anybody know bout' headers?

[Steve Shaffer]

Looking for headers for a 62' Tbird w/ 390... doesnt seem to be enough room though. Anyone have any thoughts or comments...

I dont like the idea of the extra heat in there so close to the shock towers either.

[Clint Bland]

Hey there Steve, I'm in the same boat. I'm building a mild .030 over 390 right now and I'm also looking for info on headers as well as disc brake conversion kits. If you would, let me know if you have any hands on with the brake kits and if you locate a source on headers. As far as the heat goes, I just had a set of Hookers for my big block Mustang HPC coated and it droped the under hood temps.a bunch! Clint

[ValveTubeHead]

Close but no cigaro: http://www.fordpowertrain.com/Headers.htm
Let us know if you find a source for '61-'63
VTH

[Steve Shaffer]

Anyone know how much different the placement of the motor and the suspension is on the 64-65 T-birds??? Did they have the 428s? Might be able to fake it...

[ValveTubeHead]

Not yet.
From website pix of enginebays, the tightness at the shocktower looks very similar. Not sure how powersteering is arranged.
Guess one of us should shoot fordpowertrain an email. How much persuasion do they need to tool up for a 61-63 set? ...or can our birds be persuaded to accept those '65-'66 shorties?

BTY: 64, 65 were 390's only, '66 were 390's and 428's.
Check this site for mech specs for a huge flock: http://automotivemileposts.com/contentstbird.html

[Gregory]

Originally posted by Steve Shaffer:
<STRONG>Looking for headers for a 62' Tbird w/ 390... doesnt seem to be enough room though. Anyone have any thoughts or comments...

I dont like the idea of the extra heat in there so close to the shock towers either.</STRONG>

[Gregory]

Steve
The 62 and 63 Thunderbird "M" code 390 engines came with a cast iron header manifold. These manifolds were also used on later Ford Engines. I am currently in the process of replacing my stock duel exhaust manifolds with the stock header type manifold. Look around they are available.
Gregory

[Valve Tube Head]

Although not listed, and after persistant begging... Stan at FPA (Ford Powertrain Applications) has fashioned a proper set of shorty style headers for the '61-'63 Thunderbirds. Skillful and perfect workmanship by Stan...Call him up.
(253)848-9503 http://www.fordpowertrain.com/Headers.htm

[jason's61]

Hey everyone, I see some folks are looking for some headers for 61-64 T-birds with a 390 engine. I just bought some from ford powertrain automotive for $500.00. They are brand new and I have not installed them. I changed my mind and decided not to use them. They are very nice and are custom made for the application. E-mail me if interested. Jbsb1657@comcast.net

[jason's61]

I meant from Ford Powertrain Application, not ford powertrain automotive.
Thanks

[fords15426378]

I also have been looking into headers for mine. I have a cracked manifold and made a mess trying to weld it up.

I emailed Ford Perfomance Powertrain and here is the response

"That would be $650 a set with all related hardware in BARE ( no coating). 3 opt ceramic thermal barrier coatings done inside and out baked and polished for $850 + shipping. Currently 2 weeks back logged."

Now that I have some saving to do....so I bought a used manifold, blasted and coated it to get the car back on the road.

On another note, I am also going to do the brake conversion. Looking at options. If people can let me know what they used that would be great.

[Animute]

Sanderson makes them coated for about 650.00

[arizman2]

Originally Posted by fords15426378

On another note, I am also going to do the brake conversion. Looking at options. If people can let me know what they used that would be great.

OK, no one let you know what they used (at least in this thread). So, did you ever do the conversion and if so, what did you use?

[waltreiss]

I installed a set of the ceramic-coated headers sold by Thunderbird Headquarters. As mentioned above, the shock towers definitely come into play, particularly on the passenger side. No issues to date with the power steering.