Headers or Manifolds?
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Alton, MO
Below are a few of articles for your perusal.
Engine Builds
Ford 406 Engine Build - Hot Rod Magazine
How We Got Over 500hp from Ford's 400M Engine - Hot Rod Magazine
Header Basics: Header Basics - How Headers Contribute to Horsepower - Car Craft Magazine
A more in depth discussion on primary and collector sizing:
1
Engine Builds
Ford 406 Engine Build - Hot Rod Magazine
How We Got Over 500hp from Ford's 400M Engine - Hot Rod Magazine
Header Basics: Header Basics - How Headers Contribute to Horsepower - Car Craft Magazine
A more in depth discussion on primary and collector sizing:
1
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Just out of curiosity what are all of you doing with all that extra hp? Isn't that broken manifold a FE? If we are talking FE makes no difference you will either have leaking/broken manifolds or leaking headers. I think the OP was more interested in dependability but I may be incorrect. If hp then headers. Still have no idea what you all are doing with ALL that extra hp you get from headers on the street.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,656
Likes: 4
From: Northern and Southern Cal
Who on this entire forum doesn't want more HP and a better running engine?
And who said we stay on the street?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
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From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
Agreed It is not just a case of extra Horsepower, but with extra Horsepower you also get greater efficiency, and that equates to better mileage..... In these economic times Better Mileage is a big plus! Yes you can build more power and kill your mileage... but adding headers is not one of the things that will do that..... If the engine is requiring less power to push the exhaust out, it is also requiring less fuel to maintain constant speed! Just basic Physics!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
Likes: 0
From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
Just out of curiosity what are all of you doing with all that extra hp? Isn't that broken manifold a FE? If we are talking FE makes no difference you will either have leaking/broken manifolds or leaking headers. I think the OP was more interested in dependability but I may be incorrect. If hp then headers. Still have no idea what you all are doing with ALL that extra hp you get from headers on the street.
If quality headers are used and installed properly there is no reason at all for them to leak... I had a lot of leak issues with the stock Manifolds... but none whatsoever with the headers....... BUT I purchased high end custom made headers... During my build up every part that was purchased was for improved efficiency, and reliability, I took the time, and spent the money to do it right.... And now I have a very trouble free set up that is very efficient, with the plus of having plenty of power. By the way I still have those leaky old Manifolds lying around if You are interested.... LOL
I take it that you are not a fan of the FE that is your choice >>>>>> funny thing there are so many FE's around, and all running just fine contrary to your limited opinion... the point of this thread is to give help, advice, and support.... not to NAY SAY, and criticize! DO you get the idea???? If you have nothing positive to say, then don't say anything at all! I am sure your mama taught you that at some point Enjoy!
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
Boy... lots of good ideas and info. As Elder User said, I am interested in reliability in a working truck. Power and efficiency are welcome also in a usable RPM range. I don't see this engine ever getting the hot cam or really big port heads that would push peak power way up over 400 HP. It wouldn't be a truck engine any longer at that level. Maybe 350 HP max some day.
If I think the thermal coated Headmans are reliable and durable, I may go for it... still not decided. I have decided to do the intake/carburation improvements and exhaust improvements together though. If I started with a really good exhaust system only, the OE 2V carb running 10% alcohol gas may not keep up so well. If it goes lean, bad things can happen as several of the posts have mentioned.
If I think the thermal coated Headmans are reliable and durable, I may go for it... still not decided. I have decided to do the intake/carburation improvements and exhaust improvements together though. If I started with a really good exhaust system only, the OE 2V carb running 10% alcohol gas may not keep up so well. If it goes lean, bad things can happen as several of the posts have mentioned.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Birch Harbor, ME
I have only had my Hedman Thermal Coated headers for 5 months or so but have had no problems with leaking so far. They have nice and thick flanges along with the ball and socket collectors which is nice and helps prevent leaks.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
I'm sure a lot of this leaking can be prevented by just installing correctly/tightening bolts correctly. You have to continue to check the bolts to the heads or a leak will occur, and if you over tighten/under tighten the bolts at the collectors, a leak will occur there also. I'd know because I over tightened mine at the collector and the flange bent in a way that it doesn't evenly seal around the gasket.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,315
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From: Rossmoor at Seal Beach
As with any parts subjected to heat and extreme pressures proper installation and Torque specs. make all of the difference in the world... People who whine about leak issues are the guys that never do things properly, aka Half A$$ed together... Sure Cheaper parts will fail, but if you install, and use a part properly there should be no reason for failure.... Or leakage.... For most guys small diameter headers are going to give the best compromise for the buck... And yes doing the intake and exhaust at the same time is a wise way to go.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 2
From: CASA GRANDE AZ
leaks on headers are caused from the gasket expanding and contracting witch will loosen the bolts and cause the leak and loss of bolts !
use copper gaskets or ultra copper silicon for the gasket !
http://www.permatex.com/products/aut...sket_maker.htm
http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/tu...-should-i-use/
use copper gaskets or ultra copper silicon for the gasket !
http://www.permatex.com/products/aut...sket_maker.htm
http://www.theturboforums.com/smf/tu...-should-i-use/
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