Exhaust System

Exhaust systems remain an area with the most performance potential. Ford big-blocks are no exception to this time-proven rule. If  restoring to stock, then your answer is clear. You will need stock exhaust manifolds and a stock exhaust system. Sometimes your goal falls somewhere between stock and modified, in an area called “restomod,” which keeps the stock exterior appearance while warming things up inside. When your goal includes enhancing performance, there are original equipment and aftermarket choices. We’re going to help you make the right decision. “FE” engines were packaged with a wide variety of exhaust manifolds, depending upon application. Only the 406 and 427 High Performance exhaust manifolds flowed well, thanks to their cast iron header design. The thing is, these huge “bananas” don’t always fit every application. They fit a Galaxie or Maurauder well, which is what they were designed for. But they won’t always fit a Mustang or Cougar due to space limitations. This is an issue you will have to figure out for yourself.

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The 428 Cobra Jet engines weren’t blessed with the 427’s abundant exhaust headers from the factory. Cobra Jet manifolds didn’t differ much from the 390 High Performance manifolds since they were installed in similar vehicles—Mustang, Cougar, Fairlane, Torino and Cyclone—with limited space. This means extra care is necessary when shopping for manifolds. Pay close attention to casting numbers and the part numbers the Ford Master Parts Catalog requires.

The 406/427 High Performance cast iron exhaust header is a terrific manifold for stock installations. It offers improved breathing over conventional "FE" exhaust manifolds without excessive header heat. It also offers a clean-looking installation.

A good rule of thumb is to remember the cylinder head exhaust port bolt pattern when searching for manifolds. Most “FE” engine cylinder heads employ an eight-bolt exhaust manifold mating pattern, which is common with full-size Fords and Mercurys. Here, exhaust manifold bolts run 12:00 and 6:00 positions at each exhaust port. A diagonal bolt pattern (14- bolt on the head itself, not the manifold) was common to Mustang, Cougar, Fairlane, Comet/Cyclone and Torino “FE” heads. If you find the diagonal exhaust manifold bolt pattern, you’ve found a 390 High Performance or 428 Cobra Jet piece designed for an intermediate or compact. Although the 390 High Performance and 428 Cobra Jet exhaust manifolds may yield a similar appearance, they are not the same casting.

The 428 Cobra Jet exhaust manifolds didn't vary much during their 1968-70 production life. These are C8OE-9430-A (right-hand) and C8OE-9431-A (left-hand).

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