Early CSX Headers

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by 1795

Dan,

Those look quite similar to mine, with the exception that at the end of the collector I have a flange and the originals have a welded tube that carries further down and then bends out and back. It also looks like there may be extensions for the header bolts, which is nice as there are a couple of tubes that the header bolt heads scrape a little as you are turning them until you get them further seated.
Thanks.
Jim

I have a set of old used road race headers less the slip on down and turn out pipes. I bought them in the 1970s years before I bought a Cobra. I was going to use them with the play engine but that didn't work out as exhaust port sizes are 1963-65 race legal rectangles. By 1966-67 even stock 289 heads were getting ported to larger sizes in race organizations that allowed larger (or different shape) sizes.

My ex-Shelby race team heads have much larger exhaust ports. Using 1963-65 headers with cylinder heads with high flow, later race or aftermarket, would ruin the benefit of free breathing heads.

We ended up using a set of Jim Cowles’ headers like Jeff shows. We had to enlarge a couple of ports and spend days making them fit out red car. I would not go through making them work again.

Any car any engine other than box stock, #1 determine what header ports and tube sizes you will require and #2 onward any other considerations. (It would be a waste to install 1963 specification / made headers on modern aftermarket super flow Brand X heads in my opinion.)

[okkarner]

This is all very good information. I have a set that I came with a scratch chassis ,supposedly copied from CSX2057, that I am trying to determine if they are junk or something significant. I'll post pics later this week once I dig them out of the pile of parts that came with the chassis but they resemble the Tri-Ys that 1985 CSX posted the most.

[1985 CCX]

Originally Posted by okkarner

This is all very good information. I have a set that I came with a scratch chassis ,supposedly copied from CSX2057, that I am trying to determine if they are junk or something significant. I'll post pics later this week once I dig them out of the pile of parts that came with the chassis but they resemble the Tri-Ys that 1985 CSX posted the most.

The version I have are Belanger style, (name from memory?) and they follow inside towards the frame. The left side passes between pedalbox and the frame to be specific. The 4 into one type are available from a few sources, had a set of those in the past.

As always Dan is a great resource for all 289 things.... Thanks Dan

[Dan Case]

You are welcome.

[CompClassics]

Deleted

[LMH]

Ross sent me a couple photos of exactly the headers I was thinking of. Thank you Ross!

[1795]

Ross is a wonderful asset to have around. He was invaluable in my build. A great friend to have.

Jim

[1985 CCX]

Originally Posted by 1795

Ross is a wonderful asset to have around. He was invaluable in my build. A great friend to have.

Jim

Amen and very true!

[A/S65]

Originally Posted by Dan Case

The best pictures that I have of the second standard design header system. CSX2055's engine after rebuild after a long storage. Note that all four iron manifolds have the AC Cars engineering number on them. (The spark plug wires are not originals. They are service replacements. O.E. secondary wires had all straight boots on their spark plug ends. Also note that the small steel adapter that got welded to the right side rear manifold for a hot air supply tube for the automatic choke is missing; most are by now. Depending on the tubular assemblies on hand the upper corners of engine stands sometimes had to be trimmed away for clearance. That was a set by set chassis by chassis issue.)

Is there anyone stateside repopping these manifolds?

[okkarner]

Here are the ones I have. Like I stated previously, I was just trying to determine what they were and if they have any value.

[1795]

How wide are they at the range? 2.5" or 3"?

[PDUB]

I am curious... did any of the race Cobras use 180 degree headers? Would there have been an advantage to that? Is this what they sound like? This thing screams!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xboAVaxpD08

[Godabitibi]

Do someone know if the stock 65 Shelby GT350 tri y headers would fit a 289 Cobra ?

[Dan Case]

Originally Posted by Godabitibi

Do someone know if the stock 65 Shelby GT350 tri y headers would fit a 289 Cobra ?

No. GT350 headers are similar in design to the COBRA "drag race" headers but that is about it.