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FE Power Forums => FE Technical Forum => Topic started by: GTwayne on August 19, 2018, 12:06:37 PM

Title: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: GTwayne on August 19, 2018, 12:06:37 PM
I have perhaps painted myself into the corner...
I purchased a "Estate sale" Fairlane with no motor or transmission, planning to go with a small block based 427.
But emotions got the better of me and a neighbor sold me a FE 427 with no heads. That said I just read that not all heads will fit in the
'66 engine bay. The internet is full of truths for sure but will a set of E'brock heads fit without cutting the towers? Thanks for any REASONABLE
response and if it can't be reasonable make it funny cause hate don't leave the gate.
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: wowens on August 19, 2018, 01:13:00 PM
I'm not sure about Ebocks, but every 66 I put headers on needed surgery, BUT if you get frustrated, I'm looking for 66 manual car.
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: GTwayne on August 19, 2018, 02:02:11 PM
I will keep that in mind, but at this point the Idea is to finish it.
Thanks for the update though.
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: Joe-JDC on August 19, 2018, 03:40:20 PM
1966 Fairlanes came with a FE as an option, so they will fit.  Most headers for that chassis have the 8 bolt or GT patterns.  The GT pattern is slightly different from the CJ, but you can order the headers to match whatever head you choose, and that is what I would consider.  The Edelbrocks seem to work fine with just the 8 bolts on the exhaust, so not an issue in my opinion.  Joe-JDC 
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: cattleFEeder on August 19, 2018, 07:34:02 PM
Oh they fit tight, but  just do tranny headers as a unit and you will be fine.
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: cattleFEeder on August 19, 2018, 07:37:10 PM
These are FPA headers they fit, do not try dougsheaders they don't.
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: wowens on August 19, 2018, 08:46:18 PM
The FPA  headers look easy
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: GTwayne on August 20, 2018, 04:08:07 PM
OK, now I need a cigarette.....
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: 6667fan on August 22, 2018, 10:16:09 AM
Those FPAs look nice n easy with an auto. But where they wrap tight to the block below number 8 is right where the cross shaft mounting block goes for a stick car. JB
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: fairlaniac on August 30, 2018, 04:57:56 PM
Those FPAs look nice n easy with an auto. But where they wrap tight to the block below number 8 is right where the cross shaft mounting block goes for a stick car. JB

I had FPA's in my '66 when it had it's original C6. I then switched to toploader 4 speed with oem parts. The swing of the lower part of the z-bar did hit the headers. I took the pin out and moved it back 3/8" and shortened the z-bar. Never noticed a difference in operation. The worst issue I had was the power steering. It melted the boots, even when I added a drop bracket and then a 5/8" thick spacer. I realized then the headers were more important to me. I went to manual steering. Over 10 years of driving it this way.
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: gdaddy01 on August 30, 2018, 05:35:23 PM
and got rid of the leaking fittings , lol
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: Falcon67 on September 04, 2018, 08:24:49 AM
Apparently the FE header makers work hard on the tuck around the towers and bell.  I could never drop in a 351C with Super Comps on it - no way the tubes clear everything.  Especially on a Mustang, it's a bitch to get the headers in.  Falcon not so much even with the motor in place. 
Title: Re: 1966 Fairlane GT Shock tower clearance.
Post by: fryedaddy on September 04, 2018, 05:27:55 PM
i have used hooker super comps on a few 390-428 66 fairlanes and 66 comets with minimal issues,but dont get me wrong,they take a little time and tinkering with to get them on ,but they do go on.the pass side 2 piece goes on easy,but you have to use tall tires on the front and a good set of springs to get good ground clearance.thats also why i put the battery in the trunk and use alu heads intake and water pump too,for the extra ground clearance