Just scanned over Summit's website and found the 73 Maverick 302 has an option for Shorty Headers now. I was wondering if anyone has tried them as yet. If so, how do they fit? I've got a 3spd with Z-bar, but the headers sure look like they're not much different than the exhaust manifold as far as size. My only problem of course is the driver's side. Looking for input...
I have been dying to try a set of shorty's. I am in the process of lowering my car. I want in to sit right on the ground, so I cannot use long tube headers. I will check out summit and maybe order up a set. If I buy them I will be sure to let everyone know. Mike
I just checked with summit and the shorty headers they offer are only 1.5" primary tube & 2.5" collector. That will be to small for my car. I will search around maybe someone else offers 1.625" or 1.75" tubes. Mike
I originally set our car up with shorty headers so it it could be lowered. I used street rod headers and changed the engine position so they were not a bolt on fit. I know your question was fit but I thought I would give some input on the performance of an 1 1/2" primary tube X 2 1/2" collector header. With 2 1/4" head pipes to the cross member, no mufflers the car ran a best of 11.675 @ 115.90, 11.839 @ 113.35 best with mufflers and "H" pipe. I run a 302 with a 4 speed and shift @ 6200, I hope the full length 1 5/8 X 3" headers will improve my performance and have recently installed them. Once I make it the track I'll post my results! _______________________________________Rocky
Your reason for shorties (ie. lowering it and need clearance) is the first good excuse I have hear for using them. Otherwise, I would go with long-tubes.
I have been using shorties since 1998. They were originally offered for the 64-72 Mustangs. Maker is Hedmon. I have them on with a fully custom system with X pipe and this system can't be seen looking at the car from the side. As always you can't hide mufflers when looking at the car from the rear. There are no low clearence issues with this system. The car is lowered 2". Formally had long tubes and H pipe with Flowmasters but there are long gone. This is on a floor shifted C4 auto trans car.
What is the part # for the Scummit headers that are for the Mav/Comet? I did use a set of Hedman 88300's briefly. The driver's side fit pretty good. Pass. side collector was pointed RIGHT at the firewall, which made for a miserable bend going down to the H pipe. Later on, I stripped the entire exhaust and used the shortys for a turbo header. Long tubes WILL make more power and over a wider power band. But if you absolutely must have a lowered car and don't have much experience in a lowered ride, the shortys will work....but they weren't and will not be made to work in a 600+ HP environment. Making them with the larger tubes kind of defeats the purpose of even having shortys in the first place (making room). If you've GOT to have those 1 3/4" primaries, you'll probably be better off making your own, or having someone make them for you ($$$). Just my opinions, FWIW.
There are two sets per http://www.summitracing.com. I don't see the real difference between them aside from the price, the tube pipe gauge, and the flange thickness. It seems weird, or maybe I'm just reading it wrong, but the smaller gauge with the thinner flange is more expensive. I don't get that...would someone check it out and verify that I'm reading that page right?!?! HED-88406 - $379.39 HED-88408 - $269.95 I just did a search for 1973 Ford Maverick 302 Headers and scrolled down till I saw them. I wonder if Hedman would be nice enough to take a picture of both against the stock manifolds for comparison. They look real close in the picture.
