Headers For FEs In GT 500s

Well,I have had 2 sets of headers on my GT500. The first set of headers I bolted on was for my stock 428. The second set was for my "built"428 with Edelbrock aluminum heads which I have now. Both sets were (are) Hooker Headers. They are a royal pain in the butt to install for obvious reasons. But they fit perfectly. I seriously recomend that you "Jet Hot " coat your headers no matter what brand you buy. They coat the headers inside and out which will prevent them from rusting. You definitely do not want that happening after some serious cussing,and swearing as you install them. I hooked-up 3" stainless steel exhaust with an X pipe from Magna-flow. It's all pre-bent with stainless clamps and hangers. The sound is outrageous !! Good luck !

 

I used Hooker headers too. The fit while not perfect, is very good. Definitely have the headers coated. You don't want to do them twice. It really isn't that bad once you figure out the angles your arm/hands have to make. Helps to make the trick little wrench to get in. You'll have to have the car about 30" in the air to get them under and in. You'll have to tilt the engine and do the passenger side first.

 

Eric,
I've had a couple of 68.5 R-code mustangs, a 69 GT500 and a 67 GT500 and I ran Hooker headers on all of them. They fit ok, but as previously mentioned, they're a bear to install and they hang too low below the car and sometimes hit the shock towers. I'm currently building a 68 fastback with a 427 tunnel port and I tried FPA headers on this one. The difference is like night and day. These things fit extremely well and tuck up nicely under the car. I had mine coated from FPA and I'm very pleased with them. It'll be FPA's from now on for me.

 

Hi Eric and all FE owners. The headers used on the 427 powered cars in 1967 were special and used a grandprix type collecter.I think they were made by Belanger for Shelby.Since then the Hooker Vinny mentions is the most popular,but it may not be the best for ultimate power or torque,but is a huge improvement over cast iron manifolds.Maybe J Bittle makes or can make you a set.They use a special design collecter that is a great power booster,and J is a long time FE owner.New technology should be able to get you some improvement and also save some weight.Good luck in your search.P.D.

 

I've used Hooker for over twenty-five years. They are a bear to install and you only want to do it once. Getting them coated will help insure that is the case. Mine fit well and do not hit anything. I did have to notch the scattershield on the drivers side for clearance but if you are using a stock bell housing, you shouldn't have an issue. However, the power steering cylinder has to be dropped down with a special bracket that is readily available. The "Grand Prix" type collector (also known as a 180° style) that Patty mentioned may be somewhat more difficult to install and will definitely reduce ground clearance. I haven't seen a set of these in years and don't know of anyone who manufactures them. Belanger is still in business, maybe they could make a set for a price.

 

Great question....I too am looking for a set of headers for my '67 GT500.
I talked to a guy who makes a set that he claims you can bolt on the engine and drop the whole mess in the car. Price was arounf $900 for a coated set.
Damn thing is that I lost the contact info. Does anyone know who it may be?
The FPA units seem maybe a good choice, but I sure wish I could figure out what that other brand was....

Thanks,
MC

 

Ford Powertrain (FPA) all the way. No comparison. I have a set on my '67 with a TP 427 and they fit great. They also have the ball and socket type collectors and do not use collector gaskets for superior sealing. No leaks! Spend the money for the good ones. You won't regret it!

 

Off the shelf might be hard to find. Any descent custom exhust shop should be able to make you one no problem

 

The FPA's come with collector extension pipes for the ball and socket connection. You should be able to find an H pipe to fit the extension pipes or have it made at a local muffler shop.