Topher26041 0 Report post Posted January 26, 2020 I have a 69 standard convertible, automatic with stock 351 Windsor. The exhaust is stock and would like to add a little horsepower and improve the sound of the exhaust...give it a nice rumble but still be able to hear the radio. Any recommendations on headers and exhaust? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 771 Report post Posted January 26, 2020 I have a 1970 convertible with a 351W (393 stroker). I have an C-6 automatic. I chose Heddman Shorty Headers, which are powdercoated. This was to avoid interference under the car. It was a tight squeeze. I used adjustable motor mounts, which helped clear the steering box on the drivers side. I have custom exhaust that was fabricated by Latoracing (on the fourm). Mike can pipe in with details if you need them. The challenge with convertibles is to get the crossover pipe in, and then get the exhaust pipes routed in the space above the convertible re-inforcing plate under the car. We also decided to run the exhaust out through the rear valence, where Mike did his wizardry with sheet metal and exhaust routing. Came out cool. I used Magnaflow mufflers. I actually have not heard the car run with the Magnaflows, but it will be louder than most people like. I am sure you will get a lot of suggestions on the mufflers, there are so many choices available. The headers are really high quality and fit without any denting/hammering. I also used stage 8 locking bolts. The bolt locations are a bitch to get to, so be patient. 3 1 RPM, Mike65, Mach1 Driver and 1 other reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike65 475 Report post Posted January 27, 2020 I have a 69 Coupe & I have the Hedman #-88408 Elite Ultra Duty HTC coated shorty headers on my 1987 5.0 w/T-5 trans. 1 1 Topher26041 and JayEstes reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikeStang 247 Report post Posted January 27, 2020 I second the use of Shorty headers...Every mustang I have had has run long tubes and even the $1000 set that I currently have are a Pain in the ass to install and they hang on everything so Go shorties and be done with it Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 771 Report post Posted January 28, 2020 Mike65, those are very similar to my Heddman's Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MN69Grande 203 Report post Posted January 28, 2020 I second or third the heddman's. I've been running them 7 years. Mine are ceramic coated. They have been pretty good to work with even with an after market rack and pinion. I have run the quiter versions of flow masters (50 series) and now run dynomax VTs. The flow masters had a good mellow tone without a lot of drown. The dynomaxes are more fun because they are quiter when cruising but when u stand on the throttle a valve opens under pressure and they make a lot more noise. Not as much as magna flow but it is fun in a tunnel or by stone walls. 1 Topher26041 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maleah 17 Report post Posted January 28, 2020 I have a 69 convertible, 351w, 4 speed and power steering. I use the ceramic Patriot long tubes headers. #H8401-1. Fairly easy to install, even for a 4speed and steering setup. Made a world of difference that I could feel. If you order from advanced auto and use the 20 or 25% promo code, it will take off about $90 bucks for a total of about $320 for a pair of ceramic long tubes. 1 stangman69 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 771 Report post Posted January 29, 2020 I have Patriot Ceramic Long Tube Tri-Y Headers on my '68, and I am very happy with them as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Caseyrhe 650 Report post Posted January 29, 2020 70 vert, 302 C4, power steering, hooker long tube. Did not have to use the adapter for slave cylinder....had plenty of clearance Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
latoracing 256 Report post Posted January 29, 2020 Just build your own. Put the tubes where you want them... 2 3Katz and RPM reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1 Driver 560 Report post Posted January 30, 2020 Those of you with a 351w in a 69 using Hedman shorties- all I see on their website are mid length or long tubes. They have five part numbers for mid length: 83658, 88650, 88653, 88656, and 88658. Can I assume you are using one of these? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 On 1/29/2020 at 2:41 AM, latoracing said: Just build your own. Put the tubes where you want them... I couldn't agree more Mike. Tuck the collector up high and tight and enjoy driving again. If I can do it, anyone can. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1 Driver 560 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 2 hours ago, RPM said: I couldn't agree more Mike. Tuck the collector up high and tight and enjoy driving again. If I can do it, anyone can. Very nice. Is that a ceramic coating? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 Thanks Terry, if latoracing hadn't talked me into getting another tig I probably wouldn't still have one. They are zinc coated, which is a story all its own. Short story, there are two ways to zinc coat parts, and I got the one that doesn't withstand much heat. