shorty headers for 351W

[maddogla]

Here's the classic "I'm going to upgrade, should be no problem, the car came originally w/a 351W example"

I'm getting ready for a 302/2bbl/50hp to a 351W/4bbl/400hp swap in my convertible. I'm looking on the JBA website, because all I hear is how great their product is, and I follow w/their online links to their vendors. So what do I find you ask? One of the 3 vendors ( in a little note beside the header photo) suggests "use 1970 motor mounts". No reason given. What the heck is that? Long story short, I call JBA and ask why their vendor suggests this and that they don't mention anything about it. The reply goes like this....."The 70 mount are about 1 inch taller than 69 and allow for more clearance for installation. Now, I've had customers install using 69 mount and have no problem but I've also had people complain that the headers hit the shock tower".

So, I say to myself just use the 70 mounts. Right? But wait there's more. I go to my local mustang authority and he tells me......"You know that w/convertibles the motor sits about a half inch lower than a hard top as a result of an effort to level of the driveline." And he proceeds to show me the motor mount brackets and bang, he's right on.

Help me out guys.

I've owned mustangs for 20 plus years but it's getting surreal over here...

Any suggestions

mdla

[Trinitys]

I’ve never heard of a difference in motor mounts.........but that doesn't mean there isn't a difference though. I say keep your mounts, if there is interference, switch the mounts. Easy fix. Motor mounts are east to replace in my opinion.

As for the JBAs, I hear these are nice, but overpriced though.... I really like my shortly headman’s.

[maddogla]

I'm hearing the Hedman's leak? Don't know if it's true but I have been down the let's chase the exhaust leaks road and don't like it. Glad to hear you're not having that problem.

You're right about the JBA's (very expensive). I quess my budget will dictate what ends up in there. As far as the headers hitting the shock towers I find that hard to believe. I had a 70 Mach 1 w/351 cleveland and had a set of hookers in it and had no problems. I did have a buddy that had a 67 fastback w/a 427 med riser and header installation was a NIGHTMARE!!

thanks for the feedback

mdla

[mach393]

What about the Hooker longtubes for 351W? Why not go that route? I'm going to be in the market for headers for my '69 351W too and I think the Hooker Super Comp LT's with Jet Hot coating run about $528. To me it seems you get a lot more bang for your $$$.

[maddogla]

I agree Mach, I love the Hookers never had a problem w/them. The problem is that I plan to lower the car and I'm trying to avoid any header compacting so to speak....

mdla

[bswor]

I run long tubes on my 351c and have lowered it. I'm kind of concerned about them hitting with these bad louisiana roads. So far so good.

[bnickel]

i have the hedman shorties on my car as well and haven't had a leak yet, i haven't really driven the car yet but it does get started on a regular basis.

[mach393]

I see what you saying...I plan to lower mine slightly too. Just have to be extra careful over those speed bumps and dodge those potholes and bumps. Be nice if all those taxes we pay you wouldn't have to worry about that stuff.