Original header on 1979 2.3L export model ?

[SuperDuty455]

Hi,

Those who have seen the thread about my three Mustang will know this already, but the two four cylinders Mustangs I own have headers. The headers are identical, the have provisions for the emissions stuff, but the cars weren't built at the same time (one is from Feb '79 and the other is from July '79). Both are original export models and were shipped directly to Belgium, I couldn't find obvious mods besides a partial repaint on some panels, and the homologation adds (lights, mirrors).
They don't have a catalytic converter, and the exhaust tubes appear unaltered.
I'm aware these could have been changed during their life, but a strictly identical mod on two cars that spent most of their life in a different part of Belgium and then sat for about 25 years untouched seems unlikely. They're similar to later Ford Ranger headers but not identical, and Ford Rangers are not common here.



So what do you think about this ?
How much horsepower gain can you guesstimate from headers and lack of cat on those engines ?

Thanks

[webestang]

I would think that since there were no emissions system required on European cars at that time the header might well be from the factory. The US started in 1975 with mandatory emissions systems.
Horse power gains are slight with just an header and cat-free exhaust. I would think maybe around 5 extra horses. I've noticed a very slight extra pick up and go with a Ranger header and hi-flow cat on my 85 2.3.

[SuperDuty455]

Ok ! It's odd because I've seen several 4 cylinder '79 Mustangs here that had the iron manifold.

[webestang]

Huh....mystery time, my interest is peaked.

Here is the Ranger header on my 85, it's from a 92 Ranger I was told.....

[IDMooseMan]

If you look in my "Birthday" album, you'll see the OEM manifold. Some of the late-model ('83-up, IIRC) 2.3Ls engines had a better flowing manifold, but I wouldn't consider it a header. The Ranger header that Scotty has, is what I plan on swapping onto my engine when I do the rebuild. I'll see if I can post an engine photo showing the OEM manifold.

Edit:
Everybody has seen these boat anchors:

[gr79]

The change over to a tube style header for the Ranger 2.3 started sometime in 1993.
Mine is a Aug 93 build and has the factory tube header.

So i bought a used one for my 79 2.3, if only 'cause it gives it the 'look' and is a shortie.
Perfect addition to a total rebuild 15 years ago.
Plugged the unused o² sensor bung with a 2.3 oil pan drain plug.

That 79 cyl head has exhaust manifold egr ports that have to be delt with.
The Ranger header flange does not quite cover them up.
The holes lead back into the exhaust passage just upstream from the exhaust manifold.
Original crack prone cast iron exhaust manifold had passages that routed the gasses to the egr if i recall.

More;
http://www.dormanproducts.com/itemde...SEName=674-230

Also on a pick a part visit, noticed a '99? Ranger 2.5 with yet another OEM cast iron version.
Hard to find pics of one;
http://mmb.maverick.to/gallery/files.../dsc00546a.jpg

[webestang]

That 79 cyl head has exhaust manifold egr ports that have to be delt with.
The Ranger header flange does not quite cover them up.
The holes lead back into the exhaust passage just upstream from the exhaust manifold.
Original crack prone cast iron exhaust manifold had passages that routed the gasses to the egr if i recall.

That's how my 85 was so I threaded those holes and ran bolts inside. Then cut the head of the bolt off flush.

Just installed a 2 1/2 exhaust with a Walker hi-flow cat, Dynomax Super Turbo muffler and a driver's side 5.0 LX tailpipe.

[IDMooseMan]

...Plugged the unused o² sensor bung with a 2.3 oil pan drain plug.
That 79 cyl head has exhaust manifold egr ports that have to be dealt with.
The Ranger header flange does not quite cover them up.
...

I did not know this O² sensor bung could be filled with the oil pan drain plug. I'm glad the EGR ports issue was mentioned. I have this information in my "Project Plan" now for future reference.

That's how my 85 was so I threaded those holes and ran bolts inside. Then cut the head of the bolt off flush...

Excellent idea on how to handle the EGR ports issue.

Thank you to both of you for providing answers to questions I wasn't aware needed asking. I probably would've run into problems when the rebuild reached that stage.

[webestang]

Craig, FYI........just so you know the EGR ports are on a upward angle as they come from the main exhaust ports down to the EGR port. I think (?) they are 5/16".

And you will be amazed how crazy heavy that cast iron beast is compared to the tube............

[gr79]

I packed this product into the exhaust port EGR holes:
http://bluemagicusa.com/index.php/bl.../products/174/

Then i cut and sammyed some thin ss metal betw gasket and header, to kind of widen the header flange over the holes.
A wider header flange or plate would be best to cover up the holes on the gasket side.

Figured if the stuff ever came loose, it would simply get sucked backwards and out the pipes.
Have not checked it out. Cant see or hear any leaks.

[gr79]

Idea was use different bolts to find out the tread size, then go out to get something that looked right.
Just for the heck of it, tried an old drain plug that was on the car at one time.
Was a 'well i'll be darned' moment.

Looked as good as anything else there (what else is there as easy to find?);
A 'lets see if anyone notices' item;
Was an off the shelf, retired, but still good Ford engine part;
So it stays.

[IDMooseMan]

Excellent info, guys. I'll keep this in mind when I get to that point.