rmarks 20 Report post Posted November 10, 2020 I have a clearance issue with my driver's side exhaust manifold (351W 4V engine) hitting the steering box (see pics) causing some vibration at times through my steering wheel. I changed the motor mounts and still have the issue. The steering box was changed awhile back with a rebuilt unit. Any thoughts or suggestions on what to do to about it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969_Mach1 333 Report post Posted November 11, 2020 This one looks simple, that is the wrong exhaust manifold. Here's an image I found. The bottom manifold is the left (drivers) side and the top manifold is the right (passenger) side. I wonder if somebody installed 289 or 302 manifolds on a 351W. If so, both are wrong as the 351W manifolds have a larger flange for a larger exhaust pipe. 2 RPM and lanky reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Boss429Dreamer 18 Report post Posted November 11, 2020 I agree with 1969_Mach1. It's the wrong manifold. I looked at mine (1969 351W 4v) and it has a 1/2" of clearance. Attached pic. 1 dream car reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Conway 264 Report post Posted November 11, 2020 Good call guys. Anther case of mix and match parts ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Midlife 814 Report post Posted November 12, 2020 You can always consider switching engines to an inliner 6 cylinder... 1 stangs-R-me reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmarks 20 Report post Posted November 12, 2020 45 minutes ago, Midlife said: You can always consider switching engines to an inliner 6 cylinder... I don't think so ;). Thanks for the replies. I guess I need to search for some new manifolds, or headers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danno 128 Report post Posted November 12, 2020 or... perhaps.... switch to rack and pinion steering? Get rid of the box? I am "just sayin" as it goes. The correct manifold is always a good idea, but this could also be fixed by getting rid of the box and switching to R&p, in case you want another idea? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969_Mach1 333 Report post Posted November 12, 2020 The correct manifold shouldn't be difficult to find. I've seen them on EBay. There's also Perogie Enterprises. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1 Driver 560 Report post Posted November 12, 2020 14 hours ago, Midlife said: You can always consider switching engines to an inliner 6 cylinder... Mid, you are always sooooooo helpful ;) How about headers? 1 RPM reacted to this Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmarks 20 Report post Posted November 13, 2020 13 hours ago, Mach1 Driver said: How about headers? Recommendations for headers? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1 Driver 560 Report post Posted November 13, 2020 6 hours ago, rmarks said: Recommendations for headers? http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/headers2.htm Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969_Mach1 333 Report post Posted November 13, 2020 If your car has factory power steering long tube headers are a challenge to fit. A drop bracket is needed for the power steering hydraulic cylinder. The low cost drop brackets add significant leverage on the frame rail and over time pulls out or strips the nut inserts in the frame. There is an expensive drop bracket sold by West Coast Classic Cougars that helps prevent that from happening. The JBA short headers fit without any issues. The FPA long tube headers are very nice, but also very expensive. Many use Hedman Elite series headers. I couldn't tell you how well they fit. One drawback with headers is they add significant heat to the engine compartment. They also increase the interior noise from exhaust, but, most of us don't care about that. If your motor is stock and you plan to keep it that way I think I would consider stock exhaust manifolds and a good dual exhaust with an X or H pipe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmarks 20 Report post Posted November 14, 2020 Thanks for the info 1969_Mach 1. I do have power steering. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dream car 12 Report post Posted November 15, 2020 If you interested. found an old set of exhaust manifold in the corner of garage, came off of 69 GT-350. Removed back around mid 70's replaced with header. Will let go for $200 for the pair plus exact shipping cost. PM me if interested. P.S. you might have to re-do the pipe, because this might not fit your existing setup. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EastYorkStang 63 Report post Posted November 16, 2020 Curious why the drivers side looks free flowing but not the passenger side ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmarks 20 Report post Posted November 16, 2020 7 hours ago, dream car said: If you interested. found an old set of exhaust manifold in the corner of garage, came off of 69 GT-350. Removed back around mid 70's replaced with header. Will let go for $200 for the pair plus exact shipping cost. PM me if interested. P.S. you might have to re-do the pipe, because this might not fit your existing setup. Dream car, I can't make out the part number on the driver's manifold, but the passenger side is D30E, which is for a 1973. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mach1 Driver 560 Report post Posted November 16, 2020 10 hours ago, EastYorkStang said: Curious why the drivers side looks free flowing but not the passenger side ? Ditto, something like the starter must be in the way? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dream car 12 Report post Posted November 16, 2020 Driver side C90E-9431-B passenger side D30E-9430-DA Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
