Header Info For MK4 Builders Using New High Performance Heads

[Papa]

Hi guys!

After experiencing issues with header fitment on my MK4 with Blueprint Engines' 347 using their new high-performance heads, I thought I'd share some of my experience and hopefully help my fellow builders through the problem of finding a set of headers that will work on your car/engine combination. Before I forget, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to George (Georgie) Arnos from Gas-N for his above and beyond support throughout the entire process. He sent me multiple sets of headers and sent an engineer to my home to understand what needed to be adjusted to address the new cylinder head design that Blueprint is using.

For reference, the new Blueprint heads, similar to Ford Racing's Z304 and AFR heads have two features that caused fitment issues with older headers on the FFR MK4. One, the angle of the exhaust ports is 1-2 degrees different than most headers were designed for. This caused the exit flange to be a bit too low and for the first set of headers I received, interference with the motor mount perch on the driver's side. Second, the spark plugs are positioned about 1/8" higher, which requires a different flange than older style headers typically have.

Now a subjective comparison of three different manufacturer's headers that I was able to try on my car.

Gas-N (American Racing):

What I liked most about the Gas-N headers was the overall design. They look really nice in my opinion compared with the straight-tube design that is available from Factory Five. The flange that Gas-N is using is the best of the three brands I tried, with the 3" bolt spacing and CNC machined openings for the plug wires. The Gas-N headers were also the least expensive of the three options I was able to experiment with.

Factory Five (BBK):

Factory Five's original design was also experiencing fitment issues, causing them to go back to BBK for a solution. I was able to try a set of the new headers and can tell you that they fit my car. They offered the most clearance of the three sets on the driver's side to the foot box. They used a 2" bolt pattern, (my heads support either 2 or 3") making the installation really hard to get the bolts in and snugged up. The BBK (FFR) headers came ceramic coated with gaskets and bolts. They came in in the middle of the price range for the three sets I tried. The flange also incorporated a high arch between the tubes, made possible with the narrower bolt pattern, that allowed for easy plug access with no issue getting the wires on. This set of headers uses the straight tube design that I think is less attractive than the Gas-N design.

GP Headers:

Back when I was at my peak frustration, I was directed to Stainless Headers. When I called them, I was told that they no longer manufacture headers, but only components for those that wish to build their own. They outsource to GP Headers for assembled sets. I put my name on a wait list for a production date. They don't stock headers, but rather build each set to order with several options available. You can opt for mild steel, stainless steel, coated, un-coated, double collectors, O2 bung placement, etc. After about a month, I received a call that they were ready to start my order and confirmed all my details. A few days later, my headers were done and on the truck headed my way. When they arrived, I found that the flange needed to be modified to accommodate the raised plug position. They paid to ship the headers back and two days after they received them, they were headed back to me. The design is a lot different than either of the previous headers I described. They are a cross between the two. I opted for the double collector option to provide a place to install my O2 sensor and get a reading of the entire right-bank vs. one tube or installing in the side pipe collector. I opted for bare stainless to save a bit on the price, which was significantly more than the other two manufacturers.

So, for those looking for options, I've just described three. My advice is to be very clear when ordering that you have the newer Blueprint high-performance heads and you will get a product that fits.

I hope this helps,
Dave

[CraigS]

Seems Blueprint needs to use different heads doesn't it? We have all read many threads on helping the FFR headers to fit better, clear the body etc. but they will usually work out. An engine supplier deciding to use heads that require different headers doesn't seem like a good marketing plan to me. I am glad that you got the problem solved.

[frankb]

Papa, Would you be so kind as to post a photo of your mounted headers? Thanks!

[Papa]

Papa, Would you be so kind as to post a photo of your mounted headers? Thanks!

I'll post some pictures this evening after I get home.

Dave

[Papa]

Seems Blueprint needs to use different heads doesn't it? We have all read many threads on helping the FFR headers to fit better, clear the body etc. but they will usually work out. An engine supplier deciding to use heads that require different headers doesn't seem like a good marketing plan to me. I am glad that you got the problem solved.

