in these widths.

[zilverx]

Guys, Thanks for the info on the clutch cable and the power steering rec. Disappointed with the 15 " tire availability. I checked some of the online sources and there isn't much there. When we went to the London meet, it looked like quite a few cars were still on 15's. Any idea where to find the sizes recommended by FFR? - or what is a good alternate size to run? In addition,noticed that the 315X35X17 are limited too.

If running manual brakes, what is an effective setup for mostly street driving? I am starting out with front brakes as provided in the "complete kit", and 11.65" rear brakes.

A top will definitely be part of "part II" spending, we don't want cooler weather to hold us back. Really like the new FFR top, but will have to start saving.

Thanks again

[Rootbeer Roadster]

The complete kit brakes are fine once they are burned in and adjusted with the bias bar. You need to apply pressure to the pedal, but they work great. I also recommend seat heaters.

Jeff

[carlewms]

I too took advantage of the 50% off options sale in 2012 and I by ordering a base kit and then adding in several options:

1. Leather seats;
2. Wilwood brake upgrade ... which at the time of my research seemed to be the best "manual" option;
3. Wilwood pedal box... I ultimately added the hydraulic clutch from Fortes which is easy to do when using this box since it was designed for a hydraulic clutch; and,
4. IRS.

Plus some other bits and pieces...

Carl

[skullandbones]

I don't think you will get a tremendous difference in performance from the 4x4 tube headers. I have the BBK ceramic ones and they fit and look great. I had shorties installed before I started the engine and even had the remote oil filter installed which is required for that application. I started fooling around with the J pipes and read some of the problems some have had. I also just didn't like the look. The ceramics are supposed to keep the engine bay a little cooler as well. all in all, it's one of those splurges that I had to make considering the advantages. If I had to do over I would install some shorties that go straight down beside the engine and fabricate an FIA style exhaust that is side but sort of under the car as well similar the new FFR model. That is more authentic and still keeps that side pipe look that people like. You wouldn't get as many C**** bites from them either. Food for thought, I guess. Good luck, WEK.

Note: BTW: the shorty and 4x4 headers are not a consideration using a SBF with footbox space. If you went with a modular or BB then you would loose foot box space.

[Avalanche325]

Congrats on getting ready to order!!! Here are my thoughts:

I would seriously consider power steering. Good for cruising and autocross.

I highly recommend a heater and heated seats. Notice that I live in Florida and still recommend them.

There are a few 15" tire options out there, but not really any high performance ones. Yes, they look good. But as stated, just make sure that you are aware of what you are getting into. High performance tires equate to safety.

The 4x4s are going to breath better. The higher the HP, the more effect they will have. They are also louder.

Mike Forte makes a different clutch fork that reduces effort. I don't have one, but maybe someone with it can chime in.

[MPTech]

Agree with what the guys posted here (I usually do! They know what they are talking about and it's excellent advice).

I'm running a warmed up 302 and it's a blast.
I expanded my PS footbox and increased passenger foot room significantly, with no downside (except a little money (not much) and time, WELL WORTH IT!).
I also went with Power Steering and really like it too! EASY-PEASY to backup and turn or turn the wheel while parking. Again, WELL WORTH IT.
I'm installing heater and heated seats. Car is running, but these are on my to-do list for this winter!
17" wheels/tires. Better tire selection and performance and more brake options.
I also have an extended clutch-fork, no significant effort.

Finally, had to have the 4-into-4's, love the looks and if it breathes easier (and is louder) EVEN Better!

I'm also planning to buy the Gas-N Stainless Steel pipes. Love the looks and the sound!

Good Luck on your build! You'll enjoy it!

[zilverx]

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate all of the input. I ordered the engine this week (306/340hp) and will go with the 4 into 4 headers. I'll be placing an order for the car before the Summer Sale is over. Will also go with power steering and header, and eventually a top.

So, here we go -