The Ford Barn

kschott · 06-01-2017, 12:53 PM

Hi,

I'm looking for some background/history on the front exhaust crossover between headers. I'm usually pretty good at searching, but have struck out on this one. Sorry if this is an often-asked questions; no problem if you point me toward other threads and/or websites.

I'd like to know things like:
Why did Ford choose this design?
Did Ford actually think it was a good idea?
Does the connected-header configuration lead to any operational or performance oddities?

It looks like such a bad idea yet it persisted for a while so I'm curious.

Thanks!
Kevin
(no old Ford of my own, but maybe someday)

Vic Piano · 06-01-2017, 01:05 PM

The simple answer is; it was the least expensive way to route the exhaust only using one tail pipe.

Bruce Lancaster · 06-01-2017, 01:15 PM

Everyone did this for decades on V engines, with dual exhausts eventually becoming extra cost options or being attached to more expensive engine options. Some of the early patents on the basic '32 chassis actually showed dual exhausts, which were presumably axed by the accountant.

Ross F-1 · 06-01-2017, 01:52 PM

If you think it's bad on flatheads, take a look at the Y-blocks, with the crossover OVER the water pumps, right up front. How many arms were burned on those?!

rg130 · 06-01-2017, 11:00 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Doing away with the cross over pipe and adding an additional pipe (dual pipes) will reduce back pressure and add slight increase in power. This also gives the exhaust a sound that many have found to be enjoyable. Some vehicle years have a problem routing the left exhaust pipe due to the battery being in the way (early 30's) but most people find a way around this. The bottom line is it's personal preference Hopes this helps.

06-01-2017, 12:53 PM	#1
kschott Junior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 1	Flathead exhaust background Hi, I'm looking for some background/history on the front exhaust crossover between headers. I'm usually pretty good at searching, but have struck out on this one. Sorry if this is an often-asked questions; no problem if you point me toward other threads and/or websites. I'd like to know things like: Why did Ford choose this design? Did Ford actually think it was a good idea? Does the connected-header configuration lead to any operational or performance oddities? It looks like such a bad idea yet it persisted for a while so I'm curious. Thanks! Kevin (no old Ford of my own, but maybe someday)

06-01-2017, 01:05 PM	#2
Vic Piano Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Odessa, FL Posts: 7,611	Re: Flathead exhaust background The simple answer is; it was the least expensive way to route the exhaust only using one tail pipe. __________________ Imagination is more important than knowledge.

06-01-2017, 01:15 PM	#3
Bruce Lancaster Member Emeritus Join Date: May 2010 Location: Madison, NJ Posts: 5,230	Re: Flathead exhaust background Everyone did this for decades on V engines, with dual exhausts eventually becoming extra cost options or being attached to more expensive engine options. Some of the early patents on the basic '32 chassis actually showed dual exhausts, which were presumably axed by the accountant.

06-01-2017, 01:52 PM	#4
Ross F-1 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: NM Posts: 2,438	Re: Flathead exhaust background If you think it's bad on flatheads, take a look at the Y-blocks, with the crossover OVER the water pumps, right up front. How many arms were burned on those?! __________________ '52 F-1, EAB flathead

06-01-2017, 11:00 PM	#5
rg130 Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Placerville, CA 95667 Posts: 96	Re: Flathead exhaust background Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Doing away with the cross over pipe and adding an additional pipe (dual pipes) will reduce back pressure and add slight increase in power. This also gives the exhaust a sound that many have found to be enjoyable. Some vehicle years have a problem routing the left exhaust pipe due to the battery being in the way (early 30's) but most people find a way around this. The bottom line is it's personal preference Hopes this helps.