Ardun Motor Install - Meticulous Merc

When fabricating an exhaust system, especially headers, it's vital that all other components are in place, such as the external engine oil lines in the previous picture. Likewise, ensure that components, such as the starter motor, can be removed and replaced without having to remove the headers. That's why the header tubes on this side curve away from the engine.

This is where we leave the project, as it's still awaiting its new trans and front hubs, plus some minor work such as the heater, which may now be changed for an A/C unit inside the car.

With the headers nearly completed, the system's almost done. You can see the new forward section of the system, with the mufflers left where they were before. A new crossover section was added just aft of the trans pan. The headers vary in shape from side to side in order to clear the steering shaft and starter motor.

The water inlets on top of each head were reduced in height. That's a stock piece on the left.

While he may have opted for a vintage (albeit brand-new!) motor, the Merc's owner had run vintage carbs on his old blown Flathead, and this time opted for a Demon four-barrel. Ardun Enterprises offers this four-barrel manifold to suit the Ardun, which features separate flanges, as a one-piece intake wouldn't be removable, owing the engine's "overhanging" cylinder head flanges.

New top water "hoses" were fabricated from stainless steel. Is this going to be one clean installation or what?