Hi guys, I would like to replace my stock exhaust manifolts on my 1971 Ford Country with 400 engine with a set of headers and duel exhaust. What would you recommend as good headers (I see so many negative comments on almost all brands) for my engine? If I would change to aftermarket heads, would they still fit? All help appriciated! Knowledgeable garages are very scarce these days here in Europe. Henri
You have to remember, an engine's design is an exercise in compromise. If you want a down and dirty weight hauler, the engine has to have restricted breathing, to make gobs of torque. But then that drops high-end horsepower. And on the opposite side, a high-stepping engine needs to breathe well and rev high. But you can't have both, so the engineers work the design till it works fine for towing a travel trailer, or going down the Interstate at 70 MPH. Hooker made (still makes?) a set of 351M/400 long tubers that flowed better, but was on the verge of gutting the bottom end. So, if you plan to tow, you'll need to do some of the other things that'll give you better bottom end, such as a bumpier cam, 4-barrel with intake and worked cylinder heads.
I am aware of these design features, but does restricting the exhaust really takes so much torque? I was under the impression that the choice of long or short tubes plays a significant role in this. But upgrades on the intake side are also planned, but sadly I have to do these upgrades in phases, as my bank does not seem to have the same passion for older cars as I do.
Restricting the exhaust increases torque, robs HP. Yeah, physics doesn't care if you wanna tow a trailer or do a quarter mile. And yes, there are aspects to long vs. short, equal vs. unequal length tubes. People think that equal-length long tube headers are the bee's knees, but 5.0L Fox Mustang owners do quite well with both equal- and unequal-length shorties.
As far as dual exhaust and new headers the 400 motor is a good one with plenty of horsepower power and torque. ‘71’s were still high performance units before the big ‘72 d-tune. I have a ‘72 Squire with a 400 and put duals on it. I’m telling you what a nice difference it made. I went straight back from the manifolds with a factory look out the rear quarter side and it looks good and has plenty of pep. I would do the duals first and see what you think.
We've always said that unless you are racing, headers are just something to burn plug wires with. But to each their own.
Agreed. The dual exhaust also added a little more tone to the car and as I’ve stated it gives it plenty of breathing, and it moves along the Southwest highways at 70-80 just fine.
I don't think you are going to find a slam dunk drop in replacement The hardest part for you is the 400. I think there are big block drop in headers for your car and probably small block applications as well. The 400? Doubt it. You could try 351C 2V headers from a similar year but different chassis. Just be aware that the 400 has a taller deck height so the outlet of the header will be raised relative to where it would be a on 351C 2V. Another option might be a mid 70's Torino with the 351M/400 engine. The biggest issue is usually the steering box. No way to know until you have them and try to put them in. You could probably modify (cut/weld) the headers if you had to relocate pipes.
It is original. The car is a 42,000 example. I was really lucky to find it. The late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s Fords switched back and forth on planks.
Yeah. Mercury actually had it for both their Colony Park, and either a coupe or two-door convertible in '68(?). And had a name for it, but it escapes me right now.
Yacht paneling. Is what is most commonly referred to. The brochure called it “simulated walnut-toned paneling. ‘68 it was offered on the coupe and convertible, and was identical to the Colony Park. Maybe TMI, but there you have it. Lol
Thanks for the advice guys. I do not know if it will give me much performance increase, but I like the looks and want to switch to dual anyway. In addition, I have a leaking exhaust gasket, so I have to work on it anyway. I also think that the 400 is more difficult due to the raised deck. I will try to get some more info and just have to try then. Keep you posted!