I think the Blueprint design is very similar to Ford Racing's new z304 heads. It seems that the aftermarket header manufacturers are all behind the curve getting products out for this new design.

[BluePrintEngines]

Papa, Thanks very much for helping fellow FFR members with overcoming the fitment issues you experienced. I’m glad that #1, it was corrected, and #2, that moving forward, the FFR headers will fit without issue. As you indicated, our heads bear similarities with other high performance heads on the market, and share some of the associated header fitment issues. Unfortunately variances that don’t typically cause issues on something like a mustang, get amplified when a long primary is hung on the flange, or if the flange itself was originally designed for an iron headed 302. Our silver lining is that anyone with a FFR going forward can simply order the FFR headers, and all is well. We apologize for any of those inconvenienced early on before the issue was corrected. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention originally, and glad a solution was found.

Johnny M
Director of New Project Development
[email protected]

[dncharo]

Hi Dave,
Thanks so much for posting this thread, and for going through all the trouble to get it sorted out. We just purchased a Blueprint 427 EFI and Johnny says that we have the same head as your 347 so it looks like we are in the same boat. We also want headers with a collector for an O2 bung so that we can sample an entire cylinder bank and we also do not want to put that in the side pipe.
Based on these requirements, the 4 into 4 FFR headers don't work (no collector) although it sounds like they would fit. It also doesn't look like the Gas-N ones have a collector (correct me if I'm wrong). This leaves the GP headers which sounds like is what you ended up going with.
Did you have a specific contact person there who understands the issues? I'm planning on giving them a call and want to talk with the right person...
Thanks again!
David

[Papa]

Hi Dave,
Thanks so much for posting this thread, and for going through all the trouble to get it sorted out. We just purchased a Blueprint 427 EFI and Johnny says that we have the same head as your 347 so it looks like we are in the same boat. We also want headers with a collector for an O2 bung so that we can sample an entire cylinder bank and we also do not want to put that in the side pipe.
Based on these requirements, the 4 into 4 FFR headers don't work (no collector) although it sounds like they would fit. It also doesn't look like the Gas-N ones have a collector (correct me if I'm wrong). This leaves the GP headers which sounds like is what you ended up going with.
Did you have a specific contact person there who understands the issues? I'm planning on giving them a call and want to talk with the right person...
Thanks again!
David

PM sent.

[Papa]

Papa, Would you be so kind as to post a photo of your mounted headers? Thanks!

[Papa]

Papa, Thanks very much for helping fellow FFR members with overcoming the fitment issues you experienced. I’m glad that #1, it was corrected, and #2, that moving forward, the FFR headers will fit without issue. As you indicated, our heads bear similarities with other high performance heads on the market, and share some of the associated header fitment issues. Unfortunately variances that don’t typically cause issues on something like a mustang, get amplified when a long primary is hung on the flange, or if the flange itself was originally designed for an iron headed 302. Our silver lining is that anyone with a FFR going forward can simply order the FFR headers, and all is well. We apologize for any of those inconvenienced early on before the issue was corrected. Thanks again for bringing this to our attention originally, and glad a solution was found.

Johnny M
Director of New Project Development
[email protected]

Johnny,

I'm glad to have this behind me now and just want to be sure that other builders are aware that there are multiple options at their disposal and that they just need to communicate what equipment they have when ordering their headers. Thanks again for working with me and Georgie to get this figured out! You guys make it possible for us beginners to build these incredible machines. Just listen to this baby rumble!



Dave

[BluePrintEngines]

Dave,

I'm also glad we were able to work together to help in providing solutions. The most important thing to me, is that the FFR sourced headers have been adjusted to work with heads such as ours. So someone buying a kit today can sleep a little easier about header fitment. Its awesome you have gone out of our way to help show community members several more header options out there, that work with non-oe type heads. I understand some guys want to hide the O2 sensor a little better, and with the EFI options on our engines being so popular, i'm sure you won't be the last.

As for your video, the engine sounds great!!!!!!!! i'll be using this on our channel, and also on our facebook page!

you've been great to work with, anything else you need, let me know.

Johnny M - BPE