Ford & Mercury 144/170/200/250 CID Small Six Headers – Mustang, Falcon, Bronco & More

SKU: XKV11092
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Fitment & Specs
Select 1960-1983 Ford & Mercury Small Six applications; 144/170/200/250 CID Inline 6 only
1-1/8" x 1-1/4" Inlet · 2.00" Outlet
T-304 Stainless Steel · Application-Specific; Professional Installation Recommended
Before You Buy: Off-road/racing use only · Professional install recommended
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Description

Product Overview

Designed for select classic Ford and Mercury applications equipped with Ford 144, 170, 200 or 250 CID Small Six inline-6 engines, these stainless steel exhaust headers provide a performance-oriented replacement for the restrictive factory-style exhaust manifold.

Built from high-quality T-304 stainless steel with CNC-machined flanges, TIG/MIG welded construction and mandrel-bent tubing, the header assembly is designed to support smoother exhaust flow while maintaining application-specific fitment for the vehicles listed below.

Key Features

  • Designed for listed Ford and Mercury 144 / 170 / 200 / 250 CID Small Six applications
  • T-304 stainless steel construction
  • 1-1/8" x 1-1/4" inlet size
  • 2.00" outlet size
  • 7/16" head flange thickness
  • 3/8" outlet flange thickness
  • CNC-machined flanges with TIG/MIG welded construction
  • Mandrel-bent tubing designed for smoother exhaust routing and reduced restriction

Vehicle Fitment

Match your vehicle by year, model and engine. The Ford Small Six engine family was used across multiple chassis, so engine displacement alone should not be used to confirm compatibility.

Vehicle Year Engine
Ford Bronco 1966-1974 2.8L / 3.3L Inline 6
Ford Econoline 1961-1967 2.4L / 2.8L Inline 6
Ford Fairmont 1978-1983 3.3L Inline 6
Ford Falcon 1960-1970 2.4L / 2.8L / 3.3L Inline 6
Ford Granada 1975-1982 3.3L / 4.1L Inline 6
Ford LTD 1983 3.3L Inline 6
Ford Mustang 1964-1970 2.8L / 3.3L Inline 6
Ford Ranchero 1960-1965 2.4L / 2.8L / 3.3L Inline 6
Ford Thunderbird 1980-1982 3.3L Inline 6
Mercury Capri 1979-1982 3.3L Inline 6 Only
Mercury Comet 1960-1965 2.4L / 2.8L / 3.3L Inline 6
Mercury Cougar 1981-1982 3.3L Inline 6
Mercury Marquis 1983 3.3L Inline 6
Mercury Zephyr 1978-1983 3.3L Inline 6

Fitment Note: This product is designed for the listed applications equipped with Ford Small Six 144 / 170 / 200 / 250 CID inline-6 engines.

Not compatible with Ford 240 / 300 CID (4.9L) Big Six engines, V6 engines or V8 engines.

Fitment can vary by chassis, starter/transmission configuration and existing exhaust routing. Verify the complete year, model and engine combination before ordering.

Package Includes

  • Two stainless steel exhaust header sections / pipes
  • Gaskets
  • Installation bolts / hardware as shown

Installation Notes

  • Professional installation is highly recommended.
  • Check starter, transmission and exhaust clearance before final installation.
  • Existing exhaust components may require alignment or adaptation depending on vehicle configuration.

Before You Buy

Please confirm that your vehicle is listed in the fitment table and is equipped with the correct Ford Small Six engine before ordering.

Engine reference: 144 CID ≈ 2.4L, 170 CID ≈ 2.8L, 200 CID ≈ 3.3L, and 250 CID ≈ 4.1L.

This header is not intended for Ford 240 / 300 CID Big Six applications, even though those engines may also be described as Ford inline-6 engines.

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.