Opinions Wanted: 66 Exhaust Setup

Hi All,

This topic seems to be one that is discussed off and on in this group (given what I've found using Google), but I thought I would bring it up yet again for fresh opinions on my situation. I've just upgraded to a T-5 tranny, and with things moving around slightly, the custom exhaust setup that I had installed when I got the car is no longer usable. Since I'm starting over, I would like to replace the stock exhaust manifolds with headers at this point. So, I was thinking of a setup something like the following: Heddman or Hooker or Tri-Y Long Tube Headers (ceramic coated)

2.5" pipes Dr. Gas Crossover Dynomax mufflers

66 Mustang Coupe (this is my daily driver):

- Originally a 6-cylinder, 3-spd manual. Now a 289 with a 5-spd T-5.

- Kept original 3-spd bell-housing with original solid clutch linkage.

- Manual steering

- Manual drum brakes all around. I would like to upgrade to front disc brakes in the future.

Wants:

- Some increased horsepower

- Support for future engine mods (in other words, I want the exhaust setup to help and not hinder horsepower as I do future work on the engine, without having to upgrade the exhaust again)

- Keep the ability to change plugs easily (and keep other similar maintenance as easy as it is today)

Do Not Wants:

- Maintenance & leakage issues with the headers themselves

- Ground Clearance issues

- Clutch linkage clearance issues

What do you think? Does anyone have a similar setup that they've installed and know doesn't have fit issues.....I don't really want to have to mess with bending/moving the clutch linkage around just to fit the headers. Any opinions on which headers? At this point I've ruled out shorty headers since I don't really want to make changing plugs a pain, but if you know of a set that doesn't cause that problem, then I would love to hear about it.

Any and all opinions welcomed!

Thanks, Scott

Reply to
Scott
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I have a '66 coupe with a 289 and a 3 speed manual that I added Edelbrock aluminum heads with roller rocker arms and intake and a Road Demon carb along with Dynomax ceramic coated headers and Flowmaster mufflers. I am about to add a T-5 trans, but there is no clutch linkage interferance with the headers as long as your linkage bushings are still there (mine aren't so I have a rattle until I replace them). I have gotten a dramatic power increase from these additions and the T-5 will only improve things further. I also have 16" Cragar SS wheels with Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires and I get great grip with them. Good luck with your upgrades!

Mike

Reply to
majcrash

Thanks for the info.

You'll love the T-5....I am really enjoy> I have a '66 coupe with a 289 and a 3 speed manual that I added

bushings

them).

wheels

Reply to
Scott

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