Ford 260/289/302 SBF Shorty Headers – Mustang, Fairlane, Falcon, Maverick, Cougar & Comet

SKU: XKV11146
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$193.33 $134.25 SAVE $59.08
Fitment & Specs
Selected classic Ford Mustang, Fairlane, Falcon, Maverick and Mercury Cougar/Comet applications with compatible 260, 289 or 302 SBF V8 engines.
1-5/8 Inch OD Inlet · 3 Inch OD Outlet
T-304 Stainless Steel · Exhaust Modification / Aftermarket Piping Required
Before You Buy: Off-road/racing use only · Professional install recommended
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Description
Classic Ford Small Block Exhaust

Shorty Headers for Ford 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8

T-304 stainless steel shorty exhaust headers for the selected classic Ford and Mercury applications listed below with 260, 289 or 302 small-block Ford V8 engines. The headers feature a 4-1 layout, 1-5/8-inch OD inlets and 3-inch OD outlets.

Product Type SBF Shorty Headers
Engine Family 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8
Header Layout 4-1 Shorty

Key Details

Shorty Header Configuration

  • Shorty exhaust header design
  • 4-1 header layout
  • 1-5/8-inch OD inlets
  • 3-inch OD outlets
  • 3-inch to 2.5-inch exhaust collectors included

Construction

  • T-304 stainless steel construction
  • 16-gauge wall tubing
  • 10mm header flanges
  • CNC-machined flange construction
  • TIG/MIG welded assembly
  • Metal gaskets included
Vehicle Fitment

Selected Classic Ford & Mercury 260 / 289 / 302 SBF Applications

Vehicle Year Range Engine Family
Ford Mustang 1964-1973 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8, as applicable
Ford Fairlane 1966-1970 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8, as applicable
Ford Falcon 1963-1970 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8, as applicable
Ford Maverick 1971-1977 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8, as applicable
Mercury Cougar 1967-1971 289 / 302 SBF V8, as applicable
Mercury Comet 1966-1969 260 / 289 / 302 SBF V8, as applicable
Fitment Note: This header set is intended for the listed vehicle applications using compatible Ford 260, 289 or 302 small-block V8 engines. Engine availability varies by model year, so do not determine fitment by displacement or vehicle name alone. Verify the exact year, model, engine, cylinder-head configuration, steering and exhaust clearance before ordering.

Exhaust Connection & Installation

Exhaust Connection

  • Header outlet size: 3-inch OD
  • 3-inch to 2.5-inch exhaust collectors are included
  • Modification to the existing exhaust or aftermarket piping is required
  • Confirm downstream exhaust size and connection layout before installation

Installation Notes

  • Professional installation is recommended.
  • Check steering, starter and surrounding engine-bay clearance before final installation.
  • Modified vehicles, engine swaps and aftermarket cylinder heads may change fitment requirements.
  • Do not assume compatibility from the 260/289/302 engine designation alone.

Before You Buy

  • Confirm your exact vehicle year and model against the fitment table above.
  • Confirm that the vehicle uses a compatible Ford 260, 289 or 302 small-block V8 configuration.
  • This product is a shorty header set and is not a long-tube, Tri-Y or block-hugger header configuration.
  • Modification to the existing exhaust or aftermarket piping is required to complete the downstream connection.
  • Verify cylinder-head configuration, steering clearance, starter clearance and existing exhaust routing before ordering.
Shipping & Return

SHIPPING & DELIVERY
Fast Processing & Reliable Transit

  • Processing: Orders are processed and shipped from the nearest available warehouse within 1 business day after payment.
  • Delivery: Estimated delivery time is approximately 3–4 business days after shipment.
  • Shipping - Free shipping on all orders within the contiguous 48 U.S. states.

RETURNS & EXCHANGES
30-Day Hassle-Free Policy

  • Return Window: We offer a 30-day return policy from the date of delivery.
  • Item Condition: Returned items should be unused, uninstalled, and in their original packaging when possible.
  • Return Process: To initiate a return or exchange, please contact our customer service team first to receive authorization and instructions.

WARRANTY
2-Year Limited Replacement Warranty

  • Duration: All products are backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
  • Coverage: This warranty covers manufacturing defects and product failures under normal use, and provides a replacement for qualified cases (repairs are not performed).

CUSTOMER SUPPORT
We’re Here to Help – Contact Us First

  • Priority Contact: For any order-related issues—including returns, warranty claims, or general inquiries—please contact us first before taking further action. We are committed to resolving your concern promptly.
  • Feedback Notice: If you are unsatisfied, we kindly ask that you allow us an opportunity to address the issue before leaving neutral or negative feedback.
  • Email Support: You can reach us at support@XKVracing.com.

