Shorty Headers for 351W

[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".

Can you recommend a set of shorty headers for a 351W engine that does not interfere with the footwell panel. 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.

Would headers for a 302 fit my 351W engine? If so, any selections there that would fit?

Many thanks,

Ron

[Jason Lavigne]

Hi Ron,

I don't have a specific item number in mind, but I've always known BBK or Mac to be the primary sources for those shorty headers. Were your headers listed as equal length or anything like that? Sometimes the equal length headers cause interference issues because of the extra lengths of tubing, so we always recommend getting regular, unequal length shorty headers. Let me know, and in the meantime, I'll see if I can get you a specific part number recommendation.

Jason @ FFR

[SCFFR]

Jason,

Thanks for the reply. The BBK headers (#15110) were specific for a 351W engine swap into a 79-93 Mustang which is what was recommended in the MkIV manual. However as I stated above, there is significant interference with the driver's inner footwell panel. Based on how my order for the MAC swap headers was handled, it doesn't appear they are an option. I got a response from my forum post that the Ford Racing (A58) header would fit but they have been out of production for years. I did find a pair on eBay and waiting for them to arrive. Will let you know how they fit once I have them in hand. The bigger issue is that there doesn't appear to be any shorty header currently in production that will work for the 351W engine.

[SCFFR]

Jason,

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 no 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.

I guess this means that for folks using a 351W based engine and want to use shorty header, there are really no choices. MAC doesn't seem to be producing their 351 swap headers anymore and neither does Ford. The BBK swap headers definitely interfere with the footwell panel. I am considering myself real luckly to find a set that fits.

Thanks again for your help,

Ron

Thanks again to everyone for their help.

Ron

[skullandbones]

SCFFR,

Can you post some pics of what you are doing? I think others besides me would be interested in seeing your progress. Thanks, WEK.

[SCFFR]

WEK,

Will do as soon as I get the Spin Tech mufflers and oval tubing in and start fitting.

Thanks