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+--- Thread: 428 CJ headers (/showthread.php?tid=8192)
428 CJ headers - Tom W - 10-22-2021
Hello all.
Anyone have any experience installing long headers on a 69 Mach 428 CJ with a 4 speed toploader? Any tips, tricks or hacks that I should know or should I just find a shop willing to do it? I've got about 4 - 5 weeks before she goes in to get repainted back to the original Royal Maroon she was born with and am thinking about doing the headers. Any thoughts on the type of header (steel, SS, ceramic, etc.)?
Thanks.
RE: 428 CJ headers - JTS71 Mach1 - 10-23-2021
I've heard tell that headers on the 69-70 Mustangs are a pain in the arse, and with a 428, I can only imagine they will be worse. As there is the steering/ power steering system to get around, as well as the clutch Z rod, and shifter linkage. So a daunting task at best. I believe there are a couple others with a big block on here, but I believe most are small blocks. we'll find out in due time as I'm sure you'll get some more responses. Good Luck
JTS
RE: 428 CJ headers - Tom W - 10-23-2021
(10-23-2021, 11:31 AM)JTS71 Mach1 Wrote: I've heard tell that headers on the 69-70 Mustangs are a pain in the arse, and with a 428, I can only imagine they will be worse. As there is the steering/ power steering system to get around, as well as the clutch Z rod, and shifter linkage. So a daunting task at best. I believe there are a couple others with a big block on here, but I believe most are small blocks. we'll find out in due time as I'm sure you'll get some more responses. Good LuckYeah, I know it’ll be a big problem. All the header companies make long headers for it though, so it must be possible. I’m leaning to taking it in but I prefer to do it myself. Kind of a feeling of accomplishment. Just hoping someone has some good tips. Long headers will get me below the Z bar but the power steering is a problem from what I can tell.
JTS
RE: 428 CJ headers - JTS71 Mach1 - 10-24-2021
My best thought is probably Hooker. I put a set on my 71 Mach1 with a 500HP 351 Cleveland. I was amazed how well they fit. They cleared everything with at least 1/2" to 3/4" of an inch easily. That being said, "71" was they year they went to the integral / one piece power steering box, thus no slave cylinder underneath. I know the cost is ridiculous, but in the end they are probably the best quality header on the market, and have definitely been around longer then just about all the others. So with it being a 69-70 Mach1 with a 428, I think that would be my choice. Just my thoughts.
JTS
PS My headers were actually made by Casler. In 1980 they were $89.99 on sale. The salesman told me they were a division of Hooker, I told the man Yeah Right, Hooker doesn't make street headers. They were cheap so I bought them. Got them home, pulled everything out of the box, and Lo and behold. They were made Proudly made by Casler, a division of Hooker Headers. I couldn't believe what I was reading as everyone knew Hooker! Didn't Make Street Headers!!! But Casler Did! LOL!
