{"product_id":"amvirtuo-ford-mustang-headers-260-289-302","title":"Exhaust Headers Polished Stainless Steel Shorty Headers for 1966-1970 Ford Fairlane Falcon Mustang Mercury Cougar 260 289 302","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFitment and Compliance Notice:\u003c\/strong\u003e Professional installation is recommended. Verify vehicle fitment, clearance, exhaust requirements, and local regulations before purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003c!-- H2: Key Features --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eKey Features\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"key-features\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003ePremium T304 Stainless Steel Construction\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt to last with a corrosion-resistant polished finish that looks great under the hood of your classic Mustang or Ford vehicle. These Ford Mustang headers are crafted from high-grade T304 stainless steel, delivering exceptional durability and resistance to rust and wear in all driving conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eOptimised for Ford Small Block Engines\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned specifically for 260, 289, and 302 V8 engines, these Ford small block headers deliver improved exhaust flow and potential exhaust-flow improvements. The 289 headers and 302 headers configuration ensures optimal exhaust scavenging and performance for your classic Ford engine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003ePerfect Fit for Classic Applications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for vehicle-specific installation fitment for 1964-1977 Mustang, 1966-1970 Fairlane, 1962-1970 Falcon, and 1967-1971 Mercury Cougar with minimal modification needed. These classic mustang headers are engineered for precise compatibility with factory mounting points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eProfessional-Grade Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeatures 2.50\" outlet, 1-1\/2\" x 1-1\/4\" primary tubes, 7\/16\" head flange, and 3\/8\" outlet flange for optimal exhaust scavenging and performance. The Ford exhaust headers design ensures excellent ground clearance for lowered classic Mustangs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eComplete Hardware Kit Included\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes with all necessary mounting hardware and gaskets for a straightforward installation on your vintage Mustang parts project. Packaged securely to ensure all parts arrive safely without damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- H2: Description --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eDescription\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUpgrade your classic Ford with these premium exhaust headers designed to unleash the true potential of your 260, 289, or 302 small block V8 engine. Whether you're restoring a vintage Mustang or building a street performer, these\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003eFord Mustang headers deliver the perfect combination of performance, durability, and classic styling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCrafted from high-quality T304 stainless steel with a mirror-polished finish, these 289 headers and 302 headers are built to withstand the rigours of daily driving and weekend car shows alike. The superior corrosion resistance ensures your engine bay stays looking sharp for years to come, while the mandrel-bent primary tubes optimise exhaust flow for measurable horsepower improvements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese Ford exhaust headers feature a shorty design that provides excellent ground clearance — a critical factor for lowered classic Mustangs. The classic mustang headers configuration offers easier installation compared to long-tube alternatives while still delivering significant performance benefits over restrictive factory exhaust manifolds. The shorty headers Ford design also allows retention of your existing exhaust system components downstream.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt AMVirtuo, we believe performance upgrades shouldn't break the bank. These Ford V8 headers offer professional-grade quality at a price that respects your budget, backed by our commitment to helping classic Ford enthusiasts get more from their vehicles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- H2: Vehicle Fitment --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eVehicle Fitment\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVehicle\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eYears\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEngine\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord Mustang\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1969-1973\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0L 302 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord Mustang II\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1974-1978\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.0L 302 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord Falcon\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1962-1970\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e260, 289, 302 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord Maverick\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1969-1977\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4.7L 289 V8, 5.0L 302 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFord Fairlane\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1964-1970\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e260, 289, 302 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMercury Cougar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1967-1973\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e289, 302 V8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"warning\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"warning-title\"\u003e⚠️ Important Fitment Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEngine Compatibility:\u003c\/b\u003e Designed for Ford Small Block 260, 289, and 302 V8 engines only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e289 and 302 Interchangeability:\u003c\/b\u003e Headers designed for a 289 will fit a 302 and vice versa. Both engines share the same cylinder head bolt pattern and exhaust port spacing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e6-Cylinder Conversion:\u003c\/b\u003e For 1965-1966 Mustangs, the engine bay dimensions are the same whether the car came with a 6-cylinder or V8. Headers designed for 289\/302 engines will fit directly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- H2: Technical Specifications --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEngine Compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e260 \/ 289 \/ 302 (4.3L \/ 4.7L \/ 5.0L)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutlet Diameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2.50\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrimary Tube Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1-1\/2\" x 1-1\/4\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHead Flange Thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7\/16\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOutlet Flange Thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3\/8\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eT304 Stainless Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSurface Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePolished\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeader Style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShorty \/ Mid-Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFitment Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect Replacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGasket Included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c!-- H2: Headers vs Stock Manifolds --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eHeaders vs Stock Exhaust Manifolds\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're debating between upgrading to headers or replacing with factory-style manifolds, here's what you need to know:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStock Manifolds\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAMVirtuo Headers\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaterial\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCast Iron (prone to cracking)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eT304 Stainless Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGround Clearance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBulky, limited clearance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCompact shorty design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExhaust Flow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRestrictive internal passages\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSmooth mandrel-bent tubes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePerformance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFactory-limited\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eImproved HP \u0026amp; torque\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInstallation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect replacement only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDesigned for vehicle-specific installation upgrade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSound\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMuffled, restrictive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeeper, more aggressive tone\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Bottom Line:\u003c\/b\u003e Factory cast iron manifolds on classic Fords are known to crack over time, leading to exhaust leaks and reduced performance. Upgrading to stainless steel shorty headers provides improved exhaust flow, better sound, and long-lasting durability while maintaining compatibility with your existing exhaust system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- H2: Installation Notes --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cb\u003eInstallation Notes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional installation is recommended for optimal results. Here are important considerations for your Ford Mustang\u003cb\u003e \u003c\/b\u003eheaders installation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePrepare for Bolt Extraction:\u003c\/b\u003e Factory manifold bolts may be seized after decades of service. Apply penetrating oil and allow time for it to soak before attempting removal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eCheck Clearance:\u003c\/b\u003e Shorty headers are designed for easier installation than long-tube headers. However, verify clearance around steering components and accessories.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eEngine Lift:\u003c\/b\u003e You may need to slightly raise the engine using a jack and a wood block under the oil pan to gain clearance during installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eGasket Installation:\u003c\/b\u003e Always use the included gasket. Ensure gasket holes align properly with header ports before final tightening.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cb\u003ePost-Installation Check:\u003c\/b\u003e After installation, start the engine and listen for any hissing sounds that indicate exhaust leaks. Re-torque bolts after 3 heat cycles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"highlight\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePro Tip:\u003c\/b\u003e According to classic Mustang enthusiasts, shorty headers offer an excellent balance of performance gains and installation simplicity for street-driven vehicles. They connect directly to your existing exhaust system without requiring modifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- H3: What's Included --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Driver Side Exhaust Header\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Passenger Side Exhaust Header\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1x Exhaust Gasket Set\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete Mounting Hardware \u0026amp; Bolts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"AMVirtuo","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48137852387428,"sku":"AM-28938","price":189.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0771\/1889\/8276\/files\/6391ace427ade714b70fb966024ae804_ac01622b-6412-44c4-95a0-f7920f6e7c77.jpg?v=1775455888","url":"https:\/\/avomotor.com\/products\/amvirtuo-ford-mustang-headers-260-289-302","provider":"AMVirtuo MOTOR","version":"1.0","type":"link"}