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By matt2491 - 10 Years Ago
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So I just came across these very nice looking stainless steel headers made by Spotlite Kustom Accessories. It looks like they are a new company. They have a couple other y-block parts too.
Has anyone heard of or even used these headers before? What do you think? How do they flow? Below are a few more pics I found from their eBay listing.
http://www.spotlitekustomaccessories.com/store/p8/Ford_Y_Block_Headers.html
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By Canadian Hot Rodder - 10 Years Ago
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They look like a copy of Red's single tube headers, other than they are stainless. I am running Red's dual tube headers, not as good as Jerry Christienson's or Ford Power Train ones, but I would think they would flow better than a single tube? But i could be wrong. 
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By MoonShadow - 10 Years Ago
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Other than the stainless finish these are similar to the early Hedman's. No real gain in engine power just looks. Ted did some extensive testing on exhaust and will hopefully chime in on his header statistics.I believe he tested the Hedman's and Red's headers. None of the car setups seemed much better than the later model cast iron "flat tops". Trucks and T-birds are a different matter. Jerry's and the Ford Power Train's are more full flow design with longer tubes but I don't think either has been dyno tested. So basicly it seems that us car guys have to settle more for looks than performance. Chuck
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By miker - 10 Years Ago
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Here's the old link to the exhaust test. Sometime after this Ted ran my FPA bird headers, but I don't think he added the results. They were pretty good, and IIRC, relatively better with longer pipes and mufflers.
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic51816-1.aspx
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By charliemccraney - 10 Years Ago
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The FPA headers are in the following thread. They are only applicable to a T-Bird
http://forums.y-blocksforever.com/Topic55379-1.aspx
In the time since, REX HP in Canada has produced a good performing '54-'57 car header.
http://rexhp.com/fuelblocks.html
If you want headers to be produced, start emailing and calling these people. Let them know there is demand. That's the only way it will happen.
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By matt2491 - 10 Years Ago
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Oooh, those REX headers are really neat. I wonder if they'd fit past the steering column in my F100. Would be tight if so! Might have to chop off the existing outlet flange and put an immediate bend in there or something... hmm.
Oh, what does 'FPA' stand for?
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By charliemccraney - 10 Years Ago
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Ford Powertrain Applications, http://www.fordpowertrain.com/FPAindex/headers2.htm
The problem with car manifolds isn't so much the steering box as it is the clutch linkage. In general, it just doesn't work.
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By matt2491 - 10 Years Ago
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You're right. It looks like those REX headers would still dump into the clutch linkage. That's mainly why the Spotlite headers piqued my interest since it looks like they don't make as drastic a down turn once past the rear-most exhaust port. Plus, it looks like the drivers' side header sweeps inwards a bit as it reaches the back of the engine, keeping the main tube closer to the block, potentially clearing the truck steering column nicely as well...
Couple more pics I found over on the H.A.M.B. of the Spotlite headers:
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By Kahuna - 10 Years Ago
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I don't think they'll flow much, if any, better than stock manifolds.
But they would be much lighter and prettier, and, take up less space.
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By 57RancheroJim - 10 Years Ago
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Hmmm, square head ports mated to round header tubes, I wonder how you would seal the two?
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By Kahuna - 10 Years Ago
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I emailed the seller. He claims they fit without a problem.
I didn't inquire about a stick trans as I don't have one
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By matt2491 - 10 Years Ago
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Well I bought these headers to try out. I think you're all right; they probably won't flow much better than regular log manifolds. BUT, they do fit the trucks really well. I threw em on my build and took a few pics. I have a couple mods going on regarding the steering column but the tube headers would still clear a totally stock truck FYI 
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By charliemccraney - 10 Years Ago
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Did you try them on a totally stock truck? It looks like the outlet is right next to the steering box and clutch linkage, judjgng by the holes in the frame for mounting the clutch z bar pivot.
I would not declare that until they have actually been installed on a totally stock truck.
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By matt2491 - 10 Years Ago
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They will fit. I had the stock column and clutch linkage hooked up before taking them out...
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By Kahuna - 10 Years Ago
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I ordered a set today. $200.00 + shipping
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By Kahuna - 10 Years Ago
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Like Matt, I got a set and made a trial fit. Seems good to me and I'll post pics once I install them.
Probably saved 10# off the front end.
BUT, re headers, why can't some smart & talented guy take a set of scruby/Ford/whatever CHEAP header and
modify to fit the Ford Y flanges? Maybe like the stock SS headers from a Mustang, etc.
Not talking about equal length here, just something better/lighter than the stock cast iron stuff.
Just some random thoughts
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By Rowen - 10 Years Ago
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Did you look at Jerry christionson. Yestertech? Nice lookin headers! $670
Rowen
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By charliemccraney - 10 Years Ago
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Modifying Ch evy headers for that purpose has been done but is probably best left to the do-it-yourselfer.
The cost to modify the ch evy headers to fit will probably out-way the benefit over a header that is simply designed from the beginning to fit. You figure in the cost to buy the header, the cost for the flanges, the cost for adjustments to get them to fit, the cost to re-coat the headers, and that person having to make a profit on top of all of that, and that becomes an expensive cheap header. - just buy a good set that is already made to fit. Use the links earlier in the thread to pick the best available for your application..
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