Ford Header

[Montie Henderson]

I’m getting ready to install the header on my 2.3… I got the exhaust manifold off and found 4 small holes across the bottom of the head just above the exhaust ports.  The header doesn’t cover them..  Has anyone did this yet?  Whats the best way to plug them?   Thought of tapping the holes and using set screws, or using a 1/4 inch thick flange between the header and the head.   Any suggestions???

Thanks

Montie

[Geoffrey]

Hi Montie,

What kind of header did you get? Are you sure it’s the right one?

[Montie Henderson]

Yes it matches up to the head fine.  Each tube has a 2 bolt flange on it seperatly.   Some of the others I saw had a full flange connecting all the tubes together.  Guess that style would have solved the problem.   Oh well I saved about $100, but created a .

[Geoffrey]

Yeah,

   I just checked mine~

 It has a full flange with 8 bolts. I think it’s a Hooker Header, I know Esslinger sells some good ones, but pricey.

Luck!

[Mark Hendrickson]

Hi Monte,

If my memory serves me correctly, these were the holes that fed the A.I.R. ports for the cars equiped with A.I.R. fresh air pumps.

These holes go through into the exhaust port. The easiest “fix” may be to tap them for steel allen socket plugs (snub screws). That way the plug won’t protrude past the head to header flange surface.

I also don’t think you can go very deep with the threads as this hole curves into the exhaust port. Hence, the use of those “snub screws”. Measure yor depth first.

The best way would be to remove the head and weld up the holes then have a machine shop surface the exhaust ports face on the head. However, a reputable welder that can weld cast iron is hard to find though and we’re talking more $$ than to just get a full flanged header and OEM style steel sandwiched gasket.

I always used an OEM style steel sandwiched gasket and full flanaged headers, so I never ran into this problem.

Use some red RTV sealer on the snub screws if you go the tapping route.

[Montie Henderson]

Thanks for the help.   Threaded the holes and put in plugs.   Header is on, just got get a piece of pipe reformed at the muffler shop and reconnect the exhaust. 

Montie

[Mark Hendrickson]

Great Monte! Now you’re rolling!

[billnparts]

Just for Informational trivia.  In 1979 only, Ford used a tube header on one model of Mustang. No, it wasn’t the pace car. I came across one during an inventory of a Ford dealer years ago. It has the rail to cover the small exhaust holes in the head. I replaced the long tube header on my car and picked up needed ground clearance since my ride is lowered.

Bill Ascheman
Fiberfab Ford
Modified 5.0, 5sp., 4:11
Autocross & Hillclimb
"Drive Happy"

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