352 Headers
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
352 Headers
I got some major exhaust leaks on my '65 F100 352. The manifolds are not cracked, but the gaskets are shot and so is that crappy heat riser and the x-over pipe. I was thinking of getting some headers, because that seems like it might be the cheapest and easiest way to get some dual exhaust (I found some Flowtechs for $148).
I have read some stories over in the Slick Sixties forum though about how headers will toast my starter and they are a PITA to install, and there is not much HP gain. Anyone have any comments on this?
I have read some stories over in the Slick Sixties forum though about how headers will toast my starter and they are a PITA to install, and there is not much HP gain. Anyone have any comments on this?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 3
Headers are a good investment, for better mpg and better hp. Stock exhaust manifolds are very restrictive. Cheap headers tend to warp and cause leaks that are not fun. You can wrap the headers around the starter or install a heat shield around the starter to keep the heat from ruining the starter. Buy good quality headers.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
So far, All i have found is Flowtech, Hooker, and FPA headers. Are any of those any good? I couldn't find a price on the FPAs, but they looked like the heavier duty ones. The Hookers were thicker than the Flowtechs, and not too expensive either.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,287
Likes: 3
They all make a cheap line and a quality line. Look for a 3/8 flange.
Stage 8 header bolt locks are very handy. Over time without the locks, the header bolts loosen up and then you get blown out exhaust gaskets.
Do it right the first time, and you can have many miles of trouble free, happy motoring.
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolt Kits - SummitRacing.com
Stage 8 header bolt locks are very handy. Over time without the locks, the header bolts loosen up and then you get blown out exhaust gaskets.
Do it right the first time, and you can have many miles of trouble free, happy motoring.
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolt Kits - SummitRacing.com
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 970
Likes: 0
I have headers on my 390, not sure what brand because there is no tag but I havent had any starter problems (knock on wood). If I ever have to take them off completely or if i change them, im going to wrap them and get a mini starter just for ease lol.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Usually, if you have a marginal starter to begin with, the heat from the headers will cause whatever resistance is in the starter already (usually the brushes/armature or a bad winding) to get worse. Heat + resistance = more resistance = slow start = high current draw = overheated solenoid = bad battery = smoking battery cables = you-get-the-idea 
I wouldn't avoid headers because of heating up the starter. I would, however, invest in a good NEW (or VERY high quality rebuilt) starter, or better yet a peanut (PMGR) starter.
I wouldn't avoid headers because of heating up the starter. I would, however, invest in a good NEW (or VERY high quality rebuilt) starter, or better yet a peanut (PMGR) starter.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, OH
LOL, well my starter is at least 20 years old, probebly older, so I guess I should add a new starter into the cost of this little project.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 30
From: VA
Check with Heddman on the headers also.see if they have a set that'll fit.I put a set on my '74 and knock on wood,no problems thus far.I wish I had the extra dough at the time and went for the Elite headers that they sell.Oh well.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
John
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 170
From: Central Texas
Let me elaborate, since I have done it. My butterfly fell into the pipe and eventually found its way into the muffler, so I cannot help you on getting it out. However, you'll be left with the hole that the pivot rod goes through. I tapped it to 1/4 - 20, installed a silicone coated short bolt. Been like that since 1997, no problems.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
66with352
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
30
Mar 4, 2018 07:45 PM
Amphihauler
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jan 31, 2017 03:06 PM
