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Shorty headers for 351w

Slick

Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 24, 2002
Messages
2,196
Loc.
Petoskey, MI
;D

Hi y'all!

Long time no see!!

Long story less long, my rig has been sitting for the last decade and ima FINALLY finish it and get back to enjoying it!!

%)that said, 1st on the list is to get the skid plate installed (BC Broncos big a$$ hunk)... But I've got long tube headers on now.

I see chuck has a setup that's nice etc... But:eek: $600 bones fer JUST the headers... NO spank you!

I assume there are a few designs that are problematic for use in our rigs etc, SO... Any help would be great!!

FYI, it's a carbureted 351w, 5sp ZF, np205 t-case, dual tanks and SOON to have cage arms & hoops.

%) soooo ANY input is appreciated! I'm sorta leaning towards stainless vs raw or ceramic, but there again, any input would be nice.
 

Dlish

Sr. Member
Joined
Dec 6, 2011
Messages
552
I initially balked at the BC price as well, and ended up settling with a set of long tubes that just made life difficult. Harder to run the drivers side pipe past the TC, couldn't get my skid plate back on, etc.

Bit the bullet, ate soup and old bread for a few weeks, and got the BC shortys. One of the best purchases I've made. The headers are works of art. Their style of flanges make adjusting the next section of pipe so much easier.

Slick, I totally understand the sticker shock, but BC has done their homework and test fit on numerous motor/trans combos, they have multiple purchase options of other exhaust pipe to get a 2 into 1 or just both pipes to the passenger side, it really is a standout option.

While I can't compare the shortys to other vendors similar product, after looking through options for what fits my rig now, and will remain versatile for motor/trans changes in the future, spending the money on the BC was a no brainer.
 

gddyap

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
1,334
Loc.
Mtn View, CA
I have the JBAs from WH. No problem on the driver's side. Pass was tight. I ended up cutting out the inner fenders for access and clearance. The fender was getting pinched between the header and shock tower. I run a C4 so I don't have any clutch linkage to worry about.
 

RedLeg0811

Full Member
Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
836
Loc.
Maltby, WA
I have the BC headers. Most of the stuff was decent no problem putting them in. A little tight to get the bolts torqued, but I think they all have that problem. What I wouldn't do is get the jet hot coating. I bought that and it had rust specs on it. Also I had a lean point and it heated them up, but not past the rating as I had an IR temp on them. Well they discolored, which they are not supposed to do. Contacted Jet Hot and they said oh well if you want it recoated then we will split it with you. I got them back and not long after they had rust specks on them again.

During this time several years ago I was talking with my old GM (work for a Semi truck test facility) and he said they decided to not use the Jet hot coating because of the same issues I had.

Hey Slick my friend has the same last name as the town you are from.
 
OP
OP
Slick

Slick

Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 24, 2002
Messages
2,196
Loc.
Petoskey, MI
Oops wrong link see below

But if it matters, I forgot to say I also have edldbrock alu heads too
 
Last edited:

Nightstick

Bronco guy
Joined
Feb 6, 2010
Messages
2,929
I'm running a 351w with 4R70W and using the JBA shorties from WH. I can't remember if I got stainless or not, but they aren't ceramic coated. I painted them with the VHT paint which has held up great. I'd use the same headers and paint again.
 

Timmy390

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 1, 2011
Messages
5,753
Loc.
Conway, AR
Running the Bronco Hut shorties made by Sanderson with 351W and stock 3 speed. I chose them as they claim to work with about any SBF/head/trans combo.

Had to tweak the P side inner finder just a touch as the header was a bit too close for my liking.

Tim
 

Crush

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
May 30, 2007
Messages
3,463
Loc.
Greenbottom, WV
I used aftermarket mustang shorties on my 351. The taller deck height points them down a little. My exhaust guy had no problem bending the pipe to fit. We did have to pull the passenger side inner fender out a little but not bad
 
Last edited:

broncobliss

New Member
Joined
Sep 26, 2006
Messages
89
Loc.
Half Moon Bay
Running WH ceramic shorties with 351W/NV4500/Atlas. Went 2.5's into 3" then out the passenger side behind tire. Had to cut out a bit of passenger fender, but other than that they were an easy install and sound awesome with a Flow Master Delta 50 (3" in/out). Hope this helps
 

garberz

Bronco Influencer
Joined
Jun 24, 2007
Messages
6,861
Loc.
Conejo Valley, Ca.
And.... I believe this is what I'm thinking........

http://www.jegs.com/i/Ford+Racing/3...191635110791&gclid=COCuzOTkscwCFdgLgQodkLoIhQ

I ve gotta think hats EXACTLY what the dr orders?!?! Then do a 2 into 1 muffler and I'm all set?? What am I overlooking? ...anything?

Those will work, but they won't fit as nice as the Bronco specific headers that any of our vendors offer. The passenger side header from FRP exits on top of the frame. Running a 351w will give you a bit more clearance over a 5.0, but your header pipe will require a tight bend right there.

Mark
 

mp

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 22, 2001
Messages
2,918
Loc.
Austin, TX
I ued mustang shorties on my 351. The taller deck height points them down a little. My exhaust guy had no problem bendingnthe pipe to fit. We didnhave to pull thenpassenger side inner fendr out a little but not bad

This is the poor man's way on a 351W.. Mustang shorties are super easy to find. And comparativly cheap.
 
OP
OP
Slick

Slick

Bronco Guru
Joined
Oct 24, 2002
Messages
2,196
Loc.
Petoskey, MI
So... For "off the rack" headers, what's best?

Fox body mustang, or late 80's ford truck headers?

I assume I'm after the unequal length ones to clear both the starter loc on the ZF, and the frame mounts?? It seems like some of the truck headers MAY be designed for the motor/trans combo?

If none of the above are best, but just not bad- what WILL BE the best (off the shelf fit for non bronco specific designs) other make of vehicle to look for when make'n the buy?
 

eBronc2

Contributor
Jr. Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2015
Messages
237
I used Fox body 5.0 Mustang shorty (aftermarket) headers on my 351W/ZF 5 speed combo. The outlets do point right at the frame rails, but the frame rails are curving down at that location, so there is room. I curved the pipes in and down between the frame rails and the trans.

Stock 5.0 Mustang shorties are cheap on eBay and swap meets, but they are crimped in several places. The aftermarket sets can be had almost as cheap, are usually built better, and flow better. When I had my frame sandblasted and powdercoated, the shop blasted the headers and coated them with high heat silver at a good discount.
 
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