I have a ‘55 Fairlane and a 331 Stroker based on a ‘90 5.0 block and Borgeson P.S. Based on the Forums suggestion, I purchased Patriot H8433 headers. They clear the Borgeson very well, but the collector hits the firewall on the driver’s side. The other set that is suggested is the Hedman 88400 (88408 for ceramic). Before I purchase these, can someone absolutely confirm that the 88400 headers will clear the Borgeson and turn down enough so I can run 2.5” pipes through the frame? Also, the 88400s are 1-1/2” tubes and I really need 1-5/8” tubes with this 331. Is there another header out there with 1-5/8” tubes that’ll work? The Hedman 88600 looks like the 88400, but with 1-5/8” tubes. I have searched the Forums extensively and haven’t found a definitive answer yet. TIA guys.
It is easier to clear the frame openings and do the bends with 2.25" you can always go up to 2.5" after you clear the frame openings, tests show a slight increase in low end power with 2.25" where 2.5" gains are on top end, so at what RPM range will you do most of your driving ?
JeffB2, agreed on the 2.25” down to the first frame and then 2.50” if I have too. This is a street car that’ll see some occasional track time. It’s got a 331 Stroker that Dyno’d at 420HP / 435TQ. Max RPM is 6K. I just tried a driver’s side BBK 15150 that fits, but just barely hits the Borgeson. These are 1-5/8” tubes. I also tried an old set of Macs 508692 headers that are 1-5/8” tubes and they clear. Unfortunately they are not made anymore. I searched Summit for a similar design and found a set of FlowTech 32138FLT that have 1-3/4” tubes.
So is there anyone out there that has used Hedman 88400 headers on a SBF with a Borgeson PS box in a ‘55-‘56 Fairlane?
Rustvelle, thanks a bunch for the reply and pictures. Your ‘56 Longroof looks fantastic. Just to verify, the Hedman 88400s cleared the Borgeson and you were able to transition into the frame rails? What size pipe did you use?
Plenty of room on driver side by Borgeson box. P*** side header aims at firewall but I got an elbow of exhaust pipe from parts store I think it was a 45 degree elbow and connected it to collector to turn away from firewall. I think I even cut part of the elbow to shorten it. I did this because I drove it about 25 miles to exhaust shop. Yes with open headers LOL! And yes 2 1/2" pipes. I did wrap the p*** side pipe with header insulation tape because it's close to firewall and I was afraid it would burn the paint. No issues going thru frame braces but p*** side hits the axle tube on big bumps, I need to get that corrected. No other issues, exhaust exits thru bumper.
Have the 88400s on my 55 with 302 as well but I still have the manual steering box. No issues with clearance and the exhaust transitions down through the frame rails.
Rustvelle SS, I love your wagon and hate you for posting pictures of it at the same time! I have always been a wagon person and have owned several in the last 55 years. Currently have a 65 Falcon wagon but now I want a 55, 56, 57 Ford wagon even more than before. The 56 with the Customline trim is one I have never found, did have a tudor post with that trim for several years. Been looking at a 57 Country Squire locally but just not really what I want. Thank you for posting about the headers with the Borgeson steering gear, I am getting ready to install one in my 55 Fairlane with a 302. Did you have any installation issues with the Borgeson lining up to the frame? I have read that some have had to modify the top of the frame as the end of the box hits and needs modifications. Thanks! Mark
Thanks for the compliments! It's been a few years but I don't remember any issues installing the Borgeson, if there were any problems they were minor. I have an Ididit column mated to the box with a u-joint so if it's a little crooked it's not a problem with the u-joint.
Well, there is always this option. https://www.hotrodders.com/threads/electric-power-steering-install-in-a-54-ford.526435/
The first Borgenson I tried 6/7 years ago fit fine but I changed my mind and went with a power rack. Recently I decided to remove the rack and return to a Borgenson but the newest one was not a good fit at all. I have been told that they were changed somewhat over the years. A friend installed one in a 58 Fairlane and had to make some mods. I believe that included notching the top of the frame rail and drilling some now holes.
okiedokie, I just installed a Borgeson 800115 and it fit perfectly without drilling any new holes or frame modifications.
Wish could say the same. Maybe the Sunliner frame. But the first one I tried fit from ne just not the one this year. Go figure.
I can confirm that the Hedman 88406 headers fit the 5.0 and have plenty of clearance from the Borgeson PS box. Thanks for the help guys.
okiedokie, I initially had a problem with my Borgeson PS Box as well. I ordered it from Summit and received the correctly Borgeson marked box with Part No. 800115 on it. The 800115 is for '52-'64 Full-Size Cars. But when I went to mount it, the holes would not line up, the angle of the PS Box was all wrong and it was for a different pitman arm. I took some pictures and called Borgeson. They asked me to send them the pictures and they verified that I had an 800114 PS Box that is for a '63-'77 Mid-Size Car. They had me ship it back to them on their dime and promptly shipped out the correct 800115 PS Box and it fit perfectly. Apparently, they had a mis-boxing situation at the factory. Maybe something like that happened in your situation. Did you call Borgeson and talk to them about it?
I did the same as you, sent pictures, told them why it didn’t fit. They said I had the correct box. So I returned it.
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