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Author Topic: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?  (Read 1404 times)

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Offline russosborne

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V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« on: December 14, 2018, 04:04:47 AM »
In the normal position that is.
Is it because of the exhaust pipe routing?
Could you run fender well exhaust pipes if you don't have the inner fender wells?

I'm trying to figure out a way to do this swap without paying almost $700 for the 351W swap headers. I'm seeing lots of used shorties for sale cheap.

Thanks,
Russ
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline Wittsend

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #1 on: December 14, 2018, 11:44:34 AM »
Wisdom says to get the engine installed first..., - then look at header fitment. The vertical bracing of the cage/front tubes (see image) may create interference and the absence of inner fenders may open possibilities.  You won't know until you get "there." Buying headers now is a 'shot in the dark' given the unique configuration you are dealing with.


I had a friend who did a 289/early Pinto swap back in the 70's.  He reversed the stock cast manifolds (front to back and vertically - if I recall correctly) and he was still lacking for a place to run the exhaust. Again faded memory but I believe it was 2" pipe under the front crossmember close to the lower arm mount. In my Sunbeam Tiger world many of us opt to retain the stock cast manifolds. The engine compartment is cramped like the V-8 Pinto and header bashing (to install), header bashing (from hitting objects below), header leaks, header heat are just some of the reasons people prefer to lose a few HP over dealing with the multiple issues.

Offline johnny99

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #2 on: January 07, 2019, 06:57:59 PM »
Wittsend is correct, another point is due to the square foot space, you will be dealing with methods to dissipate heat, I use ram-air. You will have NO ROOM to install the headers after engine is installed, and when you do then install with engine you will see the right structure will NOT allow space to move engine father to passenger side thus, you will need a custom 2 piece header for left in that the rear 2 ports will need be pushed into port cavity of header because those 2 ports will be spread to allow the steering arm to rack and pinion.  Hope this helps

Offline cossiepinto

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #3 on: April 17, 2019, 09:16:07 AM »
Russ,  I posted this elsewhere earlier today:
I was snooping around the MustangII.org site a few days ago, and saw a pretty comprehensive list of parts you'll need to get the job done.
Go to http://www.mustangii.org/tech/tipsntricks/302swap.shtml
Or, if that link doesn't work, here's the step-by-step linkage: http://MustangII.org > Tips 'n Tricks > Chassis 'n Mechanical > - 302 Engine Swap parts list By: Phil Schmidt
I can't vouch for the accuracy, but it looks like it's a pretty good start/time saver.
The MII shares so much hardware with our Pinto that it's a great source for technical info.
The MII site is nowhere near as crowded as ours, and that makes it pretty easy to navigate.  There are other bits of info there you might find helpful, too.  Check it out.
The list of stuff was daunting!

Offline Reeves1

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #4 on: April 17, 2019, 09:26:30 AM »
I've seen short block hugger type installed backwards, exhaust ran under the cross member.

Offline russosborne

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2019, 03:54:02 AM »
Thanks. Seeing the MII site brings back memories. I was really active in the MII world for a while about 10/12 years ago.

I'm really hoping not having the fender wells will cure some of the issues everyone seems to have. We'll see.

Russ
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline JoeBob

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2019, 09:46:53 PM »

My post is not about this topic. I am sorry to butt in. I am having trouble. I click on "forum" as I usually do and I do not arrive at the index page. I just end up back at opening page. I don't want to hijack this topic. If someone has a suggestion for me, please send me a PM.
Thank you
Bill
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Offline russosborne

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2019, 12:35:43 AM »
Bill, I'm seeing the same thing. Got something to do with Scott putting the message about the , Pintos for sale on the forum main page.
If you go to the top of this ( or any other post), don't click on the big Forum link, but click on the Forum link below that that says Pinto..., Forum...it should get you to the normal main page.
Russ
In Glendale, Arizona

RIP Casey, Mallory, Abby, and Sadie. We miss you.

79 Pinto ESS fully caged fun car. In progress. 8inch 4.10 gears. 351C and a T5 waiting to go in.

Offline wrastu

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Re: V8 swap, why is it that shorty headers won't work?
« Reply #8 on: May 23, 2019, 05:51:54 PM »
Shorty headers on the drivers will probably hit the steering shaft.....
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