Best header/exhaust choice for 302/AX15

[ngsd]

I have read most of the posts but was wondering with all of the latest development in exhausts what vendor has the best exhaust system for this build.
66 frame/body
Blueprint 306/365 Sniper FI
AX15 with new crossmember
Duff Duck 2.5 lift 1" body lift Hellwig sway bar
Toms 23gal tank

I was thinking Bronco Hut Shorty headers but really would love to hear about other choices and or pictures of installs. The long tubes I have put the collector dead square with the crossmember on the AX15 so shorties seem to be a better choice.

 

[chuckji]

Duff 2-1. I have the same set up as you. Duffs exhaust went in with no problems.

 

[73azbronco]

BC shorty, look great, and huge amounts of room around at least starter motor.

 

[ngsd]

Duff 2-1. I have the same set up as you. Duffs exhaust went in with no problems.

Thanks, do you have any install pictures? I will see if I can through to them. They are short handed right now with the Covid issue. Their tech team is anyway.

 

[chuckji]

Thanks, do you have any install pictures? I will see if I can through to them. They are short handed right now with the Covid issue. Their tech team is anyway.

I’ll try to get some today and post them.

 

[ngsd]

This is the issue with mine,

 

[chuckji]

Sorry for taking so long. Here are some photos.

 

[chuckji]

Sorry, can never seem to get photos to post in the correct orientation

 

[ngsd]

Thanks Chuck, those look like they will do. I actually had a long conversation with Mike at Duff yesterday and he talked me into this system. I have the order going in tomorrow. The pictures are helpful.

 

[chuckji]

One thing. I did find that the band clamps can leak a little. I would recommend using the exhaust sealer Duff sells or some Permatex Ultra Copper RTV. Even a small exhaust leak can cause the O2 sensor to give false reading.
Oh, and those Remflex header gaskets are good too.

 

[ngsd]

Exactly what Mike told me as well and I ordered the exhaust paste with it. Thanks

 

[blubuckaroo]

The Hooker 6909 headers fit perfectly with the NV3550 on mine No reason
it shouldn't with your AX-15.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-6909hkr/applications
You won't see much about these Hooker headers on this site. That's because our vendors don't sell them. But believe me, these fit great, just like the rest of the Hooker headers I've owned. Quality is not second to anything out there.
Also, these are 3/4 length. That just means you're getting all the benefits of a full length header but the collector is shorter. That gives you the ground clearance of a shorty, and the header a full length, but the educator effect of a full length header.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hok-6909hkr/applications

 

[ngsd]

Thanks for the reply, i just ordered the Duff system. I was going to go withe the Bronco Hut but I really appreciated the time Mike gave me explaining their design.

 

[jay2002]

hooker 6909 ceramic headers

i have a set of them and they won't fit my project. passenger side sits on the frame and looks like the drivers side conflicts with clutch linkage. i've converted from 170 to 302 with frame mounts from JBG. Also installing the ax15. considering the shorty headers for fox body mustang, but will look into this exhaust system too. if anyone needs the headers i have, they're for sale. thanks for the info. Jay

 

[rguest3]

Shorty Headers with a 2-into-1 exhaust with stock tailpipe location and installed at a local exhaust shop.

Go to exhaust shop with the headers installed and your favorite muffler in hand. Complete exhaust system should take a couple hours and $250-300.

 

[papy]

This is the issue with mine,

I am currently undergoing the same build and experiencing the same issues. i bought these long tube headers several years ago no knowing which engine/tranny combo i was going with at the time. now that i have the 5.0/ax15 combo i have clearance issues.

Looking at options myself. Anyone here running with the stock steel earlier 96/97 explorer manifolds? if i remember correctly a member had mentioned they fit with no interference? keeping all my options open especially with the CAN/US borders being closed up and the exchange rate on our wonderful $$ compared to the US $$

Thanks

PS long tube SS headers are for sale
Thanks

 

[rockinrich]

I am currently undergoing the same build and experiencing the same issues. i bought these long tube headers several years ago no knowing which engine/tranny combo i was going with at the time. now that i have the 5.0/ax15 combo i have clearance issues.

Looking at options myself. Anyone here running with the stock steel earlier 96/97 explorer manifolds? if i remember correctly a member had mentioned they fit with no interference? keeping all my options open especially with the CAN/US borders being closed up and the exchange rate on our wonderful $$ compared to the US $$

Thanks

PS long tube SS headers are for sale
Thanks

so it would be smart for one to decide what tranny you're going to go with before you even buy headers/exhaust correct?

 

[papy]

so it would be smart for one to decide what tranny you're going to go with before you even buy headers/exhaust correct?

Yes definitely! You will eliminate all the guess work. Once you decide what you will be running with then you can find what works for headers.
JP

 

[rockinrich]

Yes definitely! You will eliminate all the guess work. Once you decide what you will be running with then you can find what works for headers.
JP

Thank you sir,what setup makes it difficult for long tube headers the most?Right now i have a3 speed but going duff floor mount would i probably have no issues?

 

[papy]

Thank you sir,what setup makes it difficult for long tube headers the most?Right now i have a3 speed but going duff floor mount would i probably have no issues?

rockinrich,

i am the wrong person to ask that question. my recommendation is based on my one experience. i would start a thread in tech and you will be amazed with the wealth of knowledge our members have. you will get a lot of good options and opinions.

good luck!