No hassle headers for 66 dart w/360?

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SamTech15

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Alright I have picked all the threads I can find to death about 1966 darts and header fitment. Finding myself almost where I started since they are all old SO, what is the latest and greatest info on headers for 66 darts that have 360 or similar small blocks and manual steering, any full lengths out there that will more or less "drop in"?
 
I'm sorry to say, but any header for 64-66 A-bodies are really of the "high hassle" variety. The small engine bay just doesn't lend itself to headers.

Plus, it's the gift that keeps on taking. Soon you'll realize that if you have a manual gearbox there's no room for the z-bar. Or clutch fork. Or power steering. Or starter. But since you have manual steering you'll have fewer problems.

I bought Doug's just because I helped a friend with his TTIs and the Doug's were somewhat easier to install. But the installation still sucked. I had to re-engineer a bunch of stuff to make them fit.

Your mileage may vary.
 
Alright I have picked all the threads I can find to death about 1966 darts and header fitment. Finding myself almost where I started since they are all old SO, what is the latest and greatest info on headers for 66 darts that have 360 or similar small blocks and manual steering, any full lengths out there that will more or less "drop in"?
I have a 65 barracuda the only full length are hooked super comp I have a new pair they are finder well Exeter sell for $300.00
 
The dougs have a smaller tube and smaller collector then the tti. But I think the diugs would be easier to install.

Helped s fried put tti in his 66 barracuda and man did that install suck.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, looks like I'll be buying a set of fenderwells for the sake of space in my engine bay. That being said, how does one route an exhaust to fender wells, do they meet up under the sub frame or do you run it under the floorboards essentially?
 
Fender well headers on my 65 valiant. didnt try to run exhaust because it's my drag car. When you figure the exhuast system post pics.
 
Fender well headers on my 65 valiant. didnt try to run exhaust because it's my drag car. When you figure the exhuast system post pics.
I will, I will probably run it myself if it's gonna be such a challenge. Have the skills and would rather buy the tools rather than pay someone to do a "meh" job
 
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Send me a few pics? I thought the hookers didn't fit 66 darts.
My Cuda is a 4 speed car nothing touches the header the only thing was the dust plate on bottom of bellhousing
Thanks for the replies guys, looks like I'll be buying a set of fenderwells for the sake of space in my engine bay. That being said, how does one route an exhaust to fender wells, do they meet up under the sub frame or do you run it under the floorboards essentially?
super comps end just before crossmember
Side pipes would make it easier! ;D
 
Alright so after a little more poking around it seems for the most part Doug's D453 headers drop in on most manual steering, automatic cars from 64-66 can anyone confirm? And damn those hookers look tight and right, how is it making clearance for the fender well exits?
 
I have the full length Doug's ceramic headers on my 360 and I absolutely HATE them. I've had to clearance them EVERYWHERE. In no way, shape, or form are they hassle free. If I had to do it over again I'd 100% run manifolds, and STILL might if I ditch these headers.
 
Look I have hookers super comps on my 1965 barracuda I have power steering I have a 4 speed my starter is in no interface with clutch linkage on the power steering all you have to do is get an elbow to face forward and put something over for heat
 
Thanks for all the info. I was considering on making the move to Doug Headers or TTI but I have pwr steering and a 4 speed and it seems there is no easy drop-ins. Fender well headers are the best way to go except I'm not keen on cutting a Formula S car but at this point I don't see myself ever selling her so fender well headers are in the future!
 
I have seen guys get new upper and lower control arms put overload shocks do away with torsion bars and put normal headers on
 
I have seen guys get new upper and lower control arms put overload shocks do away with torsion bars and put normal headers on
Coil overs and tubular control arms. (Not necessarily a cheap modification)
 
Hey,

Doug's will fit, but be prepared to change some things. My '65 Barracuda has a 360, power steering, power brakes (hydroboost), and a 4-speed OD gearbox. To make it all fit I had to modify the steering column and use a Flaming River steering shaft joint instead of the bulky stock coupler. The stock power steering box was replaced with a Borgeson unit because it's much smaller. I also went with a hydraulic throwout bearing on the gearbox. Along the way I had fiddled with a modified Z-bar, slave-cylinder getup that actuated the clutch fork (Chuck's classic cars), different clutch forks and pivots, all sorts of failed experiments. I even tried the heralded 340 exhaust manifolds. In the end a hydraulic clutch / throwout bearing provides a great deal of simplicity and clearance once it's in place.

So while you might just be thinking exhaust, if you go with headers be prepared to modify many other things. I wish I knew all of this stuff before I installed my headers. But now that it's all in place everything is fine.

You might want to think twice about cutting up your car and re-arranging your suspension just to attach headers. But as you know, it's the curse of a small engine bay.

In retrospect, I wish I would have just stuck with the original 273 and manifolds.



Thanks for all the info. I was considering on making the move to Doug Headers or TTI but I have pwr steering and a 4 speed and it seems there is no easy drop-ins. Fender well headers are the best way to go except I'm not keen on cutting a Formula S car but at this point I don't see myself ever selling her so fender well headers are in the future!
 
I put TTI headers on my 66 Dart with manual steering. I wont sya they were easy to install or that they fit perfect. The torsion bars need to go in between tubes, the drivers side I had to dent one of the tubes in a little so it doesnt hit the inner fender. But all in all they fit decent and should work out fine. I did not have any issues with the steering linkage hitting anywhere but I will say I havent had it out on the road yet. There is plenty of clearance there so Im pretty sure they will be alright. They dont hang down too low that they will bottom out. I put the driver side on first from the top and the passenger side last from the bottom. Best of luck
Rod
 
Anyone who thinks Dougs are a hassle should probably take up stamp collecting. I have installed three sets on early A bodies and all three were close to the easiest headers I have ever installed. The fit is outstanding and they will support 500 HP if not more. Yes, several things have to be removed for the install, but one thing at a time and it will go well.
 
Anyone who thinks Dougs are a hassle should probably take up stamp collecting. I have installed three sets on early A bodies and all three were close to the easiest headers I have ever installed. The fit is outstanding and they will support 500 HP if not more. Yes, several things have to be removed for the install, but one thing at a time and it will go well.
RRR, do you have a part number for Dougs, 66 dart. thanks.
 
D453 won't fit a 63-66 dart...

Nothing easy about a SB and headers on an early A
 
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