Alright, new old new member here! Doing a 302/T5 swap in a 54 Merc that was originally a 256/3spd. So far, got a Butch's Cool Stuff mount kit, worked great, but having issues with driver side exhaust clearing the stock steering box. Trying to figure out the best/cheapest way to get clearance here, without doing a front end swap ($$$) or custom headers ($$$). Any and all help is appreciated!
Have you tried fox mustang factory headers? They come away from the motor more than others. https://www.ebay.com/i/113537965596?chn=ps&ul_ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-117182-37290-0%2F2%3Fmpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fi%252F113537965596%253Fchn%253Dps%26itemid%3D113537965596%26targetid%3D541454198772%26device%3Dm%26adtype%3Dpla%26googleloc%3D9018785%26poi%3D%26campaignid%3D1669934873%26adgroupid%3D65058351339%26rlsatarget%3Dpla-541454198772%26abcId%3D1139336%26merchantid%3D6296724%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjwyoHlBRCNARIsAFjKJ6Bx5E1LrUHEZRYE2QyOhuAOaSdmwO1rVSQEQBm50S56VcgygjQxcDEaAi3vEALw_wcB%26srcrot%3D711-117182-37290-0%26rvr_id%3D1917810630912%26rvr_ts%3Dd66ff69d1690ac1917c7cd04ffbd10c8 At these prices you could by two sets and use two p***enger side with the drivers side going forward to clear steering and clutch. It's an idea.
I have a 54 Ford with a 302 in it. If you're not looking to use headers, then 65-70 Mustang manifolds will work. Thats what I have on my car. Sent from my VS995 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Hedman Headers 88400 bolt right in and clear the factory steering box...…. https://www.ebay.com/itm/361161977392?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT You should really check out the '52-'59 Ford Social Group. It's loaded with info for hot rodding our cars!
Yes, we have a set of Fox body factory manifold/headers and the driver side is sitting right on the steering box. The thought of swapping side to side did come up..lol. Actually thought that maybe adding a small shim to the motor mounts and possibly dinging the tube to clear it.
^^^^^^^^^prolly the best/cheapest idea. "they" have run performance tests and smashed header primary pipes hardly hurt power AT ALL! They smashed several and power was not affected! 6sally6
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