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Topic: headers and column shift (Read 1086 times) previous topic - next topic

headers and column shift

I am sure this has been covered before many times but here goes...In my 87 bird I have a column shifter and I would like to get everyones advise on the best header to use for my application, I am looking for something that will fit nice without a lot of  around with linkages etc. if anyone can pass on some advise and a brand type w/part # that would be appreciated. Thanks again everyone.

headers and column shift

Reply #1 –
I used 5.0L Mustang/Mark VII headers and they fit great around the the stock column shift linkage.  The collector position is the most critical thing to look for when chosing headers to fit the colunm shift linkage. Also these headers fit around the stock motor mounts
1988 Thunderbird
306 HO w/ A9P processor
AOD w/ Transgo Reprogrammer
Full Digital Dash w/ twin Cyberdyne A-pillar gauges 
245/50/16 Tires on Snowflakes
Engine swap - CA smog compliant

headers and column shift

Reply #2 –
Also,the factory headers are good enough for a mildly modified engine.I have 1 5/8 BBK shorties,but to be honost,they probably don't do much more than the Mustang headers.They look cool though !!!
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..

headers and column shift

Reply #3 –
I have the stock headers but i am looking more at the aftermarket due to the fact that I will be using Edelbrock heads, the exhaust ports on the heads are much larger than the stock header openings and i am trying not to defeat the purpose if you know what I mean. I thought for sure someone has put aftermarket headers on a column shift car before...Anybody? Thanks.

headers and column shift

Reply #4 –
I used flowtech long tubes with the colum shift linkage. I had to move the pivot forward on the k member but it was no big deal
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1974 maverick lsx powered turbo car SOLD
1973 maverick Tijuana Taxi Tribute
1957 chevy LSX Turbo project (race car)
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headers and column shift

Reply #5 –
I've heard of a couple of people using aftermarket headers and having to adjust the pivot a little as Sleeper stated above.Get a set of quality headers (I recommend BBK,they fit perfect),and then just work it out.It can't be that hard.If you have to move the pivot rod mounting bracket (I THINK it had two bolts in the K-member),drilling a couple of new holes and using a couple of new fasteners isn't any big deal.especially compared to everything else we all do to these cars.See if you can find someone near you with a header that you can borrow to do a dry run.My BBks fit great,but,come to think of it,I had to clearance the header about 1/8 of an inch to clear the steering shaft.No big deal.You can't hardly tell by looking.Even the factory headers are clearanced,but way more than necessary.I did mine carefully to hide it.If you can get a factory header to fit,there shouldn't be a reason an aftermarket wouldn't fit.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..