Hi all.

I am a newbie to the forum.

I have a 97 F250 HD 4x4 with a stock 5.8 L gas, 130,000 km, and a 3 inch pipe and muffler back from the catalytic converter which is now rusted out and needs replacing. I am thinking of putting on headers and either a new single or dual performance mufflers, but where I live I must keep the cat converter (good for the air, I am not complaining).

So:

- Is there any real advantage to putting on headers (performance, mileage, sound) if everything is still combining into a single pipe and going through a restrictive catalytic converter? Is it a waste of money? If not, what brands of headers (that will fit and last) are recommended? I was looking at BBK Shorties…

- How many 02 sensors are there on the stock exhaust system? I understand these must all be kept.

- And last, any real advantage of going with duals after the cat converter? I am really after a nice mean sound, which muffler brand (either dual or single) is recommended?

Thanks all,

Ash

 

WELCOME to FTE!

No ideas about brands and such, others will surely speak up. You might want to try the engine forum for your engine - is it a 351M or 351W? (I'm assuming 351M). They'll have more info specific to your engine.

Headers can only help. Be aware, unless you get very thick-wall headers, you WILL hear them.

If the stock cat is still good, use it - on the trucks, they aren't very restrictive, but if you do want to get more flow, go aftermarket.