ATF coating headers
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ATF coating headers
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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
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.
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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
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
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
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.
Stainless steel will turn blue due to heat unless they are treated or maintained.
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From: DFW Texas
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.
Stainless steel will turn blue due to heat unless they are treated or maintained.
More than likely those are cheap Chinese stainless that will crack in short time.
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Senior User
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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.
Stainless steel will turn blue due to heat unless they are treated or maintained.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Yeah, saw those too but visually compare them to the reference pics linked above... for whatever reason, they are different.
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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