65 Barracuda

[KLR65FISH]

Has anyone had any luck with Doug Thorley headers in early A bodies? I'm finishing up a 360 for my 65 cuda and was told they had a set that fit great(underchassis)I want to avoid fenderwells if I can,if not I'll just use manifolds

[PRO]

Did you know Hedman is about to release a SB header (in the next 6-12 mo.s)that is underchassis?(this means it wont have the 2 front tubes on the drivers side routed underneath the K-frame).Last I heard they were still looking for test mules to fab them to and test!!.It gets you a free set of headers if they use your vehicle but you have to deliver it to them in Culver City Calif.You can find them under Hedman Husler Hedders.Also if that doesn't work have you considered running a set of shortie truck headers?Weve had great success with the fitment in a&b bodies as they are rear exit and really appeal to people that hate the full length header hassle.Good Luck with your project....PRO...

[DartGT66]

Well, that IS a good news for many people.

[Ghengis]

I think you will find that 65 and 66 Cuda's are not true A bodies. By that I mean, the 65 & 66 were just a little narrower in the engine bay than the 67 and up A bodies.

Way back when I young and very foolish I had a 66 Formula S, 273 Commando engine, solid lifters, little Carter 4 BBL, etc. It was automatic and had a 7 1/4 rearend. Anyway, I digress.

The foolish part was that I pulled the slightly hurt 273 and put in a 340/4 spd/8 3/4. No way would headers for smallblock 67 or 68 fit. I later put the same set of headers on a 68 340. No problem. I ended up putting fenderwell exit headers on the 66.

Thinking back on from a 30 year ago perspective, I think a properly designed in the chassis header could be fitted. I guess the market demand for 66 Valiant, Barracuda headers was pretty weak so no work got done in that area. Chevies got all the R & D attention back then, too.

Have kept up with the Mopars, though and now bracket race an 1985 440 Plymouth Laser. 10.20's so far.

Good luck with your 65. How I wish I had my 66 back. Lord, I spent a few nights parking in that thing under the all glass rear.

[DartGT66]

Actually ther was underchassis headers available for the early A-bodies, they were made by Doug Thorley and used for example in '66D-Dart with the 275 horse 273. I have also seen the later headers fit with modifications. Anyway, the reason there isn't underchassis headers available is that there has been no demand. Hope the situation changes, those cars are plentiful here, and decently working and priced headers would be a hit.