tri-y headers- anybody know...

289kford · October 29, 2007 at 10:45 AM

I am toying with the idea of going to tri-y headers if I replace my exhaust and researching potential problems 1st.

I have seen posts or sales adds that say

1) there are 2", 2 1/2", and 3" collectors. I would prefer 2 1/2 to go into a 2 1/4 exhaust.

2) some hit the pitman arm on turns.

3) the z-bar hits. Only works with hipo z-bar?

4) they hit shock tower on right side.

Were the original 2" collectors?

Who has them installed?

Who makes or sells the ones that actually fit?

Any other hints and opinions welcome..

dunc289_old · October 29, 2007 at 1:18 PM

if you're a real mashocist, you will buy the " oversize" stainless tri-y's from Stainless Works in Cleveland, Ohio. They originally claimed they fit, but have since modified their statement. It has taken countless, I lost count after a dozen, takeoffs, massage, refit, etc.,etc. and they don't resemble what came in the box. they don't fit the flange well and have to be beat upon at the flange to get a wrench on the bolts, even small 12 pointers. other clearances are a joke, but I'm not laughing. They will work OK now, but not near worth the work. Others out there do a proper job on oversizing the tubes, but not Stainless Works. I had seen their ad in MUstang Monthly under new products, but I have rarely been more disappointed.

Let us all know whar t you find that works easily.

289kford · October 29, 2007 at 1:30 PM

It is the likes of your misfortune that I am trying to learn from. The only size primary tube I have seen is 1 5/8. What size did you get?

BIGERMIKE_old · October 29, 2007 at 5:42 PM

Call Jim at Shelby Parts & Restoration 920-434-3645.

http://www.shelbyparts.com

s2ms · October 29, 2007 at 6:14 PM

Original collectors are 2.5 inch. Is there really a brand out there that is so bad they hit the shock tower on right side?

As Mike mentions Jim Cowles has exact reproductions in both standard and big tube sizes but they are very expensive.

dunc289_old · October 29, 2007 at 6:47 PM

Well,how about over $1000.00, AND THEN ALL THE WORK? Totally dissatisfied with Stainless Works. Their bread and butter is Chev..... need I say more?

66KGT_old · October 29, 2007 at 7:05 PM

Quote from BIGERMIKE

Call Jim at Shelby Parts & Restoration 920-434-3645.
http://www.shelbyparts.com

I don't have tri-y's on my kar (wish I did) but I gotta ditto BiggerMike. If you want parts that fit I would contact Jim.

dunc289_old · November 23, 2007 at 10:24 PM

as far as what size the primaries are[ were ?!] I will check out and post.

dunc289_old · November 23, 2007 at 10:27 PM

Mad4hipos, the collectors are down along the transmission, but the primaries/secondaries on mine hit the shock towers, oh yeah!! again and again!!

s2ms · November 24, 2007 at 11:32 AM

Duncan, what brand are yours and where did you get them? Dave

65Rangoon_old · November 24, 2007 at 1:30 PM

I tried to put a set (brand??) on a friends '65 Hipo years ago. Problem was, one of the primary tubes wouldn't clear the pax side shock tower. He bought a set of Hedman Hedders and they fit like a glove because the Hedman product had an extra bend in that primary tube to provide the required clearence. I've been told Hedman was the original supplier to Shelby.

[Blocked Image: http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p4f8ee1bd214d6f407a7e7df72a842ee9/f5253efc.jpg]

s2ms · November 24, 2007 at 2:14 PM

Quote from 65Rangoon

I've been told Hedman was the original supplier to Shelby.

I'd have to check the registry to be sure but off the top of my head I believe it was Hedman and Cyclone.

dunc289_old · November 24, 2007 at 2:24 PM

Dave, mine came from Stainless Works, in Cleveland, Ohio. I had seen a write-up in Mustang Monthly.

noelfisher_old · November 29, 2007 at 8:28 PM

I bought a set of tri-y headers from Tony Branda maybe five years ago. I test fitted them and then had them powder-coated. They come fairly close to the Z-bar but closer to the bell housing and starter motor on the right side. Installation was no problem. I have 2 1/4 side exhaust (by Greg Csernai at Great Lakes Customs.) I'm not sure the collector size, but they look like 2 1/4 or 2 1/2. I did have to work the flange to get it flat.

h2i8p9o_old · December 21, 2007 at 4:15 PM

i had my original hipo cast iron headers "alucoated" they look great, brushed them up with a brass brush and the aluminum has a nice 'glow' to it.. hasnt changed, discolored or been a pain at all in over 6 years! .. fit perfect. .look great.. just thought i would add that.. thanks mike

dBspl_old · January 30, 2008 at 5:20 PM

I just installed some Patriot Tri-Y headers on my '66 K-code fastback. It turned out to be a "real" pain. My mechanic had to modifiy the Z bar to make it fit (+ 150 bucks). Right now, I'm questioning whether it was all worth it. After it gets a little warmer, and I've had a chance to take the car out and enjoy it, maybe I'll change my mind.

Kerry

round2K_old · January 30, 2008 at 5:59 PM

Headers; of or pertaining to a PIA.

289kford · January 31, 2008 at 6:01 AM

I talked to a guy at Scott Drake, they make the tri-y's you see offered with the Shelby part #. He says the ones they make fit, period. they are patterned after the Shelby design. Shelby used them on 4 speed cars, why would a builder claim they are for auto trans only? some say they don't work with the hipo z-bar, again, why not? He told me he heard of some Patriots that fit, some don't, why he has no clue. The only problem you may run into is with a later bell housing that has the bigger 164 tooth flywheel, and is wider to accomodate, but still the collector can be dinged to clear.

After all that, I still don't know if I want them. If my front pipes are still ok, I may just change the mufflers and tail pipes, if they are borderline, maybe just go 2 1/4 all the way and leave the manifolds.

dunc289_old · January 31, 2008 at 7:37 AM

Stan Johnson makes tri-y's, I think in both standard and large tube, and they are ceramic coated, and I understand they fit very well. He is in PUyallup, washington, very near me, and I will try to get his address, etc. He sells a ton of headers to others who market them as their own!! I think they are quite reasonable.

66gtk · January 31, 2008 at 8:28 AM

Quote from dunc289

Stan Johnson makes tri-y's, I think in both standard and large tube, and they are ceramic coated, and I understand they fit very well. He is in PUyallup, washington, very near me, and I will try to get his address, etc. He sells a ton of headers to others who market them as their own!! I think they are quite reasonable.

Interesting!!

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