2 Questions:
1) I have a 1995 Ford F250 with a 5.8L V8 4x4. I have a cracked exhaust manifold which I understand is pretty common. My question is I am searching for a good, economical set of headers, I do not need high performance, it is a work truck, but only has 97000 on it and is el grande verdi beast!, can you help me out?
2) Any tricks to getting the old manifolds off, heat, etc?

Thank you

 

I have a set of Headman Headers, ordered from JEGS. $270

Start soaking the old studs with PB Blaster a couple of days before you start the project. Some prople who know they have broken studs will cut them off even with the manifold,then lift the manifold off, then weld nuts on the exposed stud. Seems to work pretty good. You sure do not want to break one off in the block.

 

Can't make header suggestions.

However, if you have some real trouble with removing any studs that might break (I hope not, but just in case), wax works wonders!

Heat the stud until it's glowing red hot, then touch some wax to the base of the stud where it threads into the head. The wax will suck down into the threads and provide lubrication. You may need to repeat the process 3-4 times, but it does work very well.

The one time my father and I did this, we used the wax from a toilet gasket; but I don't see why candle wax wouldn't work either. We did it 3 times on one of my intake bolts that busted off nearly flush with the head, and all it took to remove the stud was a pair of needle nose pliers.

 

That is a very good suggestion. Never thought of that.
What ever headers you decide be sure & buy some wrap. So you can wrap the header near the starter. Headers over heat starters & ruin them. Unless you buy ceramic coated headers. But buying ceramic headers is big money $500 up.
Craig

 

[quote=Immortal_Ben;12930518]I have a set of Headman Headers, ordered from JEGS. $270

Did they bolt right on, or did you need to make modifications? I lookedon JCwhitney and a lot of the headers say minor mod needed.

You don't have a part number by chance? Thanks for the help

 

[quote=Nohfd53;12932304]I expect they will need a tiny bit of modification, from reading all the threads about them on here. I am having a shop install them next week while I am away.

Will try to find a thread or two for you.

EDIT: Part# 500-89510, Headman Headers. Cannot find the threads I had been reading where other guys used this part number, but will try to look more tomorrow.

 

+1 on the PB Blaster method (or whatever penetrating fluid you like). Soaked mine daily for a couple weeks beforehand. Came out like butter.

Headers aren't your only option. There are replacement manifolds out there for cheap. That's what I used on my 89. No issues for the short time I still owned it after the job.

Mike