Pastorpat
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2015
- Messages
- 143
- Reaction score
- 3
- Location
- Texarkana Texas
- My Car
- 1971 mustang convertible.
I ordered the heartthrob header exhaust system for the 71 mustang. Here has been my experience with it. It took me quite a while to install. But I am mostly happy with the results. My car has a 351 Cleveland with the 2v heads. I have hooker headers.
First the problems.
The problem that was not unexpected was that the headers do not just bolt up to the primary pipes. The kit clearly says for headers that exit parallel to the driveshaft. The Hooker headers do not. So to make this work you will either need access to an exhaust bending tool or you will need to cut and weld up the primary tubes. I chose to cut and weld the pipes. I used an angle grinder with a thin cutoff wheel. I marked the pipe with tape. Once the angle was cut correctly it was just tacking up the pipe. Then removed for a full weld up.
Unexpected problems:
The emergency brake cable is in the way on drivers side. I will need to relocate the cable just a bit higher.
The passenger side tail pipe was not bent properly. So it required cutting and welding to get it to fit. I have contacted the manufacture and will see if they send a replacement.
Things I learned:
Get the car up as high as you can on jack stands. And an extra couple of jacks really helps while locating the pipes and mufflers.
Take the extra time right when you start to debur the pipes. It will make the pipes slide together and apart so much easier. It might save you a cut or too as well.
If you have never done this, it is possible. But have a lot of time set aside and have a helper you like and can work with. It is a small area under a car!
Basic hand tools and a grinder and a welder was all I used. I will include photos as I get them.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
First the problems.
The problem that was not unexpected was that the headers do not just bolt up to the primary pipes. The kit clearly says for headers that exit parallel to the driveshaft. The Hooker headers do not. So to make this work you will either need access to an exhaust bending tool or you will need to cut and weld up the primary tubes. I chose to cut and weld the pipes. I used an angle grinder with a thin cutoff wheel. I marked the pipe with tape. Once the angle was cut correctly it was just tacking up the pipe. Then removed for a full weld up.
Unexpected problems:
The emergency brake cable is in the way on drivers side. I will need to relocate the cable just a bit higher.
The passenger side tail pipe was not bent properly. So it required cutting and welding to get it to fit. I have contacted the manufacture and will see if they send a replacement.
Things I learned:
Get the car up as high as you can on jack stands. And an extra couple of jacks really helps while locating the pipes and mufflers.
Take the extra time right when you start to debur the pipes. It will make the pipes slide together and apart so much easier. It might save you a cut or too as well.
If you have never done this, it is possible. But have a lot of time set aside and have a helper you like and can work with. It is a small area under a car!
Basic hand tools and a grinder and a welder was all I used. I will include photos as I get them.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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