There are a number of different header designs that exist or have existed for the SOHC Ford Escort engines. All of the SOHC engines from the first up to the third generation Ford Escorts had the same exhaust bolt pattern and port size. However the way the headers stick out and clear the oil pan varies. First generation Escorts generally had a taller oil pan and the headers made for them would hang down too low and not mount properly if used on second or third generation Escorts.

1st gen HO headers

Some 1st generation Escort GT HO (high output) versions came with headers from the factory. These headers require some modification to fit on to the 2nd and 3rd gen Ford Escorts. They stick out too far from the engine and make contact with the fan shroud and AC lines, both of which have to be modified. However, they can sometimes be found in junkyards and purchased for a low price.

Hooker Headers made for the 1st gen

At one point Hooker made headers for the first generation Ford Escorts, though pretty rare sometimes they can be found on eBay. The tubes are in the right phasing and it has a short slip-on style collector. The welding is a bit sloppy and overall they could have been made better, but the pipes are clean and they flow well. The nice wide 2.5" collector provides a really deep and bold sound if they run open. However the issue once again is installing in 2nd or 3rd gen Escorts. Also, they stick out really far from the bottom and are extremely easy to dent from curbs. Although when they do bend they will not cause damage to the head under most circumstances, rather just bend themselves and pin against the oil pan. The following photographs of the headers installed, have a modification that was performed. An o2 sensor bung was welded in place of the EGR connection on the 4th cylinder. For more pictures of the installation (especially after they got bent into the oil pan once) see Ford Escort wreck.

Focus Central headers

These headers had an add on adapter to fit the SPI Focus exhaust system making it a true bolt-on. It appears to be copied from the Pacesetter design and has the wrong tube phasing. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. That has 2 consecutive firing cylinders on each of the 2 down pipes. The center tubes should be reversed like the modified header in the second picture below or the Hooker above. More pictures are available of them installed.

Pacesetter 1.9 headers

Some of the cheapest and low quality headers, Pacesetter sets the (low) standards in the industry of performance exhaust headers. The paint will burn off as soon as they are installed, and sometimes they have to be welded prior to installation. Installation is not difficult, and availability is not an issue as they can be found brand new on eBay pretty cheap. As mentioned about the Focus Central headers, they have the wrong tube phasing.

OBX 1.9 headers

Not as cheap as Pacesetters, however much better in quality and can sometimes be found on eBay. Currently sets are going from $ 150-200.

Custom fabrication

With the proper tools and equipment one can manufacture their own headers. If a simple replacement for the manifold is desired, a jig can be made such as the pictures below. An example design is shown to the right. Note how each port is separated from the others in the flange, to avoid distortion from heat expansion.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.