Headers or not
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Headers or not
I have a 1978 supercab 4x4 f-250 truck with the 400 v-8 stock engine. What are your opinions out there about headers vs. stock manifold exhaust system -(which is what mine is.) I have a stock 2 bb. carb on it. If headers,is a 4 bbl. better? Painted or ceramic coated headers? Shorty or full length system? Ease of installment on this particular truck? My stock manifolds have been loosened so bolt breakage during removal shouldn't be a problem. Thanks,Randy
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
If you ever intend on swapping a 4bbl onto it go with headers so it can breathe. Unless you have some serious performance parts just stick with painted and I went with the long tube but that was just a preference thing for me. Also being that it is 4wd try to find the kind that go outside frame rails, you will thank me for that tip ha ha
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 14
From: Bloomington, IN
FWIW, here is what I am going to install on my 79 F350 4x4 SC with the 400. Going with the MSD Ignition 8350 - MSD Pro-Billet Ready-To-Run Distributors, MSD Ignition 8200 - MSD Blaster 2 Ignition Coils, MSD Ignition 6425 - MSD Digital 6AL Ignition Controllers. Below are the carb & headers. This will be a much needed upgrade over the current stock setup.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bi...rd/model/f-350
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-1406/overview/
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/bi...rd/model/f-350
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-1406/overview/
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Upgrading the intake and exhaust with headers, exhaust, intake, and carb is worth about 25 percent more HP plus more TQ.
I recommend 2.5-inch exhaust tubing, long tube headers, free flowing mufflers of your choice, a Weiand Action Plus intake, and a 600 cfm carb with vacuum secondaries.
I recommend 2.5-inch exhaust tubing, long tube headers, free flowing mufflers of your choice, a Weiand Action Plus intake, and a 600 cfm carb with vacuum secondaries.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,096
Likes: 5,757
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
You are half way there.....IMO frame exit (outside the frame exit) are the easiest and cheapest to finish the rest of the exhaust sys. You can even you do it yourself...
Painted $ are cheaper that ceramic $$$. Ceramic might be a back order if you use L&L?
Headers now, then alum intake and 4 bbl ASAP, then one thing after another. Straight up timing set....
Get the thick Jeffs Bronco Graveyard header gaskets and the locking Nord-Loc lock washers (Fastenall) along with some quality grade 8 hardware.
And put some anti-seize on the bolts.
Painted $ are cheaper that ceramic $$$. Ceramic might be a back order if you use L&L?
Headers now, then alum intake and 4 bbl ASAP, then one thing after another. Straight up timing set....
Get the thick Jeffs Bronco Graveyard header gaskets and the locking Nord-Loc lock washers (Fastenall) along with some quality grade 8 hardware.
And put some anti-seize on the bolts.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,512
Likes: 3
From: Panama City
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 14
From: Bloomington, IN
Rich, I'm not sure L & L offers the headers for 78/79 400 engines? I know my son put a set on his 429 (1977 hiboy-fender exits) but I didn't think they were available for the 400 engines...might be wrong...?
You are half way there.....IMO frame exit (outside the frame exit) are the easiest and cheapest to finish the rest of the exhaust sys. You can even you do it yourself...
Painted $ are cheaper that ceramic $$$. Ceramic might be a back order if you use L&L?
Headers now, then alum intake and 4 bbl ASAP, then one thing after another. Straight up timing set....
Get the thick Jeffs Bronco Graveyard header gaskets and the locking Nord-Loc lock washers (Fastenall) along with some quality grade 8 hardware.
And put some anti-seize on the bolts.
Painted $ are cheaper that ceramic $$$. Ceramic might be a back order if you use L&L?
Headers now, then alum intake and 4 bbl ASAP, then one thing after another. Straight up timing set....
Get the thick Jeffs Bronco Graveyard header gaskets and the locking Nord-Loc lock washers (Fastenall) along with some quality grade 8 hardware.
And put some anti-seize on the bolts.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,512
Likes: 3
From: Panama City
I dont think they do. You would think with all the 4x4 Ford trucks from 77-79 and Broncos from 78-79 w/351m/400 someone would design/sell a set of headers that are not fenderwell that dont hang 4 inches below frame rails. Hell even some type of blockhugger headers would be better.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,404
Likes: 14
From: Bloomington, IN
IIRC the only one that makes shorty's for the 400's is Sanderson...
Edit: Sorry about that HIO, I didn't see your post!!
Edit: Sorry about that HIO, I didn't see your post!!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,096
Likes: 5,757
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
I have no idea if L&L sales them, I only guessed, just to give the OP a direction...yes I should of looked it up.
But I figured that someone would have a better answer anyway.
But I figured that someone would have a better answer anyway.