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Anybody have any reviews for Hedman headers?
I'm wanting to get a set of headers for my 79 F150 2wd with 302.
I pulled front clip today and removed engine and trans. Engine needs oil pan gasket and timing cover gasket set. Trans has a broke low/reverse band. I got it all tore down now.
I noticed a ticking noise for awhile now. When I removed exhaust manifolds I noticed driver side had a good size crack in the back of it close to #6 cylinder. Figured its a good time for headers now.
I bought the Hedman Elites for 4wd FE. They actually fit really good no issues just a pain to get in place. They were already coated w/ hardware I think around $510. They were 14 Ga and 3/8 flange. I thought they seemed decent and very heavy built. Although I don't have a 302 I hope that helps.
OK thanks. Just looking for general ideas. I've never put headers on anything. I'm only looking to spend around 300. If there isn't a half decent header out there for that I may just forget it and get another manifold.
I've been letting this thing go for to long. Now I'm trying to get it all in good working order again to drive to work everyday. I thought maybe headers may squeeze a little more mileage out of it.
I have the $300 range headmans, the flange had a slight bend in it when it arrived, couldn't get a good seal. I had to bring them to the machinist. other then that they've been great
I had a crack in my manifold. I drilled 2 1/8" holes at the top and bottom of the crack to relieve the stress, used a grinder to apply a bit of a surface, then used this stuff. I had the truck for about 6 months more before I sold it, and no cracking.
If your budget for headers is $300, you need to look into the cost of exhaust rework.
Chassis Exit headers will be easier to rework your existing pipes, but very expensive to redo the pipes. Fenderwell exit headers will not utilize existing pipe routing, but will be cheaper to get new pipes.
Chassis exit headers are generally quieter than fenderwell exit headers simply because they are tucked up under the truck between the frame rails.
Had a few sets of Hedmans, was happy with them all, 300/I-6 and V8's. I do highly recommend header wrap before you install,,, save skin on fingers later on, ask me how I know! Something about HOT things and skin don't go together.
I've had my fenderwell exit Hedman's for about 2.5 years. If you get the painted version, know that it will burn off and they'll start to rust. Even here where moisture is scarce, I had to sand and paint them after about 1.5 years to remove the surface rust. In hindsight, maybe I'd go with the coated version, but the increase in cost seems excessive.
Yes to the go ahead and paint them b4 installation. Sand or blast all the factory paint off them. It is only for protection during shipping/storage anyhow. Apply some VHT paint according to their directions. I used this product on mine about a year ago. Still looks like new.
ask me how I know! Something about HOT things and skin don't go together.
