I have a 64 F250, 223ci, T-98 Trans, Dana 60 geared 4.88. I am getting ready to fix the exhaust leaks. I am asking for input on either replacing with headers or stay stock. This truck is used for hunting and fishing along with a little hill climbing.

 

I would suggest that you stay with a stock exhaust manifold.


If the manifold has pitting at the mounting face and is causing exhaust gas leaks at the head ports, you may want to have the manifold-to-cylinder head face re-surfaced by a machine shop.
I would also recommend using a quality manifold gasket as well.

Just my 2 cents,,,,, BarnieTrk

 

I am interested in getting just a little more torque out of the engine. I am going to pull the exhaust and I imagine that I will have to pull the head also (last time on my 71 F250 with a 390 I bust 5 bolts in the heads getting it off), so I will be replacing all the gaskets.

I am just wondering if the headers will give a worthwhile horsepower and torque increase, or if the flow rate for the stock exhaust is comparable?

 

ktnissen,

I am no mechanical engineer, but based on my understanding - I can't see "replacing all the gaskets" as a way to gain HP and/or torque. By switching to headers, will not make any noticeable increases in performance to a worn & tired, 50-yr old, stock-built 223" 6-cylinder engine.

Have you performed a recent compression test on all the cylinders? This will give you a good indicator as to the condition of the piston rings and the valve seats. Without good compression, you'd have a hard time increasing HP and torque by any means.

The next move will likely be to determine "How much do I want to spend on this engine". You may be better served to simply look for a newer, better condition engine...maybe even a larger engine....if not a much more plentiful 300" 6-cylinder, maybe a V-8.

Assuming you want to look more into breathing more life into the 223". Ok, so let's also assume your compression readings will be "acceptable". With that being said, you might want to consider removing the cylinder head and having a valve job done on it. While your at it, I'd plan on a new camshaft with a 'RV' grind, new lifters and new valve springs, and valve seals.

If your are now rethinking how well your piston ring seal is, you may want to turn the crank some so you can get a bore gauge into each bore and determine how much each bore is worn. Your bore measurement findings will tell you if you can/should simply step up to a "re-ring and bearings freshening" or if you'll need to re-bore the cylinders and purchase over-size pistons as well.

Meanwhile, start reading any and everything you can get your goggle to list on Ford 6 cylinders and the art of rebuilding them.......

....and I'd hold off on buying any headers at this time.

BarnieTrk

 

Thanks Barnie, I was planning on a rebuild for the head, the compression is adequate across all 6 cylinders, +/- 10%. I did think about the 300 but have decided to stay with the 223 for now. Thanks for the suggestion concerning the cam, I will start looking in to this. I have did head before but I will definetly check the piston and bores while the heads are off.

I guess I am putting the cart before the horse when it comes to headers. I am still in the process of updating the tires and shocks, next I am finishing the rewire of the dash. Engine will be a few months away, because I am going to have the transmission rebuilt while I am doing the head.

I will say that I am getting 14 mpg, outstanding compared to my 71 F250 with 390 at 9-10 mpg, or my 90 F250 with a 460 at 7-8 mpg (although it only runs when hooked up to my travel trailer).


1990 F250 Larry
1971 F250 Leroy
1964 F250 Horse