I am nearing the end of the 302/4V rebuild. 9.5:1 compression, date code correct block, orig 53cc chamber volume heads. Adding a correct Paxton supercharger with 4777 Holly from Paradise Wheels. Replacing my original J-Code intake with a S2MS-9424-A. I am trying to find a quality set of Ceramic coated, Tri-Y headers and wonder if anyone has a recommendation. From my research seems Doug's Headers are well reviewed but they are on the more costly side. Doug Thorley is also pretty pricey. I see that Scott Drake's are about half the price and Tony Branda has a set in the same price range as the Drake's. Not sure of the mfg but they look a lot like the Scott Drake layout from the photo. I tend to think you get what you pay for, so leaning toward Doug's Headers. Thoughts?
Headers have got rediculous in recent history. I have seen a set of these and their install. They are decent headers, especially for the price. Polished stainless and a relatively heavy guage. The flanges are well made as well. I would use the Remflex gaskets below. I have them on my '67 GT500. They DO NOT LEAK. They are about 3/16" thick layered graphite and they are rated to 3,000 degrees. You're not going to burn through them.
-Keith
Headers.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/191661747998?rmvSB=true
Remflex Gaskets.
https://www.summitracing.com/tx/parts/rfl-3004
http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/Mustang1.htm
800.00 is pricey for small block headers. Those of us with FE cars have few choices. I saw the headers I listed. They were made well and installed well.
-Keith
Keith, that looks like a good option. I could even get them jet-hot ceramic coated for heat control and still come out with less cost than the Doug's option. Thanks for the lead.
I had the J-code engine in my '68 GT coupe rebuilt back around 2010. It was originally rebuilt to stock specs, save for a cam upgrade. Over the years, I have added some mild bolt-ons to the engine, including a set of Doug's ceramic coated tri-y headers. I can't speak highly enough of them. After a few heat cycles with requisite checking/tightening of the header bolts, they have given me no trouble whatsoever. They still look good too. Car is a driver from May-October here in NH. I recommend them to anyone looking for a quality product.
Very cool to hear from another J-Code coupe owner. I've been doing a lot of comparing. I liked the Performance SST option but they are out of stock and don't have any more builds upcoming. So the Doug headers are what I will be going with. Glad to hear you had a good experience with them.
I have FPA headers on my 69 GT350 they fit great. I'm very happy with them.
FPA set on my B9....
FPA on my KR's side-oiler, since 2014. No leaks.
Ground clearance is excellent, they tuck up higher than the bottom of the bell-housing.
^^^ Are you guys using bellcranks or hydraulics?
Hydraulic.
Factory bell crank, diaphram clutch.
-Keith