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August 24, 2025
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Headers for Ford 351w and 351M Long Tube Headers: A Performance Boost for Classic Muscle
The Ford 351 engine family has been a mainstay of American muscle for decades, providing power and performance in a variety of vehicles, from Mustangs to trucks and even factory-built race cars. Whether you’re working with a 351 Windsor (351W) or a 351 Modified (351M), the right set of headers can elevate your vehicle’s performance to new heights. Among the many options available, long tube headers are a standout choice for those looking to optimize exhaust flow and maximize horsepower. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of headers ford 351, focusing on the advantages of long tube headers for the 351W and 351M engines.
What Are Headers? Before diving into the specifics of long tube headers, it's essential to understand what headers are and how they contribute to a vehicle’s performance. Headers are exhaust manifold substitutes that aid in allowing exhaust gases to pass from the engine to the exhaust system. As opposed to factory manifolds, which are generally restrictive, headers feature individual tubes that lead to a single collector, allowing the exhaust gases to pass more freely. This reduction in backpressure enables the engine to expel gases more efficiently, improving performance, throttle response, and overall engine efficiency. Long Tube Headers Benefits Long tube headers, as the name suggests, have longer primary tubes than those of shorty headers or factory manifolds. The greatest benefit of long tube headers is that they provide the best exhaust scavenging. Scavenging happens when the pressure wave of the exhaust gases pushes out the remaining gases from the combustion chamber. The longer the tube, the better the scavenging effect, which helps improve engine efficiency and increase horsepower, especially at higher RPMs. For Ford 351 engine owners, long tube headers offer several key benefits: Increased Horsepower and Torque: Long tube headers are designed to maximize exhaust flow, which reduces back pressure and enhances engine performance. This increased flow results in more power at high RPMs, making them ideal for performance enthusiasts looking for significant gains in horsepower and torque. Better exhaust scavenging: Longer tube design exhausts have a better effect on scavenging. This means improved exhalation of exhaust gases for the engine, thereby taking into it a considerable volume of fresh air and fuel, which in turn increases the efficiency of the combustion process and hence boosts performance. The restriction of the exhaust system is reduced by long tube headers. They thus make throttle response much better and the car can accelerate much quicker as well as the pedal will have a much better feel to it when pressing the gas. Enhanced Sound: The long tube headers also enhance a more aggressive, deeper exhaust tone. Most Ford 351 owners love the way their engine sounds after the headers installation since increased flow gives the exhaust that muscle-car growl. 351W and 351M Details Although the 351W (Windsor) and 351M (Modified) share the same displacement, they have different characteristics that impact the fitment of the headers and the performance. 351 Windsor (351W) Long Tube Headers The 351 Windsor is one of the most popular engine variants in the Ford 351 family. Known for its compact size and versatile design, the 351W is often found in classic Mustangs, F-150 trucks, and various other performance vehicles. When choosing long tube headers for a 351W engine, it is important to select a set that is designed to fit within the engine bay of your specific vehicle. Aftermarket companies such as Hooker, BBK, and Edelbrock offer long tube headers specifically designed for the 351W, which improve flow and performance. Long tube headers for the 351W are usually best suited for cars that are driven mostly for performance, like street rods, muscle cars, and modified cars. The longer primary tubes will increase horsepower and torque, especially in the upper RPM range, making them a great upgrade for enthusiasts who want to get their 351W to its maximum potential. 351 Modified (351M) Long Tube Headers The 351M is one of the lesser known models of the 351 line, being built off a common platform with the big 400 cubic inch engine. The 351M is really only commonly seen today in full-sized trucks and older muscle cars from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Long tube headers for the 351M are made to fulfill the needs of the specific exhaust flow of the engine and hence provide more power and efficiency. The larger displacement and bore/stroke characteristics of the 351M mean that choosing the right set of long tube headers is crucial to getting the best performance gains. Long tube options for the 351M are available from manufacturers such as Hooker Headers and Hedman Hedders, ensuring proper fitment and optimal exhaust flow. Like the 351W, long tube headers for the 351M provide significant improvements in horsepower, torque, and exhaust sound. Installation Considerations The installation of long tube headers for a Ford 351 engine will be a little more involved compared to shorty headers or a factory replacement, simply because of the longer tubes and an exact fit requirement. In some cases, this may require repositioning of the steering column, motor mounts, or even the firewall. It’s important to work with an experienced mechanic or exhaust specialist when installing long tube headers to ensure proper fitment and function. Conclusion Upgrading your Ford 351 engine with 351m long tube headers is one of the most effective ways to enhance performance, particularly for enthusiasts looking for improved horsepower, torque, and throttle response. Whether you are working with a 351 Windsor or 351 Modified, long tube headers offer great gains in exhaust flow and efficiency of the engine. Installation can be more involved than shorter headers, but the performance benefits make it well worth the effort. If you are seeking to enhance your Ford 351 engine to new heights, purchasing high-quality long tube headers will definitely take it up a notch to get that extra power and performance.