Headers for LTD

Hi everybody,
Does someone could help me? In fact, the exhaust manifolds are cracked on my LTD. So, I would like to replace them by shorties (or full lenght) headers.
I found this reference but I'm not sure that it fits on mine.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/jba-cat4ward-headers/p3038321.jcwx?filterid=d590y1974g2j1
My LTD is a 1974 with a 400ci.
Thank you in advance for your answers.

 

I would stay away from any long tube header. They really lower the ground clearance, and they don't seem to do anything for either gas mileage or performance under normal driving. I had them on my 78 Thunderbird, and the only benefit was the lovely light shows over every big large dips on the highway

 

Methinks those are "universal" headers and not designed specifically for your chassis given that JBA does not have your model listed in their catalog. I'm thinking you will probably have a hard time finding anything off the shelf that is made specifically for your car. The closest I can find on a cursory search are 400 headers for the mid-size Ford of that era.

 

Yes Mike, this is the reason I also prefer shorty!

 

That's what I thought! So I will continue my research. At worst, I would install the original models!
Thank you

 

That's not to say the block hugger headers won't work, but it might not just be as simple as taking your old exhaust manifolds off and popping the new headers on and making new exhaust pipes. The mid size Ford headers may fit well with your full size chassis or they could be way off. I'm not familiar enough with the 70's Ford stuff to say for sure. Obviously the most plug and play option is to just replace the exhaust manifolds with the same kind, but it all depends on what you want from the engine performance-wise

 

I understand Kevin. I just don't want to be wrong about the model because there is not much space for the exhaust (engine mount, chassis, steering).
Kevin, I don't find the translation, in french, of the word "hugger". Could you help me?

 

They are called "block hugger" headers because they fit close to the engine block or "hug" the engine block. They are usually used in tight engine bays where there isn't very much space.

 

Ok thank you for your explanation Kevin.

 

Shorty headers barely flow better than manifolds and aren't worth the cost in my opinion. If you can't put up with the problems associated with properly designed long tube headers, then just get a new manifold. Even shorty headers will have the problems of gasket leaks and loosening fasteners.

 

Thank you for your comments. The problem is that I don't find the original manifold! This is the reason why I look for shorty headers.

 

For a Ford? What engine is that?

 

Yes for a FORD Country Squire 1974 with 400ci!

 

When I looked up the block hugger headers in your JC Whitney link, they are for 289-302. They wouldn't fit your 400. I tried a search on Jegs.com who would be much better at finding parts specific for your car. They don't list any headers, long or short. The closest thing I could find was these Flowtech Long tube headers:

http://www.jegs.com/i/Flowtech/387/32118/10002/-1

They're made for a 351C. I think the bolt pattern might be the same as a 400. Maybe someone else can verify. Still, there's no guarantee they'd fit in your engine compartment. Plus, you'd have to install a new exhaust.

As many '70s model Fords that were built with a 400, there's got to be some manifolds out there. I wonder if truck manifolds or mid-size (Torino) manifolds are direct replacement?

 

Try a search on Ebay.

I wonder if these would work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-8-6-6-351...ies&hash=item418166721a&vxp=mtr#ht_826wt_1123

This guy claims this '75 part number will fit '70 - '77.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Exhaus...ies&hash=item2c80514e6b&vxp=mtr#ht_638wt_1361