Exhaust headers not lining up???

[ggunter]

Well Christmas came in August. I received my 427 I've been waiting forever for like everyone else. I ordered the 351 headers from FFR back in december and got them right away. Installed the motor and trans this weekend and finishing up the install, put the headers on the engine, and they are not even close to lining up with the side pipes. These are ball mount headers and side pipes. They are about 3/4" too high to meet the side pipes and just at the wrong angle. To make them work I would have to cut almost an inch out of the body and then the pipes would be going downhill toward the wheels. The exhaust on the 347 that was in the car, everything lined up perfect. Not sure what to do? I don't believe the engine mounts are any different between the 302 and the 351 possibly causing a height difference? Anyone have any thoughts.....

[michael everson]

Any chance you got 302 headers by mistake?
Mike

[ggunter]

The headers are visibly different. The 347 headers make a downward angle where it goes the the ball. The headers I have go straight which is where the problem comes in, if they made the same downward angle I would be golden.

[RJD]

Try loosening or removing the motor mount bolts and transmission mount bolts and use your engine hoist to lift the engine slightly. Then reposition the engine - left, right, and angle, until you get the headers to line-up with the body cut-outs.

I had to do the same thing with mine - thought it was just a matter of dropping the engine in, but thanks to this forum, learned otherwise.

[Fman]

I am running a Dart 427 with FFR headers and fixed mounts which are about 3/4" lower than the energy suspension mounts, my passenger side pipe fit perfectly but the drivers side required three wedges to align. I am running Gas 'n touring pipes. That being said the FFR pipes aligned much better on drivers side for some reason but I ended up not using them because I had the gas 'n. I would still think you should be able to make it work with the energy suspension mounts.

[j.miller]

The cut outs were for mustang 5.0, reverse headers and J pipes. Anything else will need trimming (a lot in many cases). I have had to trim the drivers side up as much as 2.5 in. The ball headers don't solve all the alignment challenges. I have trimmed over 600 roadsters so I'm almost to the point of knowing what I'm talking about. To tweak it in you may need wedges from breeze...da Bat

[Jeff Kleiner]

What I'e found is that if you're using FFR long tube headers and their pipes with 302 based engines or Coyotes they'll require a moderate amount of upward cuts. If you're using FFR headers and pipes with a 351 based block they usually require a lot of upward cut---especially on the driver's side. If you are using aftermarket long tube headers &/or pipes all bets are off (and you'll probably be calling Breeze ;)).

Jeff

[ggunter]

I looked at the issue and I will not cut the body after it’s been painted. I am going to make a pie cut in the header before the ball and angle the ball on the header to match the side pipes then tig weld the ball pie cut. Or… try the solid mounts first to see if it helps the alignment first. Anyone know where to get them from? Not sure I would like them if they transmit a lot of vibration.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Really, massaging the cutouts after paint is not a big deal—-definitely not as big as cutting and welding headers—-I’ve done it a bunch of times and afterwards you’d never know. But you do you ;)

Jeff

[ggunter]

Thanks Jeff, that is an option and it’s in a spot that is almost impossible to tell. The drivers side only needs about 1/4” but the passenger side needs almost 3/4 and then the pipe is not level. I am going to work on it today and look at all my options.

[Fman]

I looked at the issue and I will not cut the body after it’s been painted. I am going to make a pie cut in the header before the ball and angle the ball on the header to match the side pipes then tig weld the ball pie cut. Or… try the solid mounts first to see if it helps the alignment first. Anyone know where to get them from? Not sure I would like them if they transmit a lot of vibration.

Gordon Levy sells the fixed mounts. I was also concerned about vibrations and was pleasantly surprised I had none, they have been fine for 4k miles of driving now and a track day. Before you decide to go fixed mounts make sure your oil pan can drop another 3/4" and won't be hanging below the frame or you will have another problem on your hands.

[ggunter]

Thanks for the tip on the oil pan, good to know. Didn't think of that but I do have an inch of clearance for that if I decide to go that route. How much were the mounts for Gordon?

[Fman]

Thanks for the tip on the oil pan, good to know. Didn't think of that but I do have an inch of clearance for that if I decide to go that route. How much were the mounts for Gordon?

A couple years ago they were around $65, not sure what they are going for now.

[ggunter]

I sent a note to Gordon Levy about the mounts, still waiting for a response.