I'm thinking about getting some headers for my 360 and was curious if anyone has coated theirs in ATF since I don't want to spend the money on ceramic coated ones. Also, if I do this should I get headers that have not been painted? Any recommendations on headers? I have been looking at some flotech since they are not very expensive but I'm not sure if I can find unfinished ones.

 

For those that are unfamiliar with the ATF treatment, here's how: Rust Proofing - Burn Your Headers - Circle Track Magazine

With headers, you get what you pay for.... long tubes are a PITA with an FE in these rigs. And what seems like a cheap, good deal is not a good deal when all other considerations are factored. Plus long tubes will trap the starter in place and the headers need to be disconnected to remove the starter... Finally, some long tubes installs require that the engine mounts be disconnected and the right side jacked up.

I recommend Sanderson (PN FF427) mid-length headers for ease of installation. Available in raw steel or ceramic coated. Alternatively, paint them up yourself or do the burned ATF treatment.

 

Oh wow.. I didnt know lo g tunes could be that bad. WI shorties fit a 4x4?

 

Yes.

Here. Do some reading on the FE engine:

FE Exhaust Manifolds and Why You Probably Want Headers
How to ID a 360FE vs 390FE
CarCraft Magazine: Build a Low-Buck Street/Strip FE
Sanderson Shorty Headers FF427 Reference Pics
Doug Thorley FE Headers
Ford FE Smog-Legal Horsepower,Part I
Ford FE Smog-Legal Horsepoewr, Part II

 

I found a nice set of some stainless steel shorties by racing innovation on ebay for under 200. Stainless wouldn't need to be coated right?

 

You mean these? Note that they are "universal fit". 330 360 390 410 427 428 Stainless Big Block Ford FE Engine Swap Shorty Headers B | eBay

Stainless steel will turn blue due to heat unless they are treated or maintained.

 

Which kinda looks cool.
More than likely those are cheap Chinese stainless that will crack in short time.

 

Broncos fan here. Chiefs suck.

 

LOL. Next time, use this 'un: " "

.. Now back to headers and decisions, decisions, decisions....

 

Did you mean to say "Peyton Manning fan here"... haha sorry had to... I'm done

 

Yeah those are it. Idc really if they turn blue. As long as they dont rust. How universal is universal? They're made for FEs aren't they? Do you really think they will crack? Like all they way through? Or just have a cracked appearance?

 

There are also some used sanderson ceramic coated that are about 270 after shipping...

 

Yeah, saw those too but visually compare them to the reference pics linked above... for whatever reason, they are different.

 

Yeah they are. Yours are an ff427 right? Those look more like an ff391. They have like 3 different FE ones I think. ff391, ff427, and ff390

 

Yes. FF427....