351 Header clearance

ilovemaui · Aug 10, 2012

I am having an issue with the pasenger side header hitting up againt the fender well on the passenger side. There is absolutley zero space between the header and the fender well. Anyone else have that issue and what did you do?

mattt · Aug 10, 2012

What headers do you have....probably long tubes, right? I had Thorley long tubes during my assembly process and had the same problem. The only way I could get the passenger side in was to unbolt the engine, lift it & push it as far to the drivers side as possible. Long tubes just dont fit very well with long tubes.

My solution....drop the Thorley long tubes and buy a set of BC headers. Easy install and fit....my only gripe is I wish they were a bit longer....like mid length headers. I'd imagine BC made them as long as possible while still being able to get them in without having to re-engineer everything around.

ilovemaui · Aug 10, 2012

Nope, I'm running Bronco shorties. I think I got them from WH, can't remember. Not sure if the trick flow heads are making the engine wider. The driver side was fine but the passenger side is extremely tight. Nothing a cut off blade can't fix.

Broncobowsher · Aug 10, 2012

Considering there are probably 20+ designs of headers from various manufacturers over the years, your mystery brand headers appear to be a set probably only designed for a 302 and not a 351. Time to shop for a set of headers that will fit a 351 in a Bronco chassis. And there are still plenty of versions that meet that criteria.

ilovemaui · Aug 10, 2012

Broncobowsher said:
Considering there are probably 20+ designs of headers from various manufacturers over the years, your mystery brand headers appear to be a set probably only designed for a 302 and not a 351. Time to shop for a set of headers that will fit a 351 in a Bronco chassis. And there are still plenty of versions that meet that criteria.

Where might one find these headers with O2 bungs?

demesauce · Aug 10, 2012

I have the same problem as you. It sucks.... I think I am gonna pop in a set of stock exhaust manifolds instead

75junebug · Aug 11, 2012

I have WH shortys. The included paperwork said I would have to either cut or bend the inner fender for clearance. I cut about 4 inches from the bottom of the inner fender up. Later I plan on adding a perforated metral replacement.

Broncobowsher · Aug 11, 2012

ilovemaui said:
Where might one find these headers with O2 bungs?

Drill and a welder, put the bungs in myself. Doen't mater who's header they are. Get them coated after welding, if you get them coated. I pick up M18x1.5 half nuts from my local nut and bolt supplier for my bungs. Last batch a few years ago was under $2 each.

ilovemaui · Aug 11, 2012

75junebug said:
I have WH shortys. The included paperwork said I would have to either cut or bend the inner fender for clearance. I cut about 4 inches from the bottom of the inner fender up. Later I plan on adding a perforated metral replacement.

I think I'm going that route. I have too much money into the engine as it is to go out and buy another set of ceramic coated headers. Especially not knowing if they'll fit or not.

Amac70 · Aug 11, 2012

this is why my inner fenders are cut out. headers wouldnt clear. its a shame all these hallowed vendors can't produce a decent product that fits. Its not like its a new swap or something. There is only one vedor with a product that supposedly fits but since he never has products and products are different batch to batch its very hard to order from them. And most people i know wouldn't give him a dime anyway. Sorry for ranting up your post, but like said earlier cut the inner fenders out.

ilovemaui · Aug 11, 2012

Amac70 said:
this is why my inner fenders are cut out. headers wouldnt clear. its a shame all these hallowed vendors can't produce a decent product that fits. Its not like its a new swap or something. There is only one vedor with a product that supposedly fits but since he never has products and products are different batch to batch its very hard to order from them. And most people i know wouldn't give him a dime anyway. Sorry for ranting up your post, but like said earlier cut the inner fenders out.

The doctor did a little surgery this morning and now everything bolts up nicely. I like my header bolts to hand tighten all the way in before I wrench them and that is what I ended up with.

Lmfp · Aug 11, 2012

I guess i was lucky.. I have the WH long tubes and they fit pretty darn good.. All i had to do bend a small tab on the fire wall and i was good to go... The 351 sure does look pretty in the engine bay

351 Header clearance

ilovemaui

Bronco Guru

mattt

Bronco Guru

ilovemaui

Bronco Guru

Broncobowsher

Total hack

ilovemaui

Bronco Guru

demesauce

Sr. Member

75junebug

Sr. Member

Broncobowsher

Total hack

ilovemaui

Bronco Guru

Amac70

ME

ilovemaui

Bronco Guru

Lmfp

Bronco Guru

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