i have a 2002 2.3 auto and i'm looking to replace the entire exhaust. would a header from a 2.5 or from an older 2.3 fit this engine? possibly a factory ford tubular steel header instead of the stock cast iron manifold? i'm looking for a direct bolt on, no modifications. also looking into a high flow cat and muffler from magnaflow. anyone had any luck with any of these mods? any further suggestions?

 

The header like the factory one on my 97 should fit. You'd just need to look one over and compare the chassis & location of anything that may be in the way with your own truck.
AL.