It’s time to order some shorty headers. I have looked through some of the prior posts on the subject and wanted to see if anyone has any updates. Car: 71 Maverick, 347, AOD. Street use. 2 ½ exhaust pipes. Power steering. Floor Shifter with no original linkage to the column. ’74+ inside lower shock tower supports added. I saw the thread on Doug Thorley headers and looked at their website. Their site and the thread seems to indicate that these headers (2681C) were designed solely for the Maverick. When I look at Summit’s site, they list multiple applications for these headers. Cost: $460.00. Primary tube is 1 5/8” and the collector is 3”. 14 gauge. The other option I see is the Hedman 88408. Primary tube is 1 1/2” and the collector is 2 1/2”. 14 gauge. Cost $305.00. So, what is the benefit of the $155.00. I see that the Thorleys have a larger pipe diameter but I do not know if I will get any benefit with a 2 ½ exhaust system. Any benefits in fitment between the two? Thanks, Micah
I have had both. Hands down, the Doug Thorley's are better quality. Thicker mounting flanges, and better collector tube pointing down toward the "opening" in order to mount exhaust. The Hedman headers collector point more toward then firewall. Shop around...you can find Doug Thorley's cheaper than that.
My Doug Thorley's are probably the best quality headers I've ever bought, and way better than the Headmans I've had in the past.
Could someone post a pic of the dougs to compare to my hedmans? I would like to see how tightly they hug the block. This is on a 5.0
Doug Thorley Headers Here are some pictures that might help. The driver's side is the critical side because of the steering box, shift linkage, (and clutch linkage). I used no drop bracket for power steering. Eliminated the auto shift bell crank and made a single rod from the original two to go from the column to the C4. Fabbed rod hugged the fire wall.
Cool! Thanks! Looks like I could use them to clear my steering setup. They appear to be about the same angle and exit location. Maybe the doug's are a little further back where they exit.
You're welcome. :Handshake Just to avoid any confusion for someone reading this thread, Doug's Headers aren't the same as Doug Thorley Headers.
I bought the set I have from ebay maybe six weeks ago, $396 shipped(and they are heavier than I'd imagined)...
Those look larger than the 88408 hedmans...maybe it's just the pic since you have a huge engine bay and all.. They are 1 1/2"..too small for a 347 IMO. I have a set sitting here and they are TINY, if you got the cash go with the others.
First, I am sorry if I confused anyone about the Doug's vs. Doug Thorley brands. I should have known better. Second, I am pretty sure mine look large because of the camera angle. Mikes on the primaries shows them to be 1.7" outer diameter, so probably 1.5" inner.
Best prices I have seen are: eBay - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Doug-Thorley-THY-268-1-C-Silver-Ceramic-Coated-Exhaust-Headers-/300835380858 Amazon - [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Doug-Thorley-Headers-THY-268-1-C-Exhaust/dp/B009OZA4CG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384299583&sr=8-1&keywords=THY-268-c"]http://www.amazon.com/Doug-Thorley-Headers-THY-268-1-C-Exhaust/dp/B009OZA4CG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384299583&sr=8-1&keywords=THY-268-c[/ame]
Well, it looks like the consensus is that the $100 is worth it for the Thorley's. At this point, what's another $100? Its draining me anyway. Mind as well do it right. Anyone else have any info on places that might be cheaper? Micah
Man I need a set too. I am leaning to the hedmans....looks like they fit just a little better? I have looked....and looked...and read and searched and it seems its either the hedmans or the thorleys. From what I can tell by the pics...the hedmans LOOK like they fit...the thorleys look like they hit the steering box/pitman arm? But man they look so much better quality etc. Am I going to need to put spacers in between the motor mounts? Seems like I seen like 3/8 to 1/2 inch seems to help with the clearance. I have seen some Sanderson headers that look like they might fit....it all seems to be about the towers and the steering (well column shift too but I am going floor shift). Heck I have even compared pics to cheap ebay headers and some of those look like the hedmans?
Here are views from each end of the pipe which show how much I had to dimple the pipe to clear the pitman arm. I dont think it is a huge restriction but it would have been nice if Thorley got the outlet correct. Otherwise, I like the headers. Micah
Hi Scooper, I have a 72 Comet with a 91 roller 5.0 and Hooker long headers 6901's. They fit horrible, up against steering box, shock towers and pitman arm hits tube. Will the Thorley shorts clear the shock towers, steering box and arm? Larry
