Headers on a 302

[Raysir]

I see on prior posts where guys are using the Hedman 88408 hedders. I have a 302 stock heads and AOD. I'm using the 260 stock motor mounts. I have the 260 stock exhaust manifolds on it now and have 3/8" clearance from the shock tower on P/S and 5/8" on the D/S. I have a Unisteer rack & Pinion so steering box won't be a problem. Do the headers come up higher on the shock tower so they clear? Also, any problems with the plug wire boots? I'm using straight boots now but no problem to change them. Thanks for any input.

[Raysir]

Any experience out there with stock shock towers and headers?

[SmithKid]

Ray, I have all stock front-end on my car, w/Tri-Y headers made by Doug's and marketed by Pertronix. I have a BW T-10 and stock (Z-bar) clutch linkage. I originally had a minor clearance issue: the header on driver side hit the steering box under acceleration. This was cured by raising the drivers side motor mount with a 1/4" spacer between the block and mount. Not noticeable unless you look for the slight tilt of the engine. Never had another issue with this during the several years I've been using it.
I've not had any problem with my straight plug wire boots.
Gene

[Raysir]

Thanks Gene...I'm going to order the Hedman Elites. Summit tells me they're guaranteed to fit or return them within 90 days ....so going to try it. It sure looks tight. I like the idea of the spacer if needs. Thanks for the reply.

I'll post the fitment.

[SmithKid]

Great Ray, As has been said many times before, do keep us posted. We like projects and pictures.

[Luva65wagon]

I have Doug's on my Ranchero too, with stock shock towers and an automatic. Clearance is a pain even still. Had to do a bit of shimming to get everything the way I liked it around the shock towers. But otherwise, great headers. The Falcon is tight, so good luck!

One member has a Unisteer setup on his car, but not certain what he did for exhaust. You may want to PM him since he's been a bit overwhelmed lately with his powder-coat business and doesn't speak up here as often as he once did. Just go to you Private Messages and type ' Doghows ' as the recipient and he may be better apt to reply to that.