open header damage?
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Paducah, KY
open header damage?
Hey guys, just bought some headers for my 77 f250. It has a 400 in it and I dont drive it alot, but when I do I like to hear it. Ive read mixed things about running open headers some say it can warp valves, others say its just an old wives tail. Would just like a little more info on it thanks!
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Hey guys, just bought some headers for my 77 f250. It has a 400 in it and I dont drive it alot, but when I do I like to hear it. Ive read mixed things about running open headers some say it can warp valves, others say its just an old wives tail. Would just like a little more info on it thanks!
Just glad you're not my next door neighbor
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,261
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From: Big Sky Country
X2 with Mike....
IMO open headers warping valves falls under the "old wives tale" category...
WWII fighter planes ran shorty headers, less than 12" in most cases, and they flew at altitude in temps upwards of negative 40-60 degrees.
If open headers warped valves those planes would destroy valves every flight.
IMO open headers warping valves falls under the "old wives tale" category...
WWII fighter planes ran shorty headers, less than 12" in most cases, and they flew at altitude in temps upwards of negative 40-60 degrees.
If open headers warped valves those planes would destroy valves every flight.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Paducah, KY
cant wait to hear what it sounds like
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
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From: Austin, TX
I ran open headers on the way from my house to the exhaust shop and it was quite painful to listen to, especially at certain speeds where the sound seemed to create a resonant affect in the cab.
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Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,095
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From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Here is an idea when I first put mine on....and then later on did the "stack" thing with a quick one bolt and one u clamp mount system.
IT IS VERY LOUD IN THE CAB, CAN NOT TALK AT ALL IN THERE.
Would it pass inspection, well no. Has it ever had tags on it, well no...
But blasting out across the back 40, 4 wheeling and going thru the 4 spd you hear it for sure.
IT IS VERY LOUD IN THE CAB, CAN NOT TALK AT ALL IN THERE.
Would it pass inspection, well no. Has it ever had tags on it, well no...
But blasting out across the back 40, 4 wheeling and going thru the 4 spd you hear it for sure.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Mesa
Be careful about up and over the axle bends if you have a shop do it with a ram style bender. I had 2 1/4" dual exhaust bent up and where they went over the axle was reduced to about 1 1/2". I lost all my power. Been there, done that, never again. Mandrel all the way & I go out the side now.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Paducah, KY
You might, but those around you likely won't. Hopefully you live in a rural area.
I ran open headers on the way from my house to the exhaust shop and it was quite painful to listen to, especially at certain speeds where the sound seemed to create a resonant affect in the cab.
I ran open headers on the way from my house to the exhaust shop and it was quite painful to listen to, especially at certain speeds where the sound seemed to create a resonant affect in the cab.
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 27
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From: Paducah, KY
Be careful about up and over the axle bends if you have a shop do it with a ram style bender. I had 2 1/4" dual exhaust bent up and where they went over the axle was reduced to about 1 1/2". I lost all my power. Been there, done that, never again. Mandrel all the way & I go out the side now.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,600
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From: Billings, MT
No damage to the motor with a properly tuned carb afterwards. Will sound like *** though.
If you want a good loud sound without sounding like crap run 3" duals straight back to Dynomax Bullet mufflers and then out the sides in front of the tires.
If you want a good loud sound without sounding like crap run 3" duals straight back to Dynomax Bullet mufflers and then out the sides in front of the tires.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Sedro-Woolley, WA
Headers will hold enough heat so that the valves won't be affected.
It's when you run a motor without any exhaust piping at all (No manifold or header bolted to the head) that you run into problems. The exposed exhaust valves shock cool and warp.
It's when you run a motor without any exhaust piping at all (No manifold or header bolted to the head) that you run into problems. The exposed exhaust valves shock cool and warp.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Douglas, Georgia
If I may.....
at the track, a really well worked race engine with high compression sounds wicked with open headers.
A smogged out 150hp ford 400 with 7:1 compression in a F250 just sounds bad with open headers.
at the track, a really well worked race engine with high compression sounds wicked with open headers.
A smogged out 150hp ford 400 with 7:1 compression in a F250 just sounds bad with open headers.
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