[mlstang]

I'm getting my 289 from a 67 coupe rebuilt. My mechanic says that headers are not worth the trouble for a little performance gain. He said they have trouble staying sealed and the heat they generate causes other problems. What your opinions?

When finished my mustang will be for weekend fun. My rebuild of the 289 2brl is buy a local machine shop. Upgrading to 4 brl, better cam(sorry don't the exact one) head work on the original ones and probably flowmasters 40 and duals. Any suggestions on the rebuild are also appreciated this is my first car to restore. Thanks

[Jonk67]

Just my opinion but I think decent headers are a good improvement over stock exhaust. Stock exhaust is pretty restrictive and small, headers open that up but you have to open up from the car>intake>heads>headers and make it match and flow well.
The stock sbf heads, even when ported and polished will never flow like aftermarket alum. heads, this is the weak point of the sbf IMO. If you're sticking with the stock heads, headers may not show that big of an improvement.

Also depending on your options, different headers will fit better. I have a '67 and am using MAC headers, they were the only ones I could find <$300 that didn't require a drop bracket with PS.
I have also had my intake port matched to my heads to increase smooth flow.
You can download the free program CamQuest from CompCams website and enter all your particular info of your car -use, comp. ratio, trans, diff. ratio etc. and it will suggest a list of cam grinds. It's fun to play with and change diff. variables to see what it does to cam selection.
Jon

[65BlueHorse]

I have never put headers on but i have been looking and plan to get some soon. I am looking at the patriot Tri-Y longtube headers. Headers do flow a lot better but as stated above you need everything to work together to really benefit. Headers do have issues with coming loose which causes exhaust leaks but there are quite a few styles of locking header bolts out there to solve that problem and keep them tight. I have never heard of heat being an issue on long tube headers but some say the shorty type get hot. It is really up to you whether to get them or not but i think they would be a nice addition.

[cindys_sn95]

the biggest problem with header bolts is HEAT CYCLES. when the engine heats up the bolts expand. when it cools down the stay expanded. when you first put headers on tighten bolts, after you run engine, let cool down and retighten. do this several times and they will not leak. have done this for years. even with cheap regular header gaskets! p.s. spend a few extra bucks and get coated headers....

[axman61]

In any performance application gains come by combinations. Headers alone will give limited gains. But a good intake system with a complementary cam, headers and a good crossover exaust system will give you a satisfying combo.