When the "Tech" says it's tight at the Pitman arm, That is code for it's going to hit the header before full lock, and you will need to ding the header tube and or grind some material off the pitman arm to clear. Tough to beat that price. Go with the FPA for a sure fit. but the are not cheap. You could use a short/mid length header http://www.amazon.com/JBA-1650S-Sta...camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0040Z8XAA&linkCode=xm2&tag=compare99-20

 

You could use a short/mid length header http://www.amazon.com/JBA-1650S-Sta...camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B0040Z8XAA&linkCode=xm2&tag=compare99-20

I doubt if there would be any noticeable increase from the 351W manifolds to the mid-length header.... which begs the question.... "Why change?". (especially if you have stock iron heads).

 

IIRC faster steering would use longer pitman. The wider swing would result in clearance issue wouldn't it?

 

even my Ebay stainless "just" touch the stock pitman .

 

Sorry to be a smart *** but is ebay a brand name? JK, LOL.

 

I am trying to get some more torque out of my basically stock 289. I would like more pull at turn exit when I am at about 2500- 3000 rpm and in 3rd gear. Also, thinking about upgrading to 1 1/4" mid-pipes and Dynomax Super Turbos.

Also, I thought the headers where a great price for the quality of a JBA header. Much better then the cheap ones where it is expected to have to beat and bend to make them fit.

To clarify. JBA said they would fit fine with the stock Pitman arm. I do not want to change the Pitman arm since my mods now are targeting better open track performance.

 

I am trying to get some more torque out of my 289. I would like more pull at turn exit when I am at about 2500- 3000 rpm and in 3rd gear. Also thinking about upgrading to 1 1/4" mid-pipes and Dynomax Super Turbos.

what ratio T-5 do you have ? Mine is the 3.35/0.68 I also have a 3.40 rear we share a very similar build (though yours looks nicer). Anyway I have I have gobs of torque down low, say off idle to 3500+I would like to be able to rev up to6k but I need better valve springs (it's on the to do list):shrug:

 

2nd 66 I have the WC T5 with the 3.35 first gear

bartl that was my other idea. Update the pipes and muffler, have the distributor recurved and head down to the dyno shop for some engine tuning. I have access to great speed shops locally.

 

bartl what are the B302 specs for the distributor?

The Shelby Pitman arm is 1 inch longer then stock so it pushes the center link 1 inch towards the front of the car. If the headers go towards the back wouldn't this create more clearance. If anybody had pictures of their clearance issues that would be helpful. I am not afraid to dimple the headers if needed since I was planning on buying a set of Patriots and working them over to fit. Just looking for the probability of success.

 

I think the headers would definitely help you make some more power. Especially with a nice free flowing dual exhaust system. The ford heads flow poorly on the exhaust side so anything you can do to help it out will pay off. You may even gain some gas mileage.