Opinions on an idea

[falconater]

Question. I thought about making a set of log type headers that you see on hotrods and turbo cars (flange into a cylinder) for my mountaineer, since clearance is a issue. Then again would they flow any better than the stock ones? I'd think anything would. I forgot how to post pics.

 

[CDW6212R]

Do it, it would help a bunch. I have posted about doing it many times, the factory manifolds are horrendous. Any log manifold would be far better, and unless you messed up they will equal or better the TM headers. A stock roller 302 needs a 1 5/8" header, and the TM headers are only 1.5", with 2 1/8" collectors. Anything you make will be great.

The left side is the problem side, and the collector space is very tight. The fuel lines and brake lines run inside the frame, that's what the heat shield is down there for. I suggest routing the #5/6 primaries outside the steering shaft, and the #7 inside/under it. That manifold won't look as nice as typical log manifolds. Just work at merging the primaries smoothly, and into larger pipe as you go. I plan for 1 5/8 primary pipe at the head ports, and a 2.5" collector(V-band flange/clamp) located as needed(I'll move it if it will help).

 

[CDW6212R]

Make something as you need it to be. I only suggested what should fit in the existing stock space. People with body lifts have more room and the steering shaft is moved up a hair. Turbo pipes on the right side would make that side the worst. I considered a turbo, and there is less room for that then decent log manifolds.

Here's a log manifold made for an LS engine in a tight engine bay. I forgot but I think I was told the piping is similar to a 1.75" primary, and it's for 400hp+ engines. This particular part(s) was for a Volvo conversion, which is done and running since last year.

 

[falconater]

I was thinking more like this but with 2 1/2 or 3 inch tubing. There is roughly 4 inches of clearance between head and shaft. Down pipes would be redone as well. It would atleast eliminate the crappy crimped tubing of the factory 'headers'. I deleted my last post...Figured out the pic process.

 

[CDW6212R]

That would be good also. Any log manifold gives up the tuning affect of a true header, but these trucks don't have the space for a real good header. The one available choice takes 6+ hours to install, that's crazy, it's made too tight in there to try to maintain primary lengths.

Go for it, if you get the collector right to fit well, the function and install will be great.