Posted by Ken (32.102.155.25) on March 28, 2001 at 03:33:04:
In Reply to: headers for 71 comet / leaf springs posted by Mark F on March 27, 2001 at 23:42:55:
Mark, the first thing you need to do is convert to floor shift because there is no room for the header to pass through and down on the driver side do to the column shift linkage.
The power steering uses a hydraulic cylinder for power assist that also interferes with the header routing coming down through the left side. So the frame mounted end must be lowered about 2" to clear
using a lowering bracket. Use grade 8 replacement bolts to mount this braket.
Next you need to decide what mufflers to use, and try to keep the case dimensions small.
The the left side tail pipe will have to be custom bent to fit. I would consider a new heavier front antiroll bar also from JC.
As for springs, JC is as good a price as you will get. I suggest you order 4 leaf units to improve handling. A note here that the front eyes on the springs may be supplied with bushings that have larger
holes so a metal sleeve needs to be used over the (new)bolts. Also use new rear shakles. These springs will raise the rear about an inch, so you may want to use 1"or so lowering blocks between the springs
and the rear housing where the U bolts mount. The spring and roll bar changes will make the car feel soo much better in handeling.
As for headers the HEDMON brand fit with no other problems and the listing for Mav/Mustang/Fairlane etc are all the same part #.
To get them on, the car needs to be rasied near 24" to move the headers up from the bottom and in some instances the engine needs to be rasied several inches.
Welcome to work! Plan and execute safely,one job at a time.
Best to you.
Ken