The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Headers for a 350 that fit

Hi All,
I have made a couple of posts asking for help with headers that will fit my '54 panel with a 350 engine. I was going to use the original steering column and gear but have since changed to a Mustang rack & pinion. Regardless the exhaust was a tight fit. I found some headers that fit very well. Hedman #68360 are block huggers that fit nicely between the engine and frame rail. They cost about $160 for the pair. They give me plenty of room for the steering linkage but would also work with the original steering column and gear.
I hope this info will help someone else.

Thanks ted54. I will print this out and use it later in case I forget. I am planning to put a 305 in my 52 so the same header should work on it. Good job.

Doug Thorley makes a set of Tri-Y headers for a Chevy small block retrofitted into a '47-'55.
I saw it listed in the Classic Industries catalogue.

Ted, do you think the Hedman block huggers will clear a steering box or would it still have to be moved out a bit?
Thanks,
Bob

Bob, I think these Hedman's will fit with the steering box in the original position. I will know for sure in a week or so. Tomorrow the engine goes in and then the body goes back on the frame. I am using the original column and steering wheel and will be installing the original steering box temporarilly to get the column angle and length just right. Then I will cut the column free of the box and connect to my new rack & pinion. I will check out the headers in relation to the steering box and add to this post. Good luck.

Thanks Ted, let me know how it works out for you.
Bob

Do those block huggers let you use normal length spark plugs or will you have to use the shorty plugs to get the necessary clearance for the wires and boots?

I'm not sure about this but if the block huggers is the same as what I used on my 37 it may be good to use them "depending" on what steering you use. On my 37 I used the block huggers so they set closer to the engine and I didn't have to use so many "knuckle joints" on the steering rod to rack and pinion. (I use Stang II frontend)Like most of you I too want to know if the original AD steering will work with block huggers are any other headers as I want to go that route on my 52Panel. I am waiting to see how Huston54 comes out....but I'm in no hurry.

Ted,
Have you found out yet if those headers fit without moving the steering box???

Hello Everyone,
I started this post because I was having a lot of trouble finding manifolds or headers that would fit a 54 AD with a 350 engine. The block huggers by Hedman #68360 are a very good fit but THE ORIGINAL STEERING BOX STILL MUST BE MOVED. I wish I could report otherwise. In my application I have a Mustang II IFS with a manual rack & pinion connecting to the original column minus the original steering box. These headers give me enough room to make the steering linkage connections with 2 universal joints. As far as spark plugs go, normal length plugs work fine.

I wonder if Rams Horn Iron Corvette manifolds would clear the steering box? Only way to know would be if someone has tried it. The end exhaust ports are routed up in a semicircle to the center where they come down and meet the two middle exhaust ports. The only concern I'd have is if there's room next to the steering box at the middle exhaust ports.

Is there? I know it's only a swag, but by eyeballing it, would you say there would be room for ramshorn manifolds?

Thanks for checking Ted. I heard a while back that the Hedman Corvette (1960?) headers might work but this was never confirmed. Looks like people who want the V8 either have to change the steering box or move the stock box outward.
Bob

i've got ram horns on the Ox, but i'm using a MII w/manual rack... I couldnt get them on with the original steering column.

so just to confirm i have a stock 51 3100 that i pulled the 216 out of. I have a 305 and a 700r4 trans that i want in. So i should use the hedman 68360 for headers and just space the steering box out 2 inches? This should work for me correct? Can anyone tell me a link on a new radiator for the same truck/setup? I would like to mount into the stock location