Guys with Headers
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Guys with Headers
About to take the plunge and replace the manifolds as the studs are starting to break. I have found numerous threads and looks like Banks, Thorley, & Hedmann are my only choices. Any additional opinions on these? Also did you use the studs supplied in the kit or go with the some type of locking bolt? Any continuing problems with exhaust leaks? Opinion and advice is appreciated. Will be going on a 2003 C/C
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
I have the Thorley headers for a while now, been at least 4 years probably. I used all the bolts and gaskets that came with the kit but replaced the 2 steel ubolt exhaust clamps with stainless ones. Expect to have to tighten the bolts a couple times after install but that is about it. Overall I am happy with them and happy with the power increase as well.
Banks are good headers and cream of the crop, plus they are stainless so they resist rust better. Hedmanns seem to be doing well except for some reported issues with leaks where the header bolts to the y-pipe.
Banks are good headers and cream of the crop, plus they are stainless so they resist rust better. Hedmanns seem to be doing well except for some reported issues with leaks where the header bolts to the y-pipe.
Tuned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 434
Likes: 23
From: Somewhere in Alaska
I'm sure you've seen my Hedman install thread. I used the hardware that came with the kit. So far, I haven't had any problems with the manifold bolts. But, I have had to tighten the header to Y-pipe bolts three times, the last of which was just last week. If I have time this week, I'm going to email Hedman and see what they say about it.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 420
From: Long Island USA
I'm sure you've seen my Hedman install thread. I used the hardware that came with the kit. So far, I haven't had any problems with the manifold bolts. But, I have had to tighten the header to Y-pipe bolts three times, the last of which was just last week. If I have time this week, I'm going to email Hedman and see what they say about it.
I do have some missing hangers since my Magnaflow install, so I think the exhaust torquing is causing the driver's side collector to get a lot of pulling action, leading to the rings bending. But since the grade-8s have the flanged heads and nuts, the rings can't bend a hole lot anymore.
HOWEVER - overall, love the quality of the Hedman's. Silver coating is still on, looking great, lots of stop-and-go driving, so they do get hot. Used the supplied hardware for the head-to-header flange, supplied gaskets, and anti-seized the bolts. Checked the torque on those bolts every few days for a few months, just to make sure, and nothing has loosened up - except those collectors, and mainly the driver's side.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
i've had banks on my 2001 for over 11 years and not single issue, never a leak or even a re-tighten. the 2 piece y-pipe is a huge advantage over the others that don't offer it, easy to line up and do not stress the headers when tightening things up. by the way, did the install in my driveway and no issues
good luck sir!
good luck sir!
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
Good info guys, I will probably go with Banks and just use the supplied hardware. I know they are expensive but the investment looks to be worth it. May go ahead and just replace everything from the headers back as I plan on keeping the truck for a long time to come. Let you guys know how it goes once the deed is done.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
From: Plover, WI
Good info guys, I will probably go with Banks and just use the supplied hardware. I know they are expensive but the investment looks to be worth it. May go ahead and just replace everything from the headers back as I plan on keeping the truck for a long time to come. Let you guys know how it goes once the deed is done.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pchelp
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
21
Jun 18, 2017 11:55 AM
