A couple things you're going to run into are one, most 302 headers are 1 5/8" primary, BUT Hooker makes some 1 3/4". The other problem is that you won't be able to use the factory inline header bolt pattern with larger than 1 3/4" primaries. Even with the 1 3/4" the bolts are tight against the tubes. it takes one helluva 302 to be able to use larger than a 1 3/4" primary, a.k.a 500+ HP and 8000-9000 rpm
I am not looking to run bigger than 1 3/4. I will run adapters if need be, I go through the traps at 7200 rpms and run nitrous, it needs big tubes but 1 3.4 will do, but hooker only makes them for the 351 w mavericks. they are the 6208
While we are on the subject what about the super cheap Summit headers? They have a set listed for a 70-74 maverick and they are only $79.50. It doesn't give the size of the primarys or anything. Cost now being my most major concern should I wait or are these fine for a ultra mild street car?
summit headers Don't buy those. I don't know what they fit, but it sure isn't a Maverick. I went through a couple of sets of those thinking they had been missboxed. I ended up stuck owning two sets of those and still having to buy the correct ones (Hooker 6901). I still have a set of the summit ones new in the box that I can't return because the box got wet. Spend the extra money first to avoid spending twice as much later. Just my advice.
courier 11 sec, are you using a c-4? if so? what flexplate and bellhousing are you using? i bought the summit ones and couldn't get them to fit either. they took them back as i ordered the hooker 6901's. then i changed to the 157 tooth flexplate. i was wondering if the summit ones would fit with the small bellhousing. just kind of curious as i only tried fitting them with the larger bellhousing. thanks
Bummer That is a real let down that $80 price tag was very atractive. Thanks for the warning. Now does anyone have a decent set of headers for a 302 that they could bare to part with? Please email me if you do. bumpusd@lycos.com Dave
So you guys are saying… a new pair of coated headers are $$$ bling…bling…BLING…(approximately how much?) If that’s the case, I too would be looking for a pair of headers to fit my 302….
N2O did your engine builder say that you really need 1.750's because from my experience the 1.625's are more than enough? Has your motor been on a dyno? I would talk to Steve - Comet74 He has alot of experience with this !
the summits are 1 1/2 in primary with a 3" collector. with a welder and a hammer and spare tubing, they fit. probably would have had to butcher anyway because my mounts are a little different. i'd rather butcher a cheap pair than an expensive one.
I used a set of hedman 88300 long-tubes for years, with no problems. They fit well and only required lifting the engine on the driver's side for installation (pass. side went in easy.) Have made many hundreds of drag strip passes, with the best being a 7.00/98 MPH in the 1/8 with a mild 302. They are 1 5/8" dia x 28-30" long if memory serves me correctly.
headman I too have the 88300 on my car now and like them but you seem to be forgeting that there is an interferance problem with the passenger side tubes and the sparkplugs when running aftermarket heads with raised exhaust ports. Pluss the 88300 have the oval tubes wich requires using only the headman gaskets and trimming the hell out of them so the gaskets dont block the square ports, Headmans in my situtation are a lose lose senario.
Didn't have any problems with RPM and Victor Jr heads, plug changes were a snap, though I never actually used the jr's on a 302. I only bolted them to a block to see if there was much difference (not much...and it was still easy to get a plug socket in there) They made plenty of HP/torque for what I was using 'em for. Best of all, they were cheap (under $100 at the time) Also worth a look is Stahl headers, don't know if they make a header for early mustangs/comets, etc, but if they do....I imagine they're about the best you'll find. Kind of pricey, though....but if you're looking for an all-out performance header, you only have 2 choices, spend a bunch on ready-made ones, or build 'em yourself.
