shortys or long,and what was your experience as far as power and other details, did you go back to iron or stay that way,marty:idea2:
Around 1993 my big block 436 got zoomie headers and the 308S cam for this project: A couple years later the same combo built around a 462 went into my Wildcat, but unfortunately with cast iron exhaust manifolds and 2.5" dual exhaust. It did fine at part throttle but midrange and top end at wide open throttle suffered. I had a set of full length headers built for it in '97 and the day I drove it away from the shop I immediately noticed the difference - it was like night and day. It was a completely different engine. Best investment to date. The moral of the story is an old one. Aggressive cam timing and increased head flow will benefit from a less restrictive exhaust system. Devon
I had the ta super comp headers in my old 72 riv with ported heads stage one valves an sp1 and a ta310 cam. It sounded great and top end was awesome. The 2.92 gears made it suffer though... Yes I would run them again if I had a big block in the car
i would do the same but my money tree dried up,please let us know how those shortys feel. those are what i would would like and ill keep a lookout under my tree ,martyray:
I've got the TA shortys on my 455, but it'd be near impossible for me to compare before / after, since my before was a 350. That being said, I like the headers in spite of having to retorque header bolts every so often.
I have full length on my 73 now. Motor just got finished still havent had the oppurtunity to drive it yet. Had to modify the trans crossmember. I commited to it for performance I think it will be worth it. I am running ported iron heads. I bought used headers here on the forum and saved some bucks. They were perfect for what I wanted to do.....Mr G makes a crossmember by the way. I just elected to mod mine. Chris
I remember a while back people were saying that the headers were great for top-end but on a street car they weren't worth the money. I guess the stock manifolds flow pretty good and can be ported for those in racing classes that need stock manifolds. With that said I'm running manifolds since I'm not planning on building enough high-end power to make headers worth the expense.
Seems to flow a bit better and certainly looks and sounds great. Haven't been to the strip. Trying to keep the bolts tight is a challenge. No rust issues with the ceramic coating.
I second that on the TA shorties. John Csordas installed a coated set on my 70 Wildcat conv. and had the Q-jet carb re-jeted. Two & half inch exhaust with 40 series flow masters, this 462 Stage 1 Buick has never performed better, throughout all RPM ranges. I've always liked large sleepers that bite! This car in my favourite. Sorry I don't know how to post pictures. Bill White 70 Buick Wildcat conv. other rides 03 Marauder 00 Crown Vic P71 88 Grand Marquis 69 Marauder X-100 (x6) 64 Marauder 59 Lincoln Town Sedan
Bill, Did you have any starter clearance issues with the TA shorty's. When my engine was on the dyno with the shorty's they had to double gasket the header on the R side and then it still did not clear the starter. I bought a used mini starter from the builder and had it rotated with the solenoid pointing down so it would fit. Since these were made for the Riv they might be different from yours.
It is very tight, but John was able to get a small heat shield between the solenoid and wrap the battery wire from the (Ford style) fender solenoid, that we added a while ago. The power steering box has about eight of an inch of clearance, glad motor mounts are fresh. I must add that across the power band the car feels much stronger.
John did a great job on Billy White's 1970 Wildcat, here are some photos I took when Billy stopped by the house while I was playing with my Gophers
maybe a dumb question but who is using gaskets for the ta headers and who is not and what is the recommendation,marty..............havent had headers in 35 years.....o No:
You have to run gaskets on the header flanges. Some guys actually report having good luck using the standard aluminized exhaust manifold gaskets found in typical gasket kits, though I've always used composition header gaskets. Devon
I must report that the Shorty TA Headers were ordered through Gessler Headporting and customer service is number one. Had them in under 3 weeks including sending them to Jet Hot even with Thanksgiving in between. I needed them quickly & Greg made it happen! I must say these shorty headers are a nice piece! Tight fit but does not hit anywhere! Very close to steering box & I did have to move trans cooler lines to another location but that is it. I recommend using 5/16" headed beader screws for easrier installation as you know those middle header bolts are a pain. You must disconnect engine mounts one at a time & tilt motor for installation but no different then full lenghth headers. Would recommend them. If you are on the east coast call Greg Gessler as he will save you on shipping as well. I have a few pictures as well but I have to resize them.
