I just picked up a 1965 F100 that had a 351W swapped into it. I'd like to put in headers if they are not more trouble than usual. The headers on my '74 F100 with the FE engine are a total nightmare. I an trying to remove the pass side with no luck. I finally got the last bolt out, now it looks like I'm going to have to raise the engine to get it out.

 

Have both, FE has the Hedman longtube; and Hooker longtube on the 302 and in both cases requires lifting the engine slightly to remove passenger side header. I also removed a small amount of material from the cross member because I did not feel there was enough clearance between the header flange and cross member. Considered 'shorties' perhaps other members will offer comments?

I have to replace the headers on the 65 with the small and recently located the original exhaust manifold. I swapped the 2bbl for a 4bbl so I am going to have to do the research to determine if the original exhaust will work, certainly had considerable get up and go with the original 2bbl with stock exhaust manifold??

 

My daily driver is a '73 F250 FE, and I got rid of the boat anchor intake and put on an Edelbrock 4v with a 600cfm carb, stock exhaust manifolds with single exhaust still, and it runs very well. I was planning on putting the headers on it, but I am not sure if they are worth the trouble. I am also very fearful of breaking off the manifold bolts. I am in the process of parting out the '74 F100, and selling the F250. Not much luck as I live in the boonies.

 

Appreciate the information, I also dumped the cast iron intake, went with the Edlebrook 4v, and a Holley 4160 carb. I was not sure if going back to the stock exhaust, using the 4bbl set up, would be an appropriate application. I bookmarked an article on 'Header Basics' in determining the appropriate Header configuration, which I found too complicated for my level of experience. Since I have a Ford F100, with a T18, and a 3.54 rear axle ratio, I am not sure swapping stock exhaust for headers and 4bbl set up made a significant difference?? It has been many years, but seem to recall the 302 with the 2bbl had a lot of 'get up and go'?

Header Basics - How Headers Contribute to Horsepower - Car Craft Magazine

 

Will make a huge difference, in HP and fuel economy. I am just trying to figure out if the hassle is worth it to me. A 4bbl with improve performance over a 2bbl everytime. If you thought the engine was peppy with a 2bbl, wait 'til you get a 4bbl on it.