Headers For A 55 With An SBF

L

L5wolvesf

Member
I’m slowly assembling the parts I’ll need to eventually swap a 302 (or at least a SBF) into my 55. I’ve been keeping my eye out for a good set of used headers; there seem to be plenty around. I’ve read here and on other sites that the 64 – 73 Mustang headers fit.

Before I actually buy I need to know which “style” of header – style meaning “shorty” or “Tri-y” or long tube etc, works best (fitment / clearance wise at least) in the mid/late 50s Fords.

I’m also wondering if the “shorty” factory headers from a 90s Mustang would also work. Advantages to them, if they fit, would be availability and price – about $50 from a local wrecking yard. Has anyone used the 90s Mustang shortys on their swap?

FWIW, I really do not want to modify (unless it is absolutely necessary) whichever header I get. So clearance without bending, dimpling etc is part of my goal.

Thank you for your input
 
I used a set of aftermarket shorties from an '89 Mustang on a '56. These were larger tube than the OEM units. The right side fit with no mods. I reworked one tube on the left side for better clearance by the rear upper control arm bolt
 
These will all fit '49-'59 Fords/302 swap without mods.....

Hedman 88400's
Patriot headers
Cheap chinese headers

I went with the Hedman 88400's in my '54 with 5.0/AOD swap. Fit like a glove and plenty of clearance at steering box.

Tpih3Fwl.jpg

fvwQokil.jpg

I tried the cheap chinese headers and sent 'em back. Header flange was warped, tubes had very short weld beads (weren't completely welded) and some of the bolts wouldn't fit 'cause the tube was bent over the bolt hole! Ya get what ya pay for!

wa1F3DEl.jpg

AeAL7hCl.jpg

Also, I wouldn't bother with the factory Mustang shorties. They weren't designed for performance, at all. The tubes are tiny to begin with and the dimples are so deep there's probably 1/2" clearance inside the tubes.
 
L5wolvesf said:
I’m slowly assembling the parts I’ll need to eventually swap a 302 (or at least a SBF) into my 55. I’ve been keeping my eye out for a good set of used headers; there seem to be plenty around. I’ve read here and on other sites that the 64 – 73 Mustang headers fit.

Before I actually buy I need to know which “style” of header – style meaning “shorty” or “Tri-y” or long tube etc, works best (fitment / clearance wise at least) in the mid/late 50s Fords.

I’m also wondering if the “shorty” factory headers from a 90s Mustang would also work. Advantages to them, if they fit, would be availability and price – about $50 from a local wrecking yard. Has anyone used the 90s Mustang shortys on their swap?

FWIW, I really do not want to modify (unless it is absolutely necessary) whichever header I get. So clearance without bending, dimpling etc is part of my goal.

Thank you for your input
Click to expand...
The 90's Mustang "header" is a definite NO Fit in a '54 Found out the hard way. The HEDMAN 88400's are a perfect fit but if price is your thing these do to. Since they got popular they have gone up about $40 https://www.ebay.com/itm/SHORTY-SS-...5-0-/402423811890?vxp=mtr&hash=item5db2540f32 These are the Chinese Headers mentioned above in most cases they are OK it looks like he got a bad set so it may be hit and miss check out the return policy.
 
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Good input guys thank you. FWIW, I want to go inexpensive (hence looking for used) but not cheap (so no off brand parts).

51504bat Thank you for that info

Craig Do you recall the brand header you used? In the pics can see where the passenger side could get quite close.

Evintho Thank you for the confirmation and pics they help me visualize the end result.

Jeff great thanks on those 2 points.
 
I used the Hedman headers in my 53 Courier with 302. Fit perfect until i changed to Borgeson power steering box. Then just needed a small dimple near the box. I recommend them
 
L5wolvesf said:
Good input guys thank you. FWIW, I want to go inexpensive (hence looking for used) but not cheap (so no off brand parts).

51504bat Thank you for that info

Craig Do you recall the brand header you used? In the pics can see where the passenger side could get quite close.

Evintho Thank you for the confirmation and pics they help me visualize the end result.

Jeff great thanks on those 2 points.
Click to expand...
The Chinese ebay header is a copy cat of these headers. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...hikZQ4Kl9ABF2IwjXVuVgLIKNnJEfQAs24aAmSx8P8HAQ
 

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