Header options & installation advice

[rybo]

Hey all! I'm looking to swap out the stock exhaust manifold on my 73 Mach 1 (351c 4v). I heard the Hooker 6915 long tube is a good option, but my question is mostly on fitment. It's pretty tight in there so do I need to just loosen the motor mounts, pull the engine or can they be installed as is with just some can do attitude?

Also if there's an option that's more recommended than the 6915 please let me know. Thanks!

 

[tony-muscle]

If I remember correctly I was able to install mine without lifting the engine, but I had the steering linkages off at the time. It is pretty easy to lift the engine an inch or two if needed. Just loosen the fan shroud and your transmission will limit lift once it makes contact with the tunnel.

 

[rybo]

If I remember correctly I was able to install mine without lifting the engine, but I had the steering linkages off at the time. It is pretty easy to lift the engine an inch or two if needed. Just loosen the fan shroud and your transmission will limit lift once it makes contact with the tunnel.

Ok great thank you! I plan to pull the engine at a later date to rebuild it but was hoping I could do the headers now as I have to replace all the rusted out exhaust pipes. Do you have the Hooker 6915 headers?

 

[tony-muscle]

Ok great thank you! I plan to pull the engine at a later date to rebuild it but was hoping I could do the headers now as I have to replace all the rusted out exhaust pipes. Do you have the Hooker 6915 headers?

Correct, 6915

 

[will e]

I've had both the super comp (long tube) and comp ('short' tube). Here's a writeup I did:

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/hooker-headers-super-comp-to-comp-swap.9908/

 

[basstrix]

I had no problem installing a set of 6915's on mine. I'm running a C6. The right header collector is close to the trans, but clears.

 

[rybo]

I had no problem installing a set of 6915's on mine. I'm running a C6. The right header collector is close to the trans, but clears.

Ok perfect, that was going to be my next question, how's the clearance near the trans. Thank you!

 

[rybo]

I've had both the super comp (long tube) and comp ('short' tube). Here's a writeup I did:

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/hooker-headers-super-comp-to-comp-swap.9908/

Great thanks I'll check it out!

 

[rybo]

I've had both the super comp (long tube) and comp ('short' tube). Here's a writeup I did:

https://7173mustangs.com/threads/hooker-headers-super-comp-to-comp-swap.9908/

Great writeup thanks for sharing! So my only fear now is ground clearance. I plan on lowering the front to level the car out. How is the ground clearance with the new comps?

 

[rcadd1ct]

Look into fpa headers.

They tuck up really tight. They are almost level with the bottom of the bell housing

They are perfect for 2.5” exhaust. I had to dent my 3” exhaust to clear the crossmember

 

[Hemikiller]

I've been running the 6915s since my first 4V 351C back in 1994. They've always fit well and been an easy installation. The current versions are made in China, but are of much higher quality than the previous Mexico made headers. I know - shocking! I install both sides from the bottom. The passenger side just slips right in. The driver's side is a little tighter, but I didn't even remove my Z-bar linkage this last time. Didn't use anything special for gaskets, just some FelPro 1416 header gaskets.

 

[MAD IRISHMAN]

When installing my headers I used the plastic bags they came in while installing them. I had sandblasted and painted them with VHT. Didn't make it any more difficult but kept from scraping them up until I get them cured. Boy for Hooker Headers the quality is sub par. Mine are Mexican made. I could have fabbed my own but it's not been the required 7 year "cooling off period" from the last ones I built. LOL