71 Mach 351C Header Install tips

Hello
I am new to this site. I have a 71 Mach with a 351C, it currently has what I believe to be Hooker headers, uncoated. I am replacing them with Ceramic coated Headman Headers. Does anyone have any tips for the install? I am planning to do this in my driveway with jack stands. Does anyone know much about the headmans on the 351C. Also the car has an Edelbrock Highrise and a 750 Weber, vacum secondary carb on it. When Idling it loads up with fuel and runs like crap till I blow it out. I also have an original 4300 carb that is new in the box. Would the 4300 fit and or be a better choice on the highrise? Thanks.

FWIW, you couldn't pay me to replace a set of Hookers with Hedmans. My Hooker Comps fit perfectly and I did not have to do any "massaging" to get them in. You also are going to run into two problems, if you have a stick, the Hedmans won't clear the clutch linkage. Also, the exhaust system will need to be modified as the header collectors are in a different location and angle. If it were me, I'd replace the Hookers with another set of Hookers, or get yours coated.

That being said, the car needs to be up fairly high, normally a 6 ton jackstand maxed out is plenty. The driver's header needs to come out the bottom. The passenger side can come out the top.

Thanks for the heads up. My current headers are resting on the powersteering pump, can I expect this with the Headmans? Also, I do have a factory 4 spd with the Hurst Shifter, are you saying that the linkage will be a problem with the Headmans? Thanks.

Well, I talked to Jegs and they ordered the wrong set of headers. They ordered the ones for a 2V and automatic. Thanks to this site, I thought I better check to see if there would be a problem with the Headman's and the clutch cable, when I caught the problem. Needless to say that I cancelled the order. Now I have heard alot of good things about "Doug's Headers", so I ordered those for 560 instead of the Hookers for 980.00. Can anyone shed any light on the Doug's Headers and the install? I know the question is a little late, but.........

Just got my new "Dougs Ceramic" headers today! I hope to install them over the weekend. I will attach pics and hopefully sound after I get them installed. BTW, they will be mounted to a "Pypes" system with "X" pipe and "Street Pro" mufflers.

With the other "stuff" out of the way, the header install shouldn't be that big a deal. My 351C 4V headers are an easier install in the Falcon than putting headers on a 302.

well i got a 73 mach1 with 2v heads with hooker comps and i had to dent in one header to clear powersteering plus cut some motor mount which is still rubing. my wasnt the easiest fit and a 4v would be worse

Well, I am starting my install today, I am tackling the driverside first. I expect there to be problems with the power steering box, but I will know in a few hours. I will keep you posted.

Go for it. About the only other advice I'd have is to use a cut off 3/8 bolt or two as a hanger to start the headers, and lay in a supply of 7/16 wrenches so you can hammer and bend them as needed. Look in a guy's tool box - if he has 5 or 6 7/16" wrenches bent in oddball shapes and angles, he's put headers on a Ford.

I have a '73 with a 351C 4V and five speed using factory linkage. I installed the Hooker super comps about 3 years ago and had no problems at all. The passenger side went in without a hitch, real easy. I had to remove the power steering box to get the drivers side in only because I could only raise the car up about 2' in the air. Hooker says if you can get the car at least 3' in the air you don't need to remove anything and I think that's right. I never had to dent or clearance anything. I have no clearance of fitment issues. The clutch linkage does thread through the header tubes but it doesn't rub on anything.