help with headers
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
help with headers
Dont skimp on price when you are looking. I installed some Bassani ceramic coated, equal length headers on my 96 351, and I love them.
Also, motorhaven.com might have some, but I have never looked. Some good brands to look at are JBA, Gibson, Bassani, and Flowtech.
Rich
Also, motorhaven.com might have some, but I have never looked. Some good brands to look at are JBA, Gibson, Bassani, and Flowtech.
Rich
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
help with headers
I dont have any personal experience with them, but they seem to be on the lower end of the header scale. If you give this some time, some of the regulars of the list will probably jump on this thread and give their ideas. Are there any headers you had in mind, or just getting a feel for what everyone has?
Rich
Rich
Mountain Pass
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: covington
help with headers
Just put ford motorsport headers on my 1990. They are supposed to be stainless steel so they should last. They fit great and went on with no problem except for the last bolt on the passenger side. It fit right, just very hard to get a wrench onto. I imagine all headers having the same problem. They also bolted right up to the stock y pipe. Noticed a little extra performance, mostly above 2500 rpm. Cost $309 at summit. FYI get a good quality ratcheting 3/8" 12 point wrench which should make life much easier if you go with these.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
help with headers
I used to have hedman header on my 1969 Mach 1, it has a 351w, I switch to a tremec tko and had to ditch those headers for shorties, I put on JBA's and they made more power and had better fit and quality. Remember you get what you pay for.
Gavin
Gavin
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Monterey bay area
help with headers
I would go for Bassani or JBAs
both have thick flanges......this means no exhaust leaks associated with the cheap $150-250 dollar headers....
because they are of shorty config, clearance is similair to manifolds..
I have JBA's with thermal barrier coating and am happy. expect to pay about $400 for a set...
both have thick flanges......this means no exhaust leaks associated with the cheap $150-250 dollar headers....
because they are of shorty config, clearance is similair to manifolds..
I have JBA's with thermal barrier coating and am happy. expect to pay about $400 for a set...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento
help with headers
I currently have some summit shorties. Have had an exhaust leak since day one. Just ordered a set of JBA shorties and in the box they look a lot beefier and a lot higher quality than the summit racing ones. Hopefully get them installed this weekend and eliminate that leak.
2 ways to do it,
right,
and
twice.
don't make my mistake and have to do it twice. Buy a good set, it will save you money in the long run.
89 bronc 351, .020 over, keith black hyper-u pistons, 9:1 comp, MAF, and some other goodies to come.
65 mustang, soon to be 5.0L H.O. FI
2 ways to do it,
right,
and
twice.
don't make my mistake and have to do it twice. Buy a good set, it will save you money in the long run.
89 bronc 351, .020 over, keith black hyper-u pistons, 9:1 comp, MAF, and some other goodies to come.
65 mustang, soon to be 5.0L H.O. FI
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
help with headers
first. what are your intentions? why do you need headers?
no doubt they sound cool as hell. and they do.
check your local "emissions" laws.
if your factory exhaust manifolds are cracked, and they will if they haven't already, just replace the stock manifolds.
if you want performance, then you'll need more than headers.
if you want sound, then cop a cat back dual kit and load a pair of cherry bombs
on it.
best-o-luck
ambrose
86 Bronco XLT - The Beast
79 Jeep Cherokee - Black Beauty
no doubt they sound cool as hell. and they do.
check your local "emissions" laws.
if your factory exhaust manifolds are cracked, and they will if they haven't already, just replace the stock manifolds.
if you want performance, then you'll need more than headers.
if you want sound, then cop a cat back dual kit and load a pair of cherry bombs
on it.best-o-luck
ambrose
86 Bronco XLT - The Beast
79 Jeep Cherokee - Black Beauty
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Monterey bay area
help with headers
SOme headers out there will carry all the fitting for smog equipment...
as far as power adders, headers are the single most cost effective bolt on of the accessories.....you will notice an immediate difference....
The sound IS a nice perk....
as far as power adders, headers are the single most cost effective bolt on of the accessories.....you will notice an immediate difference....
The sound IS a nice perk....
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
help with headers
Reviving an old post here...it seems that a lot of y'all are using shortie headers...why is that? I thought that full length headers were supposed to be better. or is all that matters is that they are equal length?
Just asking because I am seriously thinking about replacing my manifolds...then i would go ahead and get a y-pipe and high flow cat and muffler too.
These Bassani headers that y'all keep talikng about look good but what are the sizes that they have like pipes and collector Diameters.
Thanks
Just asking because I am seriously thinking about replacing my manifolds...then i would go ahead and get a y-pipe and high flow cat and muffler too.
These Bassani headers that y'all keep talikng about look good but what are the sizes that they have like pipes and collector Diameters.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 450
Likes: 0
From: Charter Oak, Iowa
help with headers
Some say that there is more power to be made with the long tube headers. The biggest advantage the shorties have is there ease of installation and will usually match up to the factory y-pipe. Long tubes can be a bitch to install and route the exhaust out especially in a 4X4 Ford where the transfer case is an obstacle. The Bassani Street Thunder system on my truck is 1 1/2 primaries exiting to a 3" exhaust. If your into serious mods and HP then 1 5/8 primaries would probably be in order (I'm assuming 5.0L here). You'd have to call Bassani to see what primaries are available for your app.
Randy
Randy