Which flathead headers to use

Thinking about putting headers on my 40 Ford with a flathead. I have heard from a couple guys that there are issues with some headers around the stock steering box, having to cut the rear tube to make them fit. I was thinking of the Fenton cast header or the Center dump header that Speedway has. Can anyone give me info or advice on selection.

 

I can't speak to the clearance around the steering box issue but the center dumps make more horsepower.

 

I used Reds Headers on more than one flathead
http://www.reds-headers.com/html/flatheads.html

 

I love Fenton cast iron headers! Great sound, but.... what a biatch to install, they have to be custom fit, but in the end they are great.

 

I installed Fenton cast iron headers in my 40 in 1999 but, as has been said, they are a pain to install. Ended up using stainless socket head cap screws. The problem is that you can't get a wrench on a few of the bolts. Also, if you are going to use them, get them Jet Jot Coated and they will not change color or rust. Another hindrance is that Jet Hot Coating is $$$.

 

I went with the total tube under chassis from Tatom's racing engine and do they look and work great with stock sterring.I seem to have lost his #.And I had them coated

 

Found his # 360-424-8314 you will get a great set of tube equal length headers

 

I have Fentons on my '40. Can't speak to any installation issues as they were on the car when I bought it. Rattlecanned them with Rustoleum BBQ black nine years ago and they look the same today.

 

I am using Red's headers & extensions on my '40. Fit great & work great, no fitment issues, strictly bolt on. I went with Brockman mufflers & had the tailpipes bent locally to save on shipping. I'm happy.

 

Have Fentons on my 38. Takes a little time to get them to fit properly. I like the sound...painted mine with high temp POR 15. Used brass nuts! g

 

I'm with the Fenton school, have had them on several cars, never had an issue with fitup. Some applications are a bit snug,. but nothing major.

4TTRUK

 

Word of caution on the tin center dump headers, makes sure that you can remove the starter with the headers installed. Some of the center dumps you have to remove the headers if you have to service the starter.

 

I used wirthsautomotive.com they were cost effective and prompt...

 

http://www.wirthscustomauto.com/608092-p-headers.html

I am going to try these. I'll post pics when done. I will also wrap them.

 

I used older Fentons on my '47, so mods to do like dipstick tube and maybe shimming the motor up (I put in new motor mounts and it was fine). I heard the Speedway Fentons are worse then the old ones for fit. To find older Fentons (pre speedway) look for the part numbers and LH/RH on the back. I also had to use some allen head bolts on some of the bottom holes because of fitment.

 

Tatom's are a true tube header that goes into a collector under car.3 pipes into 1 collector

 

i had a problem with the center dump headers in my 49 F-1, its a 1952 flathead out of a car, i had to dent the header in a little around the steering box, i didnt like how close it was. i will try reds headers next time. i have heard that the fentons will not work with my setup, or i would of went with them, somthing about the F-1 truck steer box, it really sticks out there.