I,m doing a fairly normal engine swap on a 1959 ford Custom 300 and need help locating some headers. The engine is a Ford 351W with a standard transmission. I prefer long tubes over block huggers. Does anyone produce such an animal or do I build my own?
I don't have any specific headers for you, but you might try some made for a fox-body mustang. They tend to be close to the block and exit at a downward angle toward the rear. They fit a 302 in a '50 pretty well.
302 headers will work on a 351W, from what I've seen, they will just tuck up higher than they would on a 302. That could be a good thing or a bad thing for how well it will fit in the car, but they will bolt up. I'd be surprised if there were issues with 5.0 Mustang headers though, they seem to be pretty compact.
Years ago I put a 302 in a 54 sedan. I used try Y headers meant for a Mustang. I had to shorten the lower ends and run the pipe around some curves through holes already in the frame. They worked great with very few changes.
The problem with the headers is the steering box. I fit shorty headers in my 57 ford but only after banging in one of tubes a bit to make them fit, I also grind a bit on the edge of the steering box. I never did find any for this application, I have 351 now with stock exhaust manifolds.
I used hooker headers for 351 windsor in a 1967 Mustang and the Clear the Steering gear box. the photo shows my 1958 Edsel wagon with a Windsor
They will fit. But that's not what I was talking about - I was talking about 351 headers for Mustang swaps...but I wasn't very clear.
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