Buying Guides
Best Headers for a Small Block Ford
FBR Garage · June 22, 2026 · 8 min read

Long tube headers generally make more power, but on a classic Mustang chassis they also make steering shaft and starter clearance a project of its own.
Shorty headers give up some top-end for a much easier install and better ground clearance.
Coating matters. An uncoated header under a classic hood radiates a lot of heat into the engine bay and shortens the life of nearby wiring.
Check the collector size against your exhaust plans before ordering, and buy quality gaskets the first time.
Some links on FBR Performance are affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links.
Keep reading
- Our 1966 Mustang Build
A closer look at the red 1966 Mustang behind FBR Performance, from the street to the engine installation.
- Best Carburetors for a 302 Ford
Sizing, secondaries, and choke type matter more than the CFM number on the box.
- Holley vs Edelbrock: Which Carburetor Should You Buy?
Two very different philosophies for the same job on a street V8.
