A dumb question on headers...
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
A dumb question on headers...
This may sound silly, but I haven't found the answer in the archives, and of course it's not covered in my factory repair manual...
I'm looking to install a set of long-tube headers, probably Hooker or Hedman, on the 360 in my 1975 F-100 (not 4WD). Does the engine have to come out to do this, or can the headers be installed without pulling the engine? I know there is a likelihood of breaking bolts, but the iron logs were resurfaced and reinstalled with new gaskets and anti-seize on the bolts not more than a few years ago.
So discounting broken bolts, how much of a PITA is this install going to be?
Thanks!
Karl
I'm looking to install a set of long-tube headers, probably Hooker or Hedman, on the 360 in my 1975 F-100 (not 4WD). Does the engine have to come out to do this, or can the headers be installed without pulling the engine? I know there is a likelihood of breaking bolts, but the iron logs were resurfaced and reinstalled with new gaskets and anti-seize on the bolts not more than a few years ago.
So discounting broken bolts, how much of a PITA is this install going to be?
Thanks!
Karl
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
IIRC, look up the header application(s) at Summit Racing and check if Summit provides a PDF of the installation instructions. That should provide some clues...
I believe they have to go in from underneath, requires that the left engine bolt be loosened, and the right engine mount removed in order for it to slide up in there. Removing the starter is recommended if not required.
I bought Sanderson PN427 headers to avoid the headaches of long tubes on a 2WD.
I believe they have to go in from underneath, requires that the left engine bolt be loosened, and the right engine mount removed in order for it to slide up in there. Removing the starter is recommended if not required.
I bought Sanderson PN427 headers to avoid the headaches of long tubes on a 2WD.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,955
Likes: 47
From: Mesa
Way back when on a 73 F250 w/360 I had to unbolt the starter, move it around while setting the headers up in there. Then bolt the starter on then the headers. Kept thinking this starter better last a while..... I used Hedmans
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: wichita ,kansas
on mine i had to re route brake lines,trans cooling lines,and install a mini starter and kinda had to do the starter and headers at the same time,but i bought the headers off craigs list so not sure of the brand and maybe thats why i had such fun.
on the brake and trans i used poly-armour lines,they are the shiz,can be bent by hand if you are carefull.but on sharp bends use a tube bender,and all the auto stores have them
the starter in the pic can be rotated on the mount plate to miss the headers
on the brake and trans i used poly-armour lines,they are the shiz,can be bent by hand if you are carefull.but on sharp bends use a tube bender,and all the auto stores have them
the starter in the pic can be rotated on the mount plate to miss the headers
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 811
Likes: 4
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Thanks guys... from what I'm hearing it looks like I need to schedule this job when I've got other major work to do on the engine. I was hoping to just "slap on" a set of headers in the near term, but the job doesn't sound like it's quite that easy.
Thanks again for the input!
Karl
Thanks again for the input!
Karl
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 173
Likes: 2
On my 74 F350, I have used the Hedman long tubes for 14 years, and recntly replaced them with FlowTech longtubes. Both brands look virtually identical. As mentioned, I had to unbolt the starter, and I wired it to the header collector for installation, the tubes run pretty close to the stock, full size starter, but have never caused any issues. I didn`t need to raise the engine during the install, but I did need to Re & re some of the clutch linkage. Broken off upper row exhaust manifold bolts are a potential issue, since the bolt holes are open. Before I did anything else, I would ensure that all the upper bolts will come out OK. Plenty of penetrating oil (and time), or a torch may well be required.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 636
Likes: 5
From: down a red dirt road
I have (dynomax) blackjack longies and I had the starter off but re-installed after the header was in position so I'm not sure if you really have to?, one thing I noticed no one else mentioned is I had to bend my inner fender away from the engine (I used a B.F. crescent wrench lol). I dont remember having any problems with the driver side and I don't remember having to pick up the engine. They went in from under and took a long while of finagling.
This time I cheated and tied them to the frame before dropping the new motor in with the whole front body off! That makes it soo dang easy sitting on the tire and bolting that up!
This time I cheated and tied them to the frame before dropping the new motor in with the whole front body off! That makes it soo dang easy sitting on the tire and bolting that up!
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,148
Likes: 5,783
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
After you wrestle them in cussing and jacking up your motor, pulling starters ect....
Then you will realize that headers that come out inside the frame, you will have to contend with the trans crossmember being 3" to 4" right in the way of connecting up the rest of the exhaust sys.
Correct 2wd guys? At least on a F150 4x4 auto, it was right in the way.
Then you will realize that headers that come out inside the frame, you will have to contend with the trans crossmember being 3" to 4" right in the way of connecting up the rest of the exhaust sys.
Correct 2wd guys? At least on a F150 4x4 auto, it was right in the way.
New User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I tried some Hedman headers on my 73 2-wheel drive with a 390 and took them off. The starter was an issue, but the main thing was that the outlets were directly in front of the transmission cross-member and would have to have had a quick offset to miss.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Ventura, CA
On my 74 F350, I have used the Hedman long tubes for 14 years, and recntly replaced them with FlowTech longtubes. Both brands look virtually identical. As mentioned, I had to unbolt the starter, and I wired it to the header collector for installation, the tubes run pretty close to the stock, full size starter, but have never caused any issues. I didn`t need to raise the engine during the install, but I did need to Re & re some of the clutch linkage. Broken off upper row exhaust manifold bolts are a potential issue, since the bolt holes are open. Before I did anything else, I would ensure that all the upper bolts will come out OK. Plenty of penetrating oil (and time), or a torch may well be required.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Use lots of good penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil, etc.) and time. Soak the top row of bolts and let them sit, then do it again, and again over several days.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
On 360/390's the bottom row of bolts for the exhaust manifolds are "blind" holes. They go into the block and bottom out. The top row of bolt holes are through holes. The bolt can screw all the way through and stick out of the end of the hole. A lot of times the bolts in these holes will seize up and break off.
Use lots of good penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil, etc.) and time. Soak the top row of bolts and let them sit, then do it again, and again over several days.
Use lots of good penetrating oil (PB Blaster, Kroil, etc.) and time. Soak the top row of bolts and let them sit, then do it again, and again over several days.
If the engine runs I suggest this.
I have had great success with removing the top exhaust bolts on FE's by taking them out, or at least loosening them, with the engine warm and running. I still use penetrating oil on them for a few days before removal, usually when I park the truck for the day, letting it soak overnight, repeating for several days.
I have never had an exhaust bolt break on a FE since I started using this method. I have burnt a couple knuckles though.
If the engine isn't running you are back to the usual methods of dealing with broken bolts.
Good luck.
Roger Carter