I'm in the process of repairing the manifold gaskets and like expected i broke a bolt ... or three. Now while i struggle to fix my mistakes i been thinking, how much will i gain going to headers over my cast iron manifolds?
I have 600 left in the bank for this project and i need to spend it wisely.

If headers are the right choice i seen between the frame and fender exit headers. Also not sure if there is a better option than the other.

the truck is a 77 f150 4x4 with a 460 crammed in it.

Thanks

 

I've never noticed any gains from switching to full length headers other then a MUCH sexier exhaust note, but I drive heavy 4x4s with very mild powerplants.

 

HowStuffWorks "How do exhaust headers work to improve engine performance?"

The biggest advantage is your engine breathing easier. You will have an increase in gas mileage, also, if your driving habits stay the same (it's just so hard not to jam on the pedal once you have headers, though ).

 

If you look around you can get a pair of cheap shorties for as little as $50.


Really though it depends on what you want. Headers will help overall power output and peak figures while, at least in my experience, extrude honed manifolds bumped up low end torque as did using an iron intake.

 

I am running manifolds on a 400 and have debated headers... also posted about it some time ago. To get reliability, higher end headers are a lot better I believe. A set of Sanderson's installed correctly would probably be as reliable as manifolds but would eat up more than the $600 budget. That's partly why I'm running manifolds for now. In your situation I'd suggest you stick with the manifolds and put the $600 to good use elsewhere.

 

Headers are the way to go! They will lower your EGT, give an aggressive note, and increase fuel economy (if you can keep your foot out)

I have Hedman Hedders and they sound mean. If I had $600, I would buy a set of Hedmans and put the rest of the money towards a true dual exhaust system to put behind them. Here are some good full lengths for your truck

Hedman Street Hedders 89140 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

But if you have $600 to go for headers specifically, you might as well get Hooker headers

Hooker Super Competition Headers 6811HKR - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

 

Upon getting my 73, the 390FE had a 4bbl and Eddy intake already but still exhaled through manifolds and dual 2.25-inch tubing. I got around to installing the POs' headers which were still in the box through 2.5-inch tubing and the increase in HP and TQ was very noticeable. It's not got a nice growl and burble too.

Do it.

 

Headers. More effiecient, and more power/torque. Only prob sometimes is the header bolts can come loose so have to tighten them down every so often. But dont go cheap on fasteners for them. Def helps. Esp if you get stainless steel.

 

To whet yer appetite here's a shorty version. Long tubes are better for all out HP and TQ but these will clear without most of the headaches. $325 in plain steel or $525 with black or aluminized (shown) ceramic coating:

The Sanderson FF463 header set fits Ford Bronco 4x4's, Studebaker Trucks, and Avantis using Ford Big Block 429-460 engines.

 

Oh yeah, couple other things I forgot to mention. First, you have to unbolt the motor mount and jack up the motor a few inches to clear the headers during installation. Second, the paint WILL burn off of the headers the first time you start it with them on, so don't freak out when a weird smelling smoke is coming from underneath your truck.

Oh also put a wood block on top of the jack before you raise the motor or you will punch a hole in the oil pan. Here's what I did

 

I debated headers for a long time. The guy that built the engine told that with the mild 268 cam and 4-barrel, headers would not make all that much more power and I would not have to mess with changing gaskets all the time. Well I decided to add them and It made a big difference.

 

Looks like the Headmans are the ones for me. Cheap and has a one piece flange. Now to get the best price.

Also nobody touched on the fender exit headers. Are they just not that popular?

 

i've seen Hedman's for sale on craigslist locally for as little at $35...you can definitely score some cheap if you are patient.

 

Since that truck never came with a factory 460, how many different header manufacturers do you have to choose from? I would try and see if the header companies have a good tech support phone number or tech email....things like home fabbed vs aftermarket motor mounts, what type of starter, etc

 

Just a heads up, those headers listed above are for 4x2 trucks. You'll need these.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/he...rd/model/f-150