Hot Rods 289/4 speed Falcon,what headers to use??

I would think the Sandersons would work fine.

 

Hedman 88400's work. Sanderson also makes a shorty header that goes in with NO issues whatsoever and has enough room for zbar. I have them on my 63 comet and took no time to install them. Only downsize is they aren't very big tube size but work nice. Hooker super comps make a really nice long tube but get ready to open your wallet. Over on the falcon forum it seems that the 88400's are the overall choice next to Dougs which are also pretty pricey.

 

Am I missing something? Is the fact the car has a 4 sp relevant? I'd have thought this (header clearance) would be an issue on any Falcon or Comet of that vintage with the original clutch actuation.

 

^^^I would think the clutch pedal and/or "Z" bar could come into play when installing headers on 4 speed Falcons more so then just an automatic Falcon... OK, 3 or 4 speed...

 

Hooker 6901 was the go to for a SBF in a Maverick, Falcon should be the same fit. Works with stock Z bar, although a bit tight to get in place.

 

Wow! Forty years ago it was Blackjack headers on my 64.

289, factory Z bar, C4-3 speed then a T10.

Still have them on a 68 Mustang.

Capt. Chrysler

 

Got ya. I need more coffee. Mine is 3 on the tree but am considering going for the McLeod 5 sp which allegedly is a straight fit to my bellhousing and is slim enough not to require much cutting of the transmission tunnel, but unless I convert to cable actuation, everything which was said above applies to that too...

 

I suppose a hydraulic slave cylinder would help somewhat but I'm keeping the "Z" bar...

 

Well the whole purpose of the exercise is to keep modifications to minimum so that's my intention also. We shall see...

 

In my opinion, Dougs #D660YS are the best answer for ('63-'65) Falcons with manual trannys (automatic equipped cars need #D660YA). They are an effective tri-y design, fit good and are well made (they are now a Pertronix company). BTW, headers made exclusively for ('64 1/2 or '65-'67) Mustangs will not necessarily fit '63-'65 Falcons - Mustangs have a longer nose and more engine bay space than Falcons so, headers designed exclusively for Mustang are often too long for Falcons and may create fit/installation issues at the (bottom of) firewalls of Falcons. I believe you said that looks are not important but I would still recommend the ceramic coated versions of any header - no necessarily for cosmetic reasons but because they will keep the under hood temps significantly lower than raw steel or painted headers. Dave

 

As I posted earlier the Cragar headers in my 65 Falcon wagon with a 4 speed in 1970 were a real chore to install. It took everything a 19 year old (who thought he knew everything) could do to wrestle them in working alone in the driveway. Yes they eventually fit but the white VHT high temp paint that I applied to make them look good was toast as so as I fired the 289 up to break in the cam. Lesson learned, don't leave greasy hand prints on fresh header paint!