Just like the title says, I've owned my truck for about 2 months and its developing a loud tick when cold and gradually quiets down when warming up. My plan was to go to shorty headers, but i heard they reduce low end power? For the cost of shortys I don't want to risk this. My truck is lifted 4'' currently on 37's with 3.73's (Will be new 35's in a week). I need all the grunt i can get for right now. Truck spends most time from around 1,800 RPM up to 3,500 RPM.

So looking at replacing just the passenger manifold for now. I see Dorman out there a lot, is their manifold of best quality out there? The studs look intact right now and the truck came from southern PA, so its fairly clean.

Is there a stout manifold bolt kit out there also? Rust is a major issue here (Central NY).

Let me know what you guys think.

 

I am in the same boat with my 2002 5.4L. I am not so sure about losing a lot of bottom end with the shorty's as the stock manifold look like they flow exhaust fumes about as good as a coffee stirring straw.

More importantly, the cast manifolds are know for cracking and warping causing leaks. I plan to install the shorty's because they are 400 grade stainless and they have a very thick flange that bolts to the block. Hopefully, I will have to do it once and never again.

Also, look into SCE copper gaskets from Summit Racing. They are apparently the absolute best for a good clean seal.

 

I'd add ceramic to your header's specs. It does make a difference.

 

I am planning on a JBA ceramic set. I had a feeling that coating really helps, but no one I know ever uses it. I mentioned the stainless simply to compare to the cast iron? factory manifolds.

 

I have Gibson stainless shorty headers on my 2004 f350 with 5.4 for over five years now and besides slightly surface looking type rust they are in perfect condition for a NJ truck. I even have the stock Ford studs the truck came with and they are looking great also, ill take some pics for you tomorrow and show you.

 

And for low end power, yea the 5.4 doesn't have that. LOL I'm gonna get heat now for that but regardless of what the specs say the 5.4 in the SD is well gutless down low, when i did 4.30 gears it helped but i should have did 4.56 gears and if i had 35" tires 4.88 gears

 

I'm definitely still on the fence of headers or manifolds, i could swing a manifold right now, but not the headers. I would have to do those spring 2016.

If there wasn't an improved manifold i really don't want to have this issue again in the long run.