What Does an Exhaust Header Actually Do?

The exhaust header is the first section of the exhaust system and mounts directly to the engine. Its role is to collect exhaust gases from each cylinder and route them into the rest of the exhaust system.

Compared to many factory manifolds, header designs often focus on smoother internal flow and more uniform exhaust routing before gases move downstream.

What You May Notice After Installation

Smoother exhaust flow as engine speed increases

More consistent engine behavior across the RPM range

Improved exhaust routing when paired with other intake or exhaust components

Changes in exhaust tone, depending on system configuration

When This Type of Upgrade Is Typically Considered

Addressing airflow limitations in the factory exhaust manifold

Planning coordinated intake or exhaust system updates

Replacing aging or restrictive original components

Build a balanced, performance-focused setup

Factory Manifold vs. Performance Header

Factory Exhaust Manifold

Designed to meet packaging, cost, and emissions requirements
Prioritizes durability and compliance across broad use cases

Performance Exhaust Header

Designed with exhaust flow characteristics in mind
Built for higher exhaust temperatures and specific vehicle platforms
Commonly used as part of an exhaust system configuration

FAST SHIPPING

Ships within 1 business day after payment
3–4 business day delivery

Secure and Reliable Checkout

Secure checkout with major payment options

LOCAL WAREHOUSE

Orders ship from U.S. warehouses when available

Easy Returns and Exchanges

30-day returns for eligible unused items

Parts Warranty

Warranty support for qualified manufacturing defects

Important Notice

Products on this site are intended for off-road, racing, or closed-course use where emissions laws apply. They are not represented as street legal, emissions-compliant, or legal for use on public roads unless explicitly stated.

Some products may remove, replace, relocate, disable, or alter emissions-related components, including but not limited to catalytic converters, EGR, DPF, SCR, DOC, O2 sensors, or related factory systems. Compatible tuning, calibration, or supporting modifications may be required to avoid engine codes or drivability issues.

Professional installation is recommended. Buyers are responsible for verifying product compatibility, local regulations, emissions requirements, and any required tuning or supporting modifications before purchase and installation.

Performance gains, sound changes, airflow improvements, temperature changes, fuel economy changes, fitment, and drivability results may vary. No specific performance gains are guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do exhaust headers do? +

Exhaust headers help route exhaust gases away from the engine through individual tubes and collector-style routing. Actual results depend on the vehicle, engine condition, exhaust system, installation quality, and supporting components.

What's the difference between headers and factory manifolds? +

Factory manifolds are typically designed around packaging, durability, emissions requirements, and production cost. Headers or manifold-related exhaust upgrades may use different tube routing, flange designs, or connection layouts depending on the application.

Will headers increase horsepower? +

Headers may support improved exhaust flow where the product is compatible, but horsepower and torque changes are not guaranteed. Results vary by engine setup, tuning, exhaust configuration, vehicle condition, installation, and supporting modifications.

Do headers make the vehicle louder? +

Headers and related exhaust parts can change exhaust tone and may increase sound depending on the rest of the exhaust system. Final sound level depends on the engine, mufflers, catalytic converters, pipe routing, and complete exhaust setup.

Do I need tuning after installing headers? +

Tuning requirements depend on the vehicle, engine management system, O2 sensor setup, emissions equipment, and supporting modifications. Some installations may not require tuning, while modified builds may require professional inspection, calibration, or tuning to support proper drivability.

Are header products street legal? +

Header and exhaust products may be intended for off-road or racing use where emissions laws apply. They are not represented as street legal, emissions-compliant, or CARB-compliant for public road use unless a valid exemption is explicitly stated. Always check local regulations before purchase and installation.

Can I use headers with a stock exhaust system? +

Compatibility with a stock exhaust system depends on the vehicle and existing exhaust configuration. Some vehicles may require additional hardware, gaskets, connectors, adjustment, or fabrication to complete installation.

Are headers hard to install? +

Installation difficulty varies by vehicle. Tight engine bays, old hardware, rust, engine swaps, modified exhaust systems, sensor placement, and clearance around surrounding components can increase installation complexity. Professional installation is recommended.

Will headers affect reliability? +

Reliability depends on fitment accuracy, installation quality, vehicle condition, heat management, gasket sealing, fastener condition, sensor placement, and supporting components. Proper inspection and installation are important.