best headers for 390 on 64 T bird

[1fordnut]

I have a 64 T bird with 390 an exhaust manifold is cracked an I was wanting to know what is a good set of headers for the car?

[cdhowell]

The only ones I know of.

http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/Tbird1.htm

[davidmij]

Got mine the other day from Ford Power Applications (FPA) and they are VERY impressive. Come with the collector sockets (male and female) screws, headers screws, and some very impressive gaskets. Pricey, but top quality.

[Yadkin]

I saw a set of cast iron headers on craigslist a while back, the guy was asking $350 so I emailed him. He responded back a day later that he had sold them for $425.

davidmij how much did those set you back?

I ended up just replacing one cracked manifold for $225. It looks like an excellent casting.

[davidmij]

They were $599 - with shipping, tax and all I paid $650 even. I know that's insane, but they are the ONLY place that makes a set for a 59 T-bird.
The cast iron ones you found, were they headers, or stock exhaust manifolds?

I had my old one now that thought I'd get rid of.

Dave

[Yadkin]

No they were headers, cast iron headers. I've seen them before only once. I'm guessing that they are relatively rare.

[davidmij]

Yeah, I think you did really well. From what I've seen people can ask almost anything they want for those cast iron headers.

Dave

[KULTULZ]

The FE cast headers came in two varieties, long and short, the short being more available and popular. There is still the question of will they fit the BIRD engine compartment without alteration(s).

The FPA's will outflow the shorties (along with other advantages) but you will be missing the !WOW! factor...

[Dakota Boy]

FPA makes some dang nice headers. I have them on my car.

Craftsmanship costs extra I guess.

[davidmij]

Craftsmanship and a captive audience. But you got that right Greg, most impressive custom piece I've bought so far.

I just spent about 4 hours putting mine on and it was a real SOB. I only got the drivers side on. I had to take my angle grinder to my Lakewood bellhousing. I had already done some grinding on it when I put in the clutch Z bar. I also had to jack the motor up about 2 inches. And getting to those header screws is pretty tough. Impossible to torque them with a little 3/8 open end, but the gaskets are so nice I think I'll be just fine.

Those cast headers do look sharp though!

Dave

[KULTULZ]

Uh... photos?

[Yadkin]

Found a set of cast iron reproductions for only $500: http://www.popsperformancecenter.com/store.htm

[davidmij]

Looks like you'll need another $120 for the spacer kit though. So more like $620. and I'm not too sure that includes your gaskets.
Still, I think they look really sharp.

Greg, I'll try to post some pix to my"Picasaweb.com" page tonight. I've got a long ways to go, but it's fun doing it all myself.

Dave

[Yadkin]

Too late for me anyway, as I've already forked over the cash for a replacement manifold. Besides I don't think those headers would work on my '64. The engine is basically shoe-horned in between the spring towers.

[davidmij]

OK, I'm not sure you were asking me for pictures Greg, but I took a little time and put together some on Picasa web if you want to look at my half a$$ project. When I retire I'll do a proper motor etc - for right now I'm just having fun.

https://picasaweb.google.com/101492851059660555641/StreetRatProject?authkey=Gv1sRgCJSKjNbR6eunsgE

Dave J