Hot Rods What headers for 390 in a 55 Fairlane

I just bought a 55 Fairlane and am wanting to put headers on it. It has a FE 390 and I'd like to add power steering if possible with headers. Any help is much appreciated.

 

Store bought I don’t know you might have to build some.

 

FPA makes headers for that application, but it is somewhat dependent on the type of power steering conversion you are looking at.

FPA makes a very high quality product. I run their headers on my '62 Monterey with a power rack and pinion conversion. They fit really well.

http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/Fordp***enger1.htm

 

I had a 56 with a 428, same header requirement as you are looking for. I had FPA headers, for a Galaxie, sorry I don't have the part #'s anymore.
With a converted 605 power steering box, the box collided with the header quite a bit, the #7 pipe, and a little on #8. I converted to Borgeson power steering box, their box is a rebuilt Mitsubishi Montero/Izuzu Rodeo box. The Borgeson box is wider than the 605 box. There was more interference with #7, I mean quite a bit, enough to justify cutting off #7 pipe and reshaping it rather than hammering it nearly flat. Now everyone has their own method of mounting this engine to this ch***is, so even slight changes to the height and front to back position will change things.
If your are going to use rack and pinion, your attention will be the steering shaft clearance, which may cause less trouble.
Pose this question to the 55-59 Ford group here on the HAMB, there are some smart fellows on there, and ask FPA for their advice.

 

Another thing to watch for, is that the FE engine in the Mustang, Fairlane, and Comet also came with cylinder head that has the manifold mounting bolts in the horizontal rather than the vertical. I have a 67 Caliente with a 335hp 390, and my engine has this type of head.
On one set of headers I tried, I had to return them because the exhaust ports didn't line up with the header flange.
Bob

 

My son (@richinsanazay) bought a new, unused pair of BBC headers for his 390 in his '56 Ford Vicky...cut them at the flanges, moved the 'center ones' closer and welded them to ******s and Ford flanges. Easier than it sounds, and BBC headers are 'around'. (cheap, too)
These are 'fenderwell type', obviously.

I'll try this route on my 406 in my '54 Ford coupe...(same ch***is as '55 & '56, center tube member mounts engine)

 

Cool project please keep posting. Thanks!