I've been looking for headers for my '73 F250 camper special and it seems it's a tough fit? Hedman doesn't make one, neither does Flowtech. Hooker pro comp in a plain status is available, but it's $400+ . I'm looking at the Sanderson headers $285 plain steel, $435 with ceramic coat. Has anyone had any experience with Sanderson, and what is your view?? Thanks

Kevin

 

I vote Ixnay on the Sandersons, I tried and was not going to be happy, they don't match ports very well, and collector would be right against pan gasket, so sent them back. Do a seach under CACWBY and you should turn up much grief over headers. Others here told me of Ford Powertrain Applications (FPA) and they are the Bomb!! only do Ford and have long list of applications. The FPA matched ports perfectly, are made very well, and have modern ball/socket end, are tri-Y design, however I did have to cut a 1/4" or so out of frame on passenger side to guarantee no knocking against it - so even the best have problems, but comapared to Dynojunk and Sandersons these are the real deal.

 

CACWBY,

After reviewing the threads you mentioned, it seems that you were trying to bolt up the Sanderson Headers to Edel heads?? Does anyone have any experience with Sandersen Headers and C8AEH heads??

 

I have Sanderson F390 ceramic coated headers on my Hi-Boy and like them very well. I've have them on Edel heads now, and some C4AE's previously, and seemed to work just fine on both. I did have to slot the gasket bolt-holes to lower the gaskets about 1/4" for a better match to the ports, so you will want to look at that. My muffler guy had to be a bit careful on the passenger side to clear the frame, but all-in-all they have worked out nicely for me.
Steve

 

Thanks StephenW,

I suppose I'll have to weigh the opinions and make a decision. I did talk to the folks at sanderson, and they said they have a full money back deal if the headers don't fit correctly and such. My truck is a camper special, and that seems to be a sticking point (anti-sway bars) I guess??? I could try dougs header's, thorley, or hooker pro comp, but they are a bit on the $$$ side of things. I had previously "assumed" that the major header manufacturers had headers for ALL applications? After doing some reseach, it seems that if you're not driving a bowtie--that's not the case??? Sad state of affairs the way I see it! Ford has been the #1 truck in the USA for 20 some years now, right??? Doesn't make much sense to me.

 

try L&L they are nickle plated and have thick header plates.

 

FPA only does FORD.

 

They look REALLY nice, definitely on my short list now. My only concern is your mention of having to cut away a bit of the frame for clearance. I don't like that idea much???

 

I Understand that- it wasn't that we HAD too. They fit without but wasn't any extra room. I suggest calling and talking to Stan at FPA and explain exactly what the application is, and that you don't want to cut anything, etc. I think that if I'd told him about this he would have probably re made the passenger side on mine, but I never asked. (After Three sets of Headers I was getting a little tired). The good news is - starter has more clearance and can probably be replaced without removing headers or jacking engine up!

 

I can get hedders for my 1970 250 highboy 4x4, but not for my 1970 250 custom camper special. THe reaon is an anti sway bar, and that is a major part of what makes your truck a camper special. If headers fit they'd be on my 72 250 ranger xlt HD special right now..... too bad for the last owner,not all company's mention the camper special thing. Be wary if it does not mention any fit problems for the cs, that sway bar is an exhuast work supreme PITA .

 

Dory,

I've quickly found out that finding headers for a Camper Special is not as easy as it first might seem. I'm still somewhat confident that SOMEONE makes a decent header for FE Camper Specials. I never would have guessed it would be such a pain in the rear.

 

I have seen the warnings about full tube headers not working on the Camper Specials, I just assumed that it was because of the auxilliary gas tank... anti sway bay, eh? I have a Ranger with the aux tank and was worried about putting long tube headers on for that reason...

 

I think the anti-sway bars are the problem?? I'm still looking, but I may have to live with the manifolds????

 

Some people take the sway bar out, I could only see a 300lb drop in gvw since reguler 250's and 4x4's don't have'em.
I think the camper special only hauls an extra 300lbs, pretty sure on that.

Logs are good considering you don't have to muck with'em for hundreds of thosands of miles.

Imagine jacking up the engine and removing headers to get the roasted starter out

 

I just got some Sanderson headers for an FE swap to a 55 F100.
The headers were beautiful and the workmanship is great , but they didn't fit and they charge you a 15% restocking fee for returns. You want to make sure that they will fit your application.