My New Shorty Headers for 351W Engine Don’t Fit.....Help Needed

[SCFFR]

Just getting started on the under the car exhaust system on my MKIV and as luck would have it, have run into a significant problem. Researching older posts I read that shorty headers for a 351W in a 79-93 Mustang would work (swapping left side for right). I checked the FFR manual and it referenced the headers from MAC so ordered a set from CJ Pony Parts. I was told it would be 4-6 weeks since it was not an inventoried item and would have to be made. So, after 5 weeks I followed up and was told that MAC hadn’t even started on them (yeah I was upset). I cancelled the order and got my money back and then ordered a set of BBK headers for the same application through Summit Racing. The header arrived in three days so I started fitting them to the engine. The passenger side fit perfect with plenty of clearance but the two rear tubes on the driver’s side header hit the inner footwell panel. When I say “hit” I mean I couldn’t get the header even mounted on the engine. Looks like the rear tube would stick into the panel about 2".

So, has anyone used/found a set of shorty headers for a 351W engine that does fit?? My only options if I keep the BBK headers would be to cut a hole in the footwell innner panel and build a recess box/panel and rivet it in the opening. Even this might be a challenge since I just did some more close measuring and looks like the header pipe would come through the panel exactly in the same spot where the square support tubing is located.

My other option is to find someone to modify the headers to bring the rear two pipes closer in to the flange. Of course, I have the ceramic coated headers so that would get messed up and I would have to get them recoated...........if that can even be done. Has anyone had a set of headers modified before?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ron

[SCFFR]

Really need some feedback. Certainly with the thousands of kits out there someone has used shorty headers on a 351W engine that didn't hit the footwell panels. I would think that someone used shorty header to connect to the factory supplied J-pipes.

Thanks

[emac]

11347

I have the same setup and got my shorty headers from mike forte. I don't see a brand name on them. The driver side contacted the foot box. No where near two inches. I was able to flex the foot box and give some clearance, using a long bolt through the aluminum and three quarter tube. I can get you a pick of it if you want. Hope that helps. It may be easier to try and sell the headers you have and get some mike forte.

[SCFFR]

Many thanks...............will check with Mike

[SCFFR]

Just wanted to add a follow up to my original posting. Got a response from a FFCars member who had installed a set of out-of-production Ford Racing shorty headers (A58) and they fit his MkIII with not panel interference. I was real lucky to find a set of NOS A58 headers on ebay and got them for $199 including gaskets and hardware. The seller had bought them years ago and never used them. Happy to report they fit perfectly with about 1/2" of clearance between the rear tube and the driver's side inner footwell. I've got them bolted in place and can now start on my under the car exhause system using low profile oval tubing and mufflers from Spin Tech. I should be able to keep the entire system from sticking below the bottom of the 4" rails.

Thanks again to everyone for their help.

Ron