Hi guys, just wondering what my options are for my 81 Econoline. I have the 300 6, and I'm looking to make some upgrades. I'd like to get a Clifford manifold, w/ a 2 barrel Holley if I can. On the exhaust side I'm thinking headers. I've done a lot of google searching, and that has yielded a set on the Clifford 6=8 site, as well as a set of Hedman Headers on Summit Racing. Not sure if the Hedmans will fit the van. What is being used on these vans??


Also, it doesn't seem that anyone makes a bolt on exhaust kit from the header back, which seems strange to me. I've been advised to just "take it to an exhaust shop" but I'd rather do it myself if I can. What are the options? Do I just have to piece it together at the parts house?

Finally, mufflers. I want it to be "rumbly" but not totally obnoxious. Any advice on a good muffler.

Thanks very much in advance.

 

Skip the headers. They are usually more trouble then they are worth. Unless you are building a race vehicle there is a better option.

Go with a pair of factory exhaust manifolds off a 87-96 EFI 300 ( 4.9L ) . These are basically cast iron shorty headers. They give you the benefit of a lot better flow without the down side that headers have ( warped flanges, blown gaskets, cooked starters that are a pain to replace ) . You can find them used or buy new reproduction ones.

It's fairly simple to build a system. But a lot depends on what tools you have access to and what your skill level is. You can either piece one together or buy a universal kit from someplace like Summit racing or Jeg's.

For a muffler it's really just personal preference. What sounds good to one person might not to the next. I really like Hooker Aero-Chamber Mufflers. But there are plenty of good mufflers out there.

 

offy makes a goo ddual plane 4barrel intake and it recomends 450-500cfm carb. factory efi manifolds are awesome too.

 

I prefer the Offy C-series better.