Header question
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: South Central, KY
Header question
86 F150 4X2 AOD/5.0
Unfortunately I broke all 4 bolts trying to remove the exhaust (installing trans) so I opted to pull the manifolds and put some headers on. Nothing fancy, just bought a used set. I kinda wish I hadn't done it but oh well they're on now. Sounds great outside of the truck, completely mind numbing inside the truck. I kinda expected that having had headers before when I was young. Now that I'm pushing 40 it's much less appealing.
Long story short (as many of you know) the headers don't leave much clearance to the trans cross member, my question is do I have to "MAKE" the drop down to go underneath or can I buy one in a kit? Google search has just shown me straight flange adapters/ bolt ons.
Nothing earth shattering here, but I'd rather purchase a bolt on kit if possible, just don't have a lot of free time these days.
Thanks in advance.
Unfortunately I broke all 4 bolts trying to remove the exhaust (installing trans) so I opted to pull the manifolds and put some headers on. Nothing fancy, just bought a used set. I kinda wish I hadn't done it but oh well they're on now. Sounds great outside of the truck, completely mind numbing inside the truck. I kinda expected that having had headers before when I was young. Now that I'm pushing 40 it's much less appealing.
Long story short (as many of you know) the headers don't leave much clearance to the trans cross member, my question is do I have to "MAKE" the drop down to go underneath or can I buy one in a kit? Google search has just shown me straight flange adapters/ bolt ons.
Nothing earth shattering here, but I'd rather purchase a bolt on kit if possible, just don't have a lot of free time these days.
Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 448
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
Need some more info...Are the headers shorty-style or are they full-length? and how do you want it? True duals? 2 into 1? or 2 into 1 and 2 out? With true duals, the left side still needs to cross over to the right side. the side-saddle gas tank tend to take up alot of space. Summit and Jegs, & LMC truck should have something more or less bolt on. There are also universal kits as well. but if your really ina time crunch. it may just be best to take your truck to a reputable muffler shop and have them run it for ya.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: South Central, KY
Need some more info...Are the headers shorty-style or are they full-length? and how do you want it? True duals? 2 into 1? or 2 into 1 and 2 out? With true duals, the left side still needs to cross over to the right side. the side-saddle gas tank tend to take up alot of space. Summit and Jegs, & LMC truck should have something more or less bolt on. There are also universal kits as well. but if your really ina time crunch. it may just be best to take your truck to a reputable muffler shop and have them run it for ya.
It's an occasional driver (if I need to make a trip to lowes or farm supply etc).
Will turn downs (mufflers flush with trans) keep most of the noise out of the cab?
Mufflers close to trans = too much heat????
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 997
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From: Rock Valley, IA
I don't think turn downs will do much good as far as the noise goes. I had to cut the muffler off my truck the other day (long story) and it is loud on acceleration and idling even in the truck. Unfortunately they didn't put a lot into noise dampening on these trucks. I would consider getting the duals but put a muffler at the end.
As far as heat goes, i would say that you would generate a lot of heat compared to just having a pipe running next to the trans. Not sure if that is correct and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but in my estimation if you have the muffler right there you not only have the heat from the muffler but from the exhaust coming out as well. Possibly a heat shield would take care of this issue.
As far as heat goes, i would say that you would generate a lot of heat compared to just having a pipe running next to the trans. Not sure if that is correct and I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong but in my estimation if you have the muffler right there you not only have the heat from the muffler but from the exhaust coming out as well. Possibly a heat shield would take care of this issue.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
What I did is in this thread started by Gary:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-exhaust.html
Remember that the transmission also creates heat. Considering the truck will be moving most of the time and heat is therefore dissipated, I wouldn't worry about it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-exhaust.html
Remember that the transmission also creates heat. Considering the truck will be moving most of the time and heat is therefore dissipated, I wouldn't worry about it.
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New User
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: South Central, KY
What I did is in this thread started by Gary:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-exhaust.html
Remember that the transmission also creates heat. Considering the truck will be moving most of the time and heat is therefore dissipated, I wouldn't worry about it.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l-exhaust.html
Remember that the transmission also creates heat. Considering the truck will be moving most of the time and heat is therefore dissipated, I wouldn't worry about it.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 448
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From: Dearborn Heights, MI
I am only assuming...that since you are running headers, that you will probably use performance-oriented mufflers(loud) and with the turn downs right under the cab...equals lots of resonating and droning... I had a Flowmonster dumped before th rear axle on my 88 Bronco...It sounded good, but the droning and resonating got old.
And another assumption...With the way he is describing how he wants to route it...I see a large source of heat on the left side of the truck...near the fuel lines...usually a high heat source and gasoline are not a good mix out side of a engine lol. Now there may never be an issue. or one day a rusty fuel line might pop. Or maybe a possibility of "Vapor Lock" I think that is what its called?? Personally I would at least run it past the cab and routing both sides to the right. but, these are just my opinions and assumptions
And another assumption...With the way he is describing how he wants to route it...I see a large source of heat on the left side of the truck...near the fuel lines...usually a high heat source and gasoline are not a good mix out side of a engine lol. Now there may never be an issue. or one day a rusty fuel line might pop. Or maybe a possibility of "Vapor Lock" I think that is what its called?? Personally I would at least run it past the cab and routing both sides to the right. but, these are just my opinions and assumptions
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
Headers are a pain, it would be worth it to you to take them back off, drill out the bolts in the manifolds or just get new manifolds, and put the stock system back on. There is no "bolt-on" kit for these trucks with long tube headers, clearance under the truck is terrible, looks from the side of the truck with the exhaust hanging down looks awful, and you have to bring the outlets of the exhaust beyond the edge of the body or it will be loud inside the cab.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: East Texas
What amazes me about these trucks is how quiet they can be. I have the stock equivalent on my 302 and I hear the engine noise over the exhaust. I forget the truck is running. It is a night and day difference to my Lightning.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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From: Redneck Paradise
I was reading earlier threads about people putting EFI 300 headers on a carb'd 300, but I wasn't quite able to understand whether or not it would be a beneficial upgrade to their/my truck (and I can't seem to find that thread anymore.)
But in the topic of exhaust if you have an I6 300, I did find a dual-exit cat back 3" system by Heartthrob. The price seems very resonable and it seems to include everything. Personally, I'd get rid of the turbo muffler for a Cherry Bomb straight, but thats me. Hopefully this will help a future reader.
Heartthrob Exhaust 3" DUAL-EXIT CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEMS - JCWhitney
But in the topic of exhaust if you have an I6 300, I did find a dual-exit cat back 3" system by Heartthrob. The price seems very resonable and it seems to include everything. Personally, I'd get rid of the turbo muffler for a Cherry Bomb straight, but thats me. Hopefully this will help a future reader.
Heartthrob Exhaust 3" DUAL-EXIT CAT-BACK EXHAUST SYSTEMS - JCWhitney
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