1952-59 Ford Headers for 351 in '56 Merc

The PO of my 56 Merc Monterey Wagon replaced the venerable 312 with a "modern" 351M. I found it to be in need of a wake-up. The original cast iron exhaust manifolds are the last piece in the build needing replacement. The number 8 cylinder outlet nudged the steering box. The PO "fixed" the problem by grinding and brazing in order to make clearance. I want to do the right thing here. Fabbing my own headers is out of my league. There is a myriad of headers offered for SBF motors. Has any one run into my situation and if so, what was your choice/solution?

 

I can't speak for the 351 but the Hedman headers list here in the sticky works great on my 302 in my 54. I'm sure someone will reply with direct knowledge of your swap.

Headers
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- Hedman Part # 88400 (1949-59 Ford cars) actually listed for a 1965-69 Mustang 289-302 No clearance issues with these and actually better steering box clearance than most manifolds offer,usually best deal is this place: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SHORTY-SS-...5-0-/402423811890?vxp=mtr&hash=item5db2540f32
Another one that fits: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...hikZQ4Kl9ABF2IwjXVuVgLIKNnJEfQAs24aAmSx8P8HAQ
Pictures of the fit: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/another-sbf-header-for-53-woohoo.1058469/ NOTE: These Patriot headers are NOT a direct fit on a 351W as we found out later use them ONLY for a 302/5.0 swap.
Headers for a 302/5.0 swap with GT40P heads https://www.ebay.com/itm/Small-Bloc...40P-/271014972300?hash=item3f19c04b8c&vxp=mtr

 

The 351M is a completely different animal than a 302W so the Headman 88400 will not work. I also noticed in the picture posted by nucklenutz the engine has aluminum heads, so they have 351 Cleveland 4 barrel style ports? Not sure what would work with that combination since those heads would need some large diameter tubes. Bit of a jigsaw puzzle there my friend.

 

See this: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/faq-sticky.897329/page-4 Scroll down to Post #117 #118

 

This is another option https://www.virginiacl***icmustang.com/65-68-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-EXHAUST-MANIFOLDS-PAIR-P1714.aspx Our member Nascar Dave had some for sale a while back, not sure if they sold yet.

 

302, 351W type manifolds, not a 351 M or C type.

 

Not sure if they would fit on a 56 but I used 69 mustang/Toronto headers in my 58 with a Cleveland. Also, some of the aftermarket heads such as trick flow are based on the 2bbl ports rather than the 4bbl, so you need to be sure which heads you have to ensure you get headers to match.
James

 

I'd give a shout out to MadDog headers. They make the swap headers for these cars that you get from Crites so they are familiar with the layout. They may have some suggestions or parts.

 

Did not notice the "M" OOPS !

 

Thanks to all who have chimed in . Great advice on port size as relates to the Aluminum heads.

 

The "M" ports will be a bit higher than my Cleveland, which may help with clearance. My Trick flow heads have the raised 2bbl exhaust ports, but I also trial fitted one with factory 4bbl heads and larger port headers for 69 Mustang/Torino heads also cleared with using 1/2" spacers between the block and motor mount to slightly raise the engine.

James