What headers would I use for duals?
 

Hi folks. I have a 79 302 ford with a 4bbl edelbrock and edelbrock performer

intake. I found that using lighter springs in the distributor and no vac advance gives max power with 32.5 dwell at 3 grand RPMs. My question IS...
What type headers would I use for more power??? This was a Ford crate engine from Ford. I cannot find if anything special done to it but it is quite
smart for a little 302

already installed with a C-4 in my 55 F-100. 9" ford differential. Thank you
all for the help in the past and now. Jim in Orrington, Maine.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

If the peak of the hp curve is 3000 rpm, it’s either a very restrictive exhaust or a pretty mild cam. Most likely both. But while I’ve owned a lot of 4 tube headers, I always thought the tri Y’s gave better mid range torque with a full exhaust system. Don’t know that you can even buy those for your application, but if you’re street driving you’re using that mid range. Torque, not horsepower, is what makes it fun on the street.

What did the torque curve look like on the dyno? Not so much numbers, but peak rpm, and shape of the curve.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

Are you confusing peak torque with peak horsepower? Peak torque at 3000 rpm is just about right for a stock/mild cam. However, your peak hp should be about 1500 rpm higher/w stock or mild cam.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

Try a set of TRI Y 1965 Mustang headers. I have used them on Ranger swaps. They bolt right up no problems. And they are cheap!

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

Just an option but have you looked at early Mustang HP 289 manifolds, good fit, no gaskets. Get a set of ramp lock bolts for them and your good for life.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

Those manifolds are pretty restrictive. They would last a long time! I like headers and the ones I'm talking about have lasted a long time.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

The HP 289 manifolds are not the same as those found on A and C-code 289s. They flow better but not as well as Tri-ys that Shelby used.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

I can't remember which side, but the 289 HP exhaust manifolds are very similar to one side of the 351W manifolds. Although the 289 HP manifolds are being reproduced, they aren't cheap. You might get the same result for a lot less money by getting a used set of 351W manifolds.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

Guys in my Ford Group have used these on 302's, they are a copycat of the Patriot H8433's (see picture) https://www.ebay.com/itm/26571879999...UAAOSwvbZimCWL These will fit most standard heads and most aftermarket heads, they are not for the GT40P heads. These hug the block better than the rest. This shows the steering box clearance in a '53 car.

Re: What headers would I use for duals?
 

Another driver's side view same car.