Do a search, cross reference with my name...when I did mine, there was a good debate. I went about another 1/2" without issue, but I used a little thicker plate than most, and have used a monte carlo bar since, so check out my website and go to September of 2005 for my "diary" of progress. I think I got 3" clearance on both sides, where most guys got 2-1/2".
Does shaving the towers give you more room for header clearance? My Maverick has a 351 Windsor in it with some 1.5 inch headers and that just isnt going to cut it. For what I plan on doing with the car it is going to need bigger headers.
No. Every picture I have ever seen of shaved towers has the exhaust below the upper A-arm, which is the limiting factor in how low you can shave your towers. Crites has a 1.75" primary header for our cars that everyone who got a pair has raved about. However, Crites has suspended it's sales of that header. Apparently it is the only header they make with that size pipe, and due to lack of sales, they are concentrating on BBF headers that are more popular and share primary sizes. You next option is the Hooker swap header for 351w in 65-66 Stang. There is plenty of info here about the mods you need to make to the engine bay to get them to fit. IIRC, my member picture gallery here has the pics I swiped from a thread describing the mods. Check ratio411's gallery and there should be some self explanitory pics. They are not my install. I just got them from a thread here. Edit: Under my avitar, it says "Images: 21". Click the '21' and it will take you to pics of the headers and some engine bay mods. The black tape on the headers is where there is interference. Some folks just take a BFH to the headers in those spots. The person that did this install did it right and modded the car, not the tubes. Also, on this car, the headers sit up higher than I am used to seeing in relation to the shave.
As ratio says, headers will still hit in the typical places, but the extra space allows hands to get into places they would never fit before, for accessing spark plugs, header bolts, etc. But, I recall my dad and I swapping spark plugs when I first brought the car home, and it took LITERALLY over an hour with both of us working on it. I can now swap them all in less than 10 minutes, if that. Thanks for the compliments on my website...
So you are saying that the 65-66 mustang headers will fit just have to make some slight mods with the good ole BFH.
the reason i want to shaved them is if i ever have to change a head gasket it will be alot easier. It took me 3 hrs to takes off the head bolts on the last engine. Spark plugs weren't that bad on mine, just had to use an adapter on the wrench makes it a whole lot easier. But i cant remember which adapter i used.
ive heard alot of good things about tubular automotive headers. my buddy is hooking me up with his used set that were in his car. he never touched the shock towers i think im going to play "Myth Busters" with these stock v8 maverick manifolds i have first tho
