63 Thunderbird Headers

[omc4u]

Hi guys, I know this topic has come up n the past, but when doing my search I found so much it was hard to sort for the newest info.

Can anyone tell me the following:

1. Are the FPA and Sanderson headers the only ones out there?
2. I tried the Sanderson and they hit the power steering box, no one not even Carlos can tell me why.
3. Are any modifications needed with the FPA headers?

Any input on if any thing is needed and what you had to do would be greatly appreciated.

[bbogue]

I put the FPAs on my 61 several years ago. I added spacers under the motor mounts as others have done for clearance. 1/4” on the driver’s side, 3/8” on the passenger side. I had an interference between the collector and transmission dipstick tube. We heated and bent the dipstick tube to eliminate the interference. I also used a RobbMc mini starter. Good luck.

Bill

[omc4u]

Thanks Bill, is the mini starter a must or did you just want to change? The reason I ask is that Sanderson said a mini starter is required with certain starters, but I lucked out and did not need one, are the mini's required for the FPA's? They are closed till Thursday.

[bbogue]

I don’t recall if it was required but the mini starter sure went in easier than I think the OE starter would. There’s also the heat to consider. Just my opinion.

Bill

[comrade]

I went with the smaller starter as well, cannot remember the reason why other than I had the engine out and I was unsure of the age of the unit which was on there but there may have been a secondary benefit with the headers?

Close clearances or none at all in some places. I am right up against the steering box and at the motor mount, up against the engine bay,(hard to explain) to protect from heat I folded up some pipe wrap and placed it betwixt the body/frame on the RH side. LH side was not an issue but the collector exits straight back to the firewall so there is a hell of a bend to drop down to the rest of the system. I put new Mounts in as well but I did not have any interference other than the aforementioned need to use the pipe wrap.

[Alan H. Tast]

Mr. Moderator, please move this to the 1961-1963 Modified Thunderirds forum.

[omc4u]

Sorry, I forget about the modified section.

[RAVEN]

Alan, you beat me to the punch, this is a MOD item.
We all want to help, please do not think we are against you; by being in the MOD section you will get better feed-back.