We have two '61 Ranchero's here, both are C8 casting 200's.
One has the Clifford Header with a C4 automatic trans.
The other has the Classic Inlines header with a T5 trans.
Both headers are the 6-into-2 variety, with the Clifford being ceramic coated, and the Classic Inlines header being raw Stainless Steel.
OK...
Have not finished either car yet, so can't give a performance assessment yet, but I can give a general fit assessment.
- Clifford header: The bolt holes don't seem to be properly centered, so you have to tweak a bit to get it on the head. Basically, you have to start all the bolts and then draw it in, or it won't hit the holes right. We've had this header mounted on both engines, and it fit the same way on both, so it isn't the engine, it's the header that's the issue. It's like they missed a couple holes by 1/16" or so, and you have to fight it onto the head. Then, of course, comes the big question of whether or not it sealed properly with it bound up like that.
Worse... you HAVE TO use a mini-starter, or at least a smaller than stock starter of some sort, or it won't fit. And then there's the starter heat soak issue that will likely need to be dealt with afterwards. (Even with a mini-starter, which is an extra couple hundred dollar expense, it still won't have what I think is adequate clearance to avoid heat soak.)
Plus, the outlets are pointed right at the center-link where it hits the idler arm. So, plumbing is going to be fun. The idler/center-link may not be an issue on other bodies ('61 is the narrowest, after all), but the starter issue, and possible heat soak even with a mini-starter, are issues regardless of which body the car is.
It does come with what appears to be a very high quality gasket though.
- Classic Inlines header: Bolted right up to the engine. The gasket that comes with it doesn't seem as good as the Clifford gasket, but it is well above the quality level of typical economy gaskets. Fits VERY WELL on the engine, and has plenty of room for a standard starter. The split output tubes makes it easier to clear linkage as well.
Only complaint I have so far is that the collector for 1-2-3 cyl's touches the shock tower, so we're going to have to "tweak" it a little bit before we finish the car and fire it up, as I certainly don't want it rubbing or binding up in operation. Not a huge issue, but still an item that must be addressed. Basically, just need to flex it in about a 1/4" or so and all should be good.
Now, again, keep in mind that these are the narrowest engine bays that the header is designed to go in, so it may be particular to this body only.
All that said, if I had to pick between the two again in the future, I'd take the Classic Inlines header over the Clifford any day of the week, even if they were the same price.
Add in that the Classic Inlines header was much cheaper in stainless than the Clifford was in jet-hot ceramic coating, and you don't need to buy a mini-starter as well, and there is, quite honestly, no comparison.
Go with the Classic Inlines piece.
