I have a 99' F150, its a 5.4 liter, 4wd ext cab. I was wondering what is the best header for my truck?? Best meaning combination of sound and horsepower. My budget is under 500 for parts. I am going to try to install it myself, so if someone has knowledge of installation of a good header feel free to leave directions.

Anthony

 

Welcome to the forum

We've got a few guys on here with headers on their trucks so I'm sure you'll get some good tips soon.

 

Headers make some nice sound but the labor involved to me is not worth it. I too looked into some headers to go with my Flowmaster exhaust but after hearing about all the trouble with the studs breaking off, I decided to stick with the stock manifolds. If your quite the mechanic with some good tools and loads of patience, I'd say go for it.

 

Anthony, If you go to the exhaust forum you can read lots of posts that speak to the issue of installing headers on your 5.4 liter. I have a 98 F150 5.4 4x4 and had Gibson stainless steel headers and a flowmaster exhaust installed at a muffler shop. I supplied the headers, they supplied the muffler and pipes. I am pleased with both the proformance and the sound. I think the labor for the headers was roughly $200. As for doing the work yourself, read the forum posts I'm sure all your questions are addressed there.

 

I've got a set of Edelbrock headers waiintg for install that I ordered from a national wholesaler for under $375... they sell a ceramic version for around $420. BBKs are also a good buy in that price range. Powerwise, JBA apparently makes the best but at quite a few nickels... sound, umm, that's mostly the rest of the exhaust that controls that. I know about the stud issue, so when I went to scope out the worksite... found that 3 studs were already broken... 2 on the passenger, 1 on the driver's.

The job can be labor and "whoopsie" intensive, so make sure you have the right tools and a backup ride. 13mm & 15mm swivels and a shorty wrench for the EGR fitting. I'm working on my backup ride just in case the studs decide they don't want to play and I have to get to work.

-Kerry