Headers for a 71 f100
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New User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 21
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From: East Coast
Headers for a 71 f100
I am going to pull the motor on my truck. When I do this I will also pull off the old manifolds and replace them with headers. I am interested in the Hooker competition series or a Heddman header package. Opinions on either of the two? How well do they fit, sound and easy to install? Thanks guys!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
2WD or 4WD? Are you subject to emissions tests?
.. yes, it matters.
Btw, ya might wanna fill out your signature with your rigs' specs so we don't have to go through this Q n A session when ya ask a question. It's just easier for everyone that way.
.. yes, it matters.
Btw, ya might wanna fill out your signature with your rigs' specs so we don't have to go through this Q n A session when ya ask a question. It's just easier for everyone that way.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
The first thing you should ask yourself is can, I remove the starter with the headers in place.
It seem now days header builders don't seem to care today since theirs now mini starters that can be used for easier access to the starter.
But most guys hate using one as it's not a over the counter starter but special order that may take a few days, where as the stock starter may be in stock or get one the same day for ya..
Orich
It seem now days header builders don't seem to care today since theirs now mini starters that can be used for easier access to the starter.
But most guys hate using one as it's not a over the counter starter but special order that may take a few days, where as the stock starter may be in stock or get one the same day for ya..
Orich
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 891
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From: Mayfield, KY
I don't think you will be disappointed with either the Hooker or Heddman brands as they have been around a long time. You may also consider some "shorty" designs that may let you have access to the starter without dang near pulling the engine to replace......
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 8
From: Langley, BC
Hedman quality is not what it used to be. They're cheap for a reason. I wouldn't suggest them.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Look for the thickest flanges and thickest tubing that your budget can buy.
FE long tubes typically require that the passenger side motor be disconnected and the engine lifted for the header to be inserted. Long tubes will trap the starter and require that the header be unbolted if ever the starter needs to be replaced.
Also, there are versions which all the passenger side tubes travel behind the motor mount... some are split - two forward and two behind the mount.
... and we haven't even addressed auto vs manual transmissions, auxiliary gas tanks, and the resulting routes dual exhausts may take.
FE long tubes typically require that the passenger side motor be disconnected and the engine lifted for the header to be inserted. Long tubes will trap the starter and require that the header be unbolted if ever the starter needs to be replaced.
Also, there are versions which all the passenger side tubes travel behind the motor mount... some are split - two forward and two behind the mount.
... and we haven't even addressed auto vs manual transmissions, auxiliary gas tanks, and the resulting routes dual exhausts may take.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
If your going to do headers while you have the motor out. I'd look into Sanderson headers. They have thick flanges so they won't warp and cause leaks to happen. The fitment was great on all the trucks i seen them installed on with little to no problems. I'll be using a set on my 66 most likely. Being able to use a stock starter is a good thing when choosing a set of headers also being able to install it without removing the header would be a bigger plus. I'm a fan of mini starters. I'll use one in every vehicle I get I like the small compact size and don't usually have to worry about getting heat soaked from the headers. Like said though the downfall is sometimes you can't get a replacement at the parts store the same day. On my Mopars I run mini's and if they burn up I can use a common truck starter that's usually in stock. Don't think you can do that with the fords though. I'm not a fan of hooker and hedman headers usually see sloppy fitment and crap for quality on most things I seen them installed in. Remember you get what you pay for and headers ain't one of those things to cheap out on unless you really want to take a hammer to a new set of tubes and dent them to fit.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,806
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From: Langley, BC
Just did that yesterday to my Hedmans.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,371
Likes: 7
From: PA
Yup I've seen that done on multiple vehicles and even had to do it on my own before. ****ty feeling seeing money wasted with every swing of the hammer ain't? What made you go with hedmans over other brands?
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,806
Likes: 8
From: Langley, BC
They were on the truck when I bought it. I'd never spend my own money on Hedmans.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Sanderson Shorties - More coin but less headaches
As-installed on an FE mounted on an engine stand:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-pictures.html
As-installed with the FE installed in the truck:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13620693
OEM starter & the header. Close, but at least the starter isn't trapped like a rat.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-pictures.html
As-installed with the FE installed in the truck:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post13620693
OEM starter & the header. Close, but at least the starter isn't trapped like a rat.