What type or brand of shorty headers will fit my 73 Maverick 302 w/ automatic on the collumn and power steering I've found some that will fit if I had a floor shift automatic, BUT I don't have that. Thanks
I think all the shortys that advertise for a Maverick out there will work. I know the Doug Thorley and the Hedman Shorties will work with the configuration you have. I am unaware of any others that will. Do a search.....tons of threads on the topic.
The Hedman shorties did not work so well for me. I have a 73,302,column shift and power steering. The pitman arm is the problem area. I had my exhaust shop install them along with a complete dual exhaust while I was on vacation. I explained to them the possible clearance problem with the pitman arm. When I picked the car up, I asked about the clearance and was told no problem. I was pretty happy with the looks and the sound of the Thrush turbos but I knew there was a problem when I tried to turn around in my normal spot (left hand turn). I have lost a noticeable part of my left steering because the pitman arm is hitting the exhaust pipe.
I have the Hedman's, but I used optional 2 in. extensions. I installed my own headers and saw the 2 1/4" might hit the pitman. I do not seem to have an issue w/ left turning. I also have power steering.
He did use a short piece of 2" pipe into 2 1/4" but the arm hit right at the weld. I had to dimple it to get the full movement back on the pitman arm. I am wondering if the Chinese made shorties sold on Ebay would work better. The driver's side outlet appears to exit downward a little more than the Hedman.
Yeah, I should have been more specific. The ones I am referring to are the Chinese made no-name T304 stainless ones. Several speed shops on Ebay list them as fitting a Maverick. Some of them appear similar to the Hedmans but the drivers side exits downward more than the Hedman. I know many people like the Doug Thorleys but they are a little pricey for me.
I would not feel comfortable w/ a set of those Chinese made units. Using comments on the Hedmans and Thorley's was what my decision was based on. I want something confirmed for my money and time spent. What if the off-shore units don't fit w/o issues? Who do you take return issues too? What is the quality of material and fitment? Sometime, cheaper is not always better -- Just cheaper. The Hedmans went on w/o issues, didn't have to raise the engine, they just slide right in. Ease of install, worth a few more bucks to me. JMO
What model of hedmans did you put on that did not cause you trouble or pitman arm problems? I have a new exhaust on my 74 302 P/S column shift and I'm getting ready to do head gaskets and want to do shorty headers! Let me know please.
I have a set of the stainless ones sold on eBay. Was perhaps going to use them on my 57 F100 project, but I might just try them on my 71 comet. I can say they are very heavy and the welds look pretty nice. I’ll post some pics of them when I get a chance tomorrow.
I bought shorty Hedman 88408 -- I don't believe you will get a shorty set that will not interfer w/ pitman arm. Long tubes, drop bracket required -- pro's and con's either way. You may be better off w/ stock header if your not willing to make any changes.
Do I need to mod the header before it goes on to clear the arm? there is a local exhaust shop that has classics come in from everywhere. is the turn ratio that noticeable?
