Looking into Headers for a 2000 5.4L 4x4. Any ideas and thoughts are appreciated. Thanks

 

I got headers on mine, but that was a product of a engine swap. Cheaper for me to do headers from summit than find stock manifolds. There was some tests done by Kenne Bell with the Mustangs. Seems you gain nothing by doing headers. On the trucks, it is similar. However, the way you can get more power is to do long tubes. Much more ex*****ve but will give you more torque. The summit ones did okay for me, but get the ARP header bolts with them to help out down on leaks.

 

I'm going to be need deep soon replacing my manifolds. I hear ya though, thnx for the info.

 

I would definitely replace manifolds with headers. There are some reasons not immediately apparent, and they go beyond just performance. A cast manifold has a rough inside surface. This surface can slow the exhaust down, an effect most noticeable at low RPM. Over time, these rough pits trap carbon particles, which don't have a huge effect on performance, in fact they can smooth over the rough spots, but pieces can break off, which can damage the converters and O2 sensors or they can work their way into EGR passages. Most good quality headers are also stronger, reducing your chances of having to deal with a cracked manifold.

Myself, If I were going through the work to remove a manifold, I would replace them with headers. You basically have two different types. You can go with shorty headers, which fit into the same space as the factory manifolds and match up to the stock exhaust, or you can go with long tube headers that do have slightly better gains, but require replacement of the factory exhaust.

As far as brands, I recommend JBA for their quality. The Summit brand is a cheaper knock off, but will work just fine. They may not have as much attention to detail or be as durable in the long term, but you can buy two sets for the cost of one JBA set.

 

Great info. I'll take everything in consideration. Those we're my thoughts, if i'm going through the time replacing them might as well make the transition into headers. Thank You.