Headers, O2 Sensor and Thermactor
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From: Fair Oaks Ranch, Tx
Headers, O2 Sensor and Thermactor
I'm going to rebuild my 460 in my 1988 F250 XLT Lariat Extended cab 4spd w OD (Z) transmission (4.10 rear end, not that it matters). I was thinking about headers and dual exhaust as an upgrade. However, after looking it over, seeing the thermactor/air pump inputs into the exhaust downstream of the O2 sensor and the placement of the O2 sensor after the Y, I'm having second thoughts. I've read enough comments on various posts where I'm not interested in removing the Thermactor/Air pump stuff.
So here are my questions. If I go dual exhaust, what do I do with the O2, pick one side for the O2 and let the other go without? And the same question applies to the thermactor ports in the exhaust, dual port them? That seems like overkill.
All in all, after seeing the setup, it seems to beg to stay as a single exhaust system. In that case, are headers even worth it?
So here are my questions. If I go dual exhaust, what do I do with the O2, pick one side for the O2 and let the other go without? And the same question applies to the thermactor ports in the exhaust, dual port them? That seems like overkill.
All in all, after seeing the setup, it seems to beg to stay as a single exhaust system. In that case, are headers even worth it?
Last edited by Finger__Rachet; Jun 29, 2012 at 04:11 PM. Reason: clarity
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Central Wisconsin
For the O2 sensor, pick one side and stick it in. It only requires 1 input. As for the line into the exhaust, most people just cut that and don't hook it back up. it shouldn't throw a code or anything. I have it removed on my truck with no ill effects.
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
So here are my questions. If I go dual exhaust, what do I do with the O2, pick one side for the O2 and let the other go without? And the same question applies to the thermactor ports in the exhaust, dual port them? That seems like overkill.
All in all, after seeing the setup, it seems to beg to stay as a single exhaust system. In that case, are headers even worth it?
All in all, after seeing the setup, it seems to beg to stay as a single exhaust system. In that case, are headers even worth it?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: PineyWoods
I'm going to rebuild my 460 in my 1988 F250 XLT Lariat Extended cab 4spd w OD (Z) transmission (4.10 rear end, not that it matters). I was thinking about headers and dual exhaust as an upgrade. However, after looking it over, seeing the thermactor/air pump inputs into the exhaust downstream of the O2 sensor and the placement of the O2 sensor after the Y, I'm having second thoughts. I've read enough comments on various posts where I'm not interested in removing the Thermactor/Air pump stuff.
So here are my questions. If I go dual exhaust, what do I do with the O2, pick one side for the O2 and let the other go without? And the same question applies to the thermactor ports in the exhaust, dual port them? That seems like overkill.
All in all, after seeing the setup, it seems to beg to stay as a single exhaust system. In that case, are headers even worth it?
So here are my questions. If I go dual exhaust, what do I do with the O2, pick one side for the O2 and let the other go without? And the same question applies to the thermactor ports in the exhaust, dual port them? That seems like overkill.
All in all, after seeing the setup, it seems to beg to stay as a single exhaust system. In that case, are headers even worth it?
and come join us in the Texas Chapter!
I did this job on my '86. I used Hooker Competition long-tubes, and put the O2 sensor on the passenger side collector. I cut the foot off a pair of pantyhose and zip tied it over the end of the cut off end of the air tube and tied it back out of the way on the passenger side frame rail. The truck ran just great and I never had a single problem from it. Ever. It was superb.
Just like Conanski said, a single exhaust is just fine. You can run more exhaust flow through a single 3" pipe than you can two 2" pipes. I have a neighbor that runs a muffler shop. He fabricated a custom dual system for my '86, but we put a single on my '03. Both offered great performance gains. Just make sure you choose your muffler wisely (we like Magnaflow if you're open for suggestions) and don't forget to pay some attention to the intake end of things as well. If your '88 was like my '86 it came from the factory with an intake design that was very nearly a C.A.I. and so a K&N drop-in worked just super great to really open my little baby up!
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