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1 Driver 560 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 32 minutes ago, RPM said: Thanks Terry, if latoracing hadn't talked me into getting another tig I probably wouldn't still have one. They are zinc coated, which is a story all its own. Short story, there are two ways to zinc coat parts, and I got the one that doesn't withstand much heat. 1 RPM reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThePoose 37 Report post Posted January 31, 2020 Partial hijack: What's the reason for the #7 tube on all the 351W shorty headers going up and over #8? To equalize length? Neither the shorties on my 5.0 or the long tubes on my other 351W do that. Getting ready to buy headers for my build, and honestly, I hate the way that looks. Not the best reason to make a decision, but there it is. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RPM 1,190 Report post Posted February 1, 2020 They don't just loop the #7 tube on shorty headers, my long tubes were made that way as well. I believe it's to make room for the Z bar. That #7 tube is the reason I cut mine up as it was too close to the brake booster for my liking. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 771 Report post Posted February 3, 2020 Mach 1 Driver...to answer your question. The Hedman 88650, 88656, and 88658 are the Shortie Headers for the 351W for 65-73 Mustangs. The 88650 are painted, the 88656 are silver powder coat, and the 88658 (the ones I have) are the "Elite" series, with 14 gauge tubing, thicker flanges, and HTC Ceramic Coating. 1 Mach1 Driver reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Topher26041 0 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 On 1/28/2020 at 12:55 PM, maleah said: I have a 69 convertible, 351w, 4 speed and power steering. I use the ceramic Patriot long tubes headers. #H8401-1. Fairly easy to install, even for a 4speed and steering setup. Made a world of difference that I could feel. If you order from advanced auto and use the 20 or 25% promo code, it will take off about $90 bucks for a total of about $320 for a pair of ceramic long tubes. What is the 20% promo code if I might ask? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maleah 17 Report post Posted February 4, 2020 Just go on Advanced web site and look at the top of the page. Today its 25% off. Or you can google Advanced auto promo codes. Once you checkout there is a box that asks for the "promo" code and it adjusts the price accordingly. I use it all the time for different items. 1 Topher26041 reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Topher26041 0 Report post Posted February 5, 2020 On 1/26/2020 at 5:35 PM, Vicfreg said: I have a 1970 convertible with a 351W (393 stroker). I have an C-6 automatic. I chose Heddman Shorty Headers, which are powdercoated. This was to avoid interference under the car. It was a tight squeeze. I used adjustable motor mounts, which helped clear the steering box on the drivers side. I have custom exhaust that was fabricated by Latoracing (on the fourm). Mike can pipe in with details if you need them. The challenge with convertibles is to get the crossover pipe in, and then get the exhaust pipes routed in the space above the convertible re-inforcing plate under the car. We also decided to run the exhaust out through the rear valence, where Mike did his wizardry with sheet metal and exhaust routing. Came out cool. I used Magnaflow mufflers. I actually have not heard the car run with the Magnaflows, but it will be louder than most people like. I am sure you will get a lot of suggestions on the mufflers, there are so many choices available. The headers are really high quality and fit without any denting/hammering. I also used stage 8 locking bolts. The bolt locations are a bitch to get to, so be patient. Just curious why you opted for a shorty header as opposed to a full length header? Was it simply to avoid the clearance issues? Do they provide the same level of performance as a long header? How does it sound with the Magnaflow mufflers? Thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Topher26041 0 Report post Posted February 5, 2020 On 1/28/2020 at 12:55 PM, maleah said: I have a 69 convertible, 351w, 4 speed and power steering. I use the ceramic Patriot long tubes headers. #H8401-1. Fairly easy to install, even for a 4speed and steering setup. Made a world of difference that I could feel. If you order from advanced auto and use the 20 or 25% promo code, it will take off about $90 bucks for a total of about $320 for a pair of ceramic long tubes. Mine is a 69 351W as well but has automatic transmission. Any idea if I'd have any clearance issues because of the automatic? Just out of curiosity, what did you use for mufflers? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maleah 17 Report post Posted February 5, 2020 Topher, I would believe it would be easy for you with an automatic as most of the nightmares with headers and 69 mustangs comes with 4 speeds and power steering set ups. I had zero clearance issues with the Patriot headers and the Pypes exhaust setup. I have the Pypes exhaust system for the 69 with the X pipe and the violator mufflers. Had Flowmasters with a ton of drone. Violators are awesome with no drone. The X pipe is a tight fit but doable. If in doubt google 1969 mustang, automatic with headers and see what comes up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Topher26041 0 Report post Posted February 5, 2020 I see a lot of recommendations for the Heddman shorty headers. Any issues with them leaking? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vicfreg 771 Report post Posted February 7, 2020 No. I use Stage 8 Locking Bolts with a good set of gaskets. https://www.stage8.com/ford-performance-locking-fasteners/ford-locking-header-bolt-kits/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
