Ford Cleveland V8 Headers Guide: 302 & 351 2V vs 4V vs CHI 3V (Pacemaker Extractors)
Expert guide to choosing the correct Pacemaker headers for Ford Cleveland V8 engines.
✔ Covers 302 & 351 Cleveland 2V, 4V and CHI 3V cylinder heads
✔ Includes recommended Pacemaker header part numbers
✔ Helps you choose the correct headers for fitment and performance
Choosing the correct exhaust headers for your Ford Cleveland V8 comes down to cylinder head design and intended performance level. Cleveland engines vary significantly between 2V, 4V and CHI 3V heads, and selecting the correct header ensures proper fitment, port alignment and maximum exhaust flow.
This guide is based on real-world workshop experience fitting Cleveland headers across Australian Ford Falcons and performance builds.
Cleveland Head Types Explained
2V Heads have smaller ports designed for strong street torque and drivability.
Typical port size: ~34mm x 28mm
4V Heads have very large ports designed for high RPM horsepower and racing applications.
Typical port size: ~50mm x 38mm
CHI 3V Heads combine high airflow with improved velocity, making them ideal for modern performance builds.
Which headers do I need for my Cleveland?
2V Heads: PH4050, PH4055, PH4070
4V Heads: PH4075, PH4080, PH4085
Performance Builds: PH4090, PH4095 variants
Quick Comparison: 2V vs 4V vs CHI 3V
| Head Type | Port Size | Best For | Header Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2V | Small port | Street / Torque | Smaller primary headers |
| 4V | Large port | High RPM / Race | Large primary headers |
| CHI 3V | Optimised | Performance / Stroker | Matched performance headers |
🔧 2V Heads (Street Performance)
- Smaller ports for strong torque
- Better throttle response and drivability
- Common in Australian Falcons
Recommended Headers:
- PH4050 – No known fitment issues
- PH4055 – No known fitment issues
- PH4070 – May require gearbox crossmember clearance
Fitment Notes:
- PH4050: No fitting issues
- PH4055: No fitting issues
- PH4070: Clearance required at gearbox crossmember on some models
- Transmission dipstick tube may need shortening depending on application
🔥 4V Heads (High Performance)
- Very large ports designed for airflow
- Best suited to high RPM engines
- Can reduce low-speed velocity if oversized
Recommended Headers:
Fitment Notes:
- Check steering and chassis clearance
- Large primary pipes require careful fitment
🚀 CHI 3V Heads
CHI 3V heads provide improved airflow and velocity balance, making them ideal for modern Cleveland stroker builds. Header choice should match port size and intended power level.
Why Header Size and Port Match Matter
Airflow demand increases rapidly as power increases, and hot exhaust gas occupies significantly more volume than intake air. Cleveland engines — especially 4V and CHI 3V — move very large amounts of air.
Approximate airflow guide:
A standard 351 Cleveland at 4000 rpm draws approximately 11,500–12,000L/min of air and expels approximately 34,000–36,000L/min of exhaust gas.
A 351 Cleveland producing 400hp draws approximately 16,000L/min of air and expels approximately 48,000L/min of exhaust gas.
A 351 Cleveland producing 500hp draws approximately 20,000L/min of air and expels approximately 60,000L/min of exhaust gas.
A 351 Cleveland producing 600hp draws approximately 24,000L/min of air and expels approximately 72,000L/min of exhaust gas.
A high-performance Cleveland (650–700hp) can exceed 26,000–28,000L/min intake and 78,000–84,000L/min exhaust flow.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use 2V headers on 4V heads?
No — port mismatch will severely restrict airflow.
Which is better: 2V or 4V?
2V for street torque, 4V for high RPM horsepower.
What happens if headers are too small?
High RPM power will be restricted.
What size exhaust should I use? (Guide only)
Standard 302 engine: Twin 2.50" with either 2.50" or 2.25" tailpipes
Performance 302 engine (350–400hp): Twin 3.00" with 2.50" tailpipes
Performance 351 engine (400–550hp): Twin 3.00" with 2.50" tailpipes
High-performance 351 engine (550–650hp): Twin 3.00" with 3.00" tailpipes
High-performance stroker engine (650–750hp): Twin 3.50" with 3.00" tailpipes
High-performance stroker engine (750–850hp): Twin 3.50" with no tailpipes
Do you supply performance exhaust systems?
Yes — we supply performance exhaust systems for:
Ford Falcons XR–XY: Twin 3.00"/2.50" or full twin 3.00" systems
Ford Falcons XA–XC: Twin 3.00"/2.50" or full twin 3.00" systems
Ford Falcons XD: Twin 3.00"/2.50" systems
Ford Falcons XE: Twin 3.00"/2.50" systems
Customer Support
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