just bought a 88 f250 4x4. 351 5 spd RCLB truck. i've searched about headers and did not see much. i've seen pacesetters mentioned but also read where they had some inherent issues with o2 placement and flange bolts. i found a set of obx headers i am interested in. i've installed obx stuff on various other vehicles and always had good luck. anyone running the obx long tubes on their truck?

i have a soft spot for 80s trucks. this one is 100% stock and untouched. interior is in great shape. orig sheet metal and old paint. it's straight and solid underneath. im excited. plans are bolt on engine mods...and that's it. ill have my hands full with fluid changes and tune up items for awhile.

 

Have you tried searching for reviews on those particular headers?

 

yes. i have found plenty on mod motors but no 351w motors. i guess i'll be the guinea pig. after more in depth investigation today i discovered that the exhaust leak is a manifold gasket and i refuse to deal with that mess and put a 28 year old exhaust manifold back on. the truck also needs a belt tensioner so ill take that opportunity to remove some other stuff and clean up the engine bay. we shall see.

 

Come back and let us know how they fit; spark plug clearance, starter clearance, etc.

 

Any update?

 

not yet. it has been cold and the holidays never leave me with any free time. ill report back when i have definitive info.

 

Flowtech from summit racing $185 bucks,, long tube headers produce the best low end torque,, these headers come with short header connector pipes also a great place to relocate your O2 sensors, just buy a bung set off ebay $6 and go for it,,, i recommend drivers side header to turn just before the cross member ( not under the transmission pan but before it or after it) and transverse to the passenger side to run your true duels on back to your mufflers,, or cats then mufflers if your politically correct

 

Bentwire, do you have them installed? I'm curious about the spark plug and starter clearance of those as I saw them touted on here as best bang for the buck, somewhere.

 

i have had them installed on a 351w in my truck and there were absolutely no issues this is my advice,,, request them unpainted bare steel,, then go to walmart and get three cans of VHT High temperature ceramic coating not the VHT engine enamel i made the mistake of doing that,, paint burn off quickly n you end up with rusted junk,,,, the VHT ceramic High temp coating i think its like 1200 degrees resistant or somewhere along those lines,, also make sure you use the metal VHT metal prep first,, fo;;ow the directions to a T then install and run your motor to operating temp for 15 minutes or so,,, then turn off and let the coating cure,,, take your time and do it right and you will have $200 in what would cost you a fortune to have ceramic coated headers that will last a lifetime,,,,, I highly recommend VHT coatings its awesome stuff.. when i get my 408 finished up i am going to use it to coat my engine it comes in several different colors... good luck! you will enjoy the simplicity and great fit as well as the accommodation for bung holes that Flow tech offers on their headers

 

Fwiw, ceramic coating does not last a lifetime. Depending on quality and location (rust belt), ceramic coatings can last 6 months in rough conditions or 5+ years in mild conditions. Not worth it at all in my experience, stainless or just let em rust.

I've installed many a flow tech header, and 9 times out of 10 I've had to bend the drivers collector to clear driveshaft in 4x4 apps. Stock ride height fairs better than lifted trucks. Otherwise good fit.

 

your experience will get better the more you work at it.. not everyone can accomplish the same level of craftsmanship as others

 

that's good advice about doing your own coating and requesting them bare. I wonder how much a local shop might charge to do a ceramic coating. Maybe still cheaper than the convenience of ordering the coating from the factory.


F2urd is that a difficult process, bending the collector? I've never messed with headers. Seems like it could be hit or miss with fitment from flowtech.

And I'm not in a hurry so once we hear back from s346k maybe I'll have a better idea. (no rush OP)

I didn't notice stainless as an option on the flowtechs on summit.

 

Flow techs don't come stainless, options are limited if you want stainless. Speed daddy stainless headers have been reviewed on here a few times, fitment is not very good but they're so cheap that it is hard not to give them a look. I haven't dealt with obx w which is why I want the OP to let us know how they go.

I almost bought the speed daddy headers for my new truck but I got flow techs instead, I wanted the smaller 2.5" collector which finalized that decision.

Bending header collectors is easy as long as you have an oxy/Acetylene torch. Best to mount the header and bend it on the truck.

 

here are few video links to see how others have done it


controversy surrounds headers in the automotive would just use your best judgement on what you can afford the shop i worked in last 40 years quit installing them in the mid 70's