I'm putting a 302/5 speed from an '85 Mustang (stock motor with factory headers) in my '56 Fairlane. I want lower RPM power, not upper RPM power. It will be an everyday driver. I'm thinking of running 2½ inch pipes. Any thoughts or suggestions on exhaust size? Thanks, Ken
The slots in the frame the exhaust p***es thru would be real tight with 2 1/2", 2 1/4" would be better also more beneficial for low end which is why you see race motors with larger primary tubes in the headers,works on the same principle.Your factory headers won't clear the steering box and may also rub the A-frames I tried them on my '54(same frame) and it was a no go,you will probably end up with manifolds to clear which really isn't so bad if you look at the ports in those factory headers they are pinched down a lot,the manifolds I chose were much cleaner.
2.25" duals on a stock 5.0 is more than adequate and will keep the low end torque. You'll lose the low end when you run 2.5" pipe. Put the mufflers as close to the rear axle as you can. If you do start bolting on parts like a cam/intake/carb/etc, you can still run th 2.25" and just put some good headers on it. I had a 5.0 that dynoed 366hp with 2.25" exhaust/longtube headers/spintech mufflers.
On mine I have 2" in & out mufflers and the over the axel pipes I think are the same . I have stock pipes so I am not sure of the size . I got them at the Hershey car show about 3 years ago . They are sitting in the attic in my garage . i also have Cherry bombs & Smithys too sitting up there . I would rather have the street torque than the big exhaust . Jim
I am just about to run 2.5" out mine, (56) but I have a stroker motor in it which I want to breathe well. I have a 2.5" pipe I test fitted and it fit through the frame hole without problem as long as your not on the edges of the hole. (its wider in the center like an oval). I am trying to make some headway on it, but kids and hunting season are making it tough!
Yesterday 03:01 PM the-stig I'm putting a 302/5 speed from an '85 Mustang (stock motor with factory headers) in my '56 Fairlane. I want lower RPM power, not upper RPM power. It will be an everyday driver. I'm thinking of running 2½ inch pipes. Any thoughts or suggestions on exhaust size? Thanks, Ken Anything from 2" to 2.5" will work just fine. My preference would be 2" with gl*** packed mufflers which will give you a "vintage" exhaust note while providing plenty of efficiency for street use. There are performance advantages at high rpm to fancy headers, large diameter pipes and modern flowmaster-style mufflers, but for normal street use they are just a waste of money and don't really fit the style of the car...IMHO. Thanks for asking.
Buddy of mine built a sweet 35 ford with a 289/AOD, he ran across someone trashing some swimming pool rails/ladder and cut it up and installed it on his car. Free stainless exhaust, think its right at 2" Here is what is listed on magnaflows website
Thanks for the input guys. I think I will go with the 2½ inch as I going to run an electric exhaust cutout and I can get it in 2½ but not 2¼ inch.
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