I got a 1989 F150 auto trans, 4x4, with a 6" lift. I already have 2 1/4" true duals. I am think about putting headers on my truck. I know shorty headers will bolt up to the Duals exhaust I have now.

But which is the best? Is long tubes worth the effort?

 

Longtubes are def worth the effort, the sound difference alone would be worth it to some. I rec Pacesetters myself, they fit the best (perfect) and allow you to keep the EGR without any modifications.

 

I don't have a EGR, smog, or even cat, lol so that's not a big concern with me. I am worried that the front drive shaft or the 1356 transfer case might get in the way.

 

I have a 95 F150 302 with long tube headers and they do not interfere with anything

 

My opinion, which may ruffle a few feathers, is you already have an investment in a custom dual exhaust. If you do not want to go back and re-engineer ($$) some of it go with shorties. On a stock engine the shorties and long tubes are not going to be that much different in return on your investment. Almost anything is better than the stock manifolds, IMHO.

 

You ruffled my feathers , i like the long tubes......

 

But you do not have a stock engine

 

If the stock ypipe was replaced then duels added, then go with shorties... if not, whatever you do with that ypipe in there is going to be a waste.

Long tubes for better torque . Shorties for ease of install
:-/

 

I have a stock engine right now, but the plan is a Edelbrock 5.8 EFI truck intake, and some GT-40 heads later.

Yep, I replaced the factory y-pipe with 2 1/4" true duals.

Thanks guys, sounds like shorties are right for me.

 

I have had long tube pace setters and shorty pace setter headers. Stock motor and I did not notice a difference other than costing more for long tubes.

Both were ran true duals with an H-pipe

I am now running shorties with h-pipe into a magnaflow y-pipe and magnaflow 19" muffler.

Shortys look better imo. Long tubes hang down to low and I hate the look of anything exhaust related hanging below the frame rails and visible from a side view beside the tail pipe

 

I'd suggest you put a cam in it first.. the stock bumpstick is severly limiting output.. even on an otherwise all stock motor.

Your truck has a SAS so longtubes designed for a TTB will produce driveshaft clearance problems, shorties are the better solution for you.

 

Excellent advice. I didn't notice he had a SAS (dang mobile site is pretty basic).

 

Thanks! What I needed to know.

I know the intake alone will help big time, What cam would you recommend? I have a 351w SD EFI.

These are the heads I am looking at.
Ford Racing 302/351W Turbo Swirl Aluminum Cylinder Heads - SummitRacing.com

 

Sorry.. it'll make little to no difference with the stock cam and heads in place, but given your full upgrade plans it'll be needed once the heads are on the motor. The motor will also need mass air, larger injectors, and a tuner then too however.

Crane 444232 and 1.7 rockers.

Very nice heads.

 

Will the SD EFI not run my 351w after the upgrades? I thought a SD EFI with stock injectors was good up to 350 hp.

Also I have a 94 SD EEC, that has the tuning port. I think its call a "J3 service port" I though it could be tuned.

Also I am not very sure about 64cc heads or 58cc with a 351w.

Sorry if I am asking alot or questions, I am in uncharted waters. Most of my experience is with carbed engines. Thanks for all the help, and the cam/rocker arm advice!