Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

exhaust manifold or header??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 3, 2016 | 08:09 AM
  #1  
fordf2501's Avatar
fordf2501
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: elkmont alabama
exhaust manifold or header??

I have a 2001 5.4 250 and here recently I have been looking at replacing my leaking exhaust manifolds and from what I have been reading and looking at a lot of people who buy the replacement exhaust manifolds are having problems with them leaking a little while after putting them on and in my summit racing catalog they have a pair of headers for my truck(so they say) and they are about 200$ and come with gaskets and hardware and I was curious if anyone has had problems after they have replaced their exhaust manifolds like cracking and leaking after replacement? I know this is a issue with the jeep 4.0L and the 5.4 in my truck and I was curious to see if it would be worth it to go with headers over the manifold or if the manifolds were a better idea? here is the link to the headers Summit Racing® Truck Headers SUM-G9047 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2016 | 09:26 AM
  #2  
The Bone's Avatar
The Bone
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
Likes: 255
From: Livermore Ca.
Club FTE Gold Member
Use locking header fasteners and headers should be fine. They are a pain in the butt to get tight. Depending on your setup long tube are better than shorties. I had to go shorties on my 59 Chevy P/U because of the steering box. once you put them on and get them hot don't remove them because thats when they start to leak. Make sure the flanges are flat and about 3/8 inches thick. Use a good quality gasket also.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2016 | 09:28 AM
  #3  
wizkid00104's Avatar
wizkid00104
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 21
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Those headers are only good on the light duty F250 from 97-99. The 99-04 F250/350/Excursion use different part numbers.

Edit: Unfortunately no one makes long tubes for the 5.4, only for the 6.8. Some places may be willing to make you a custom set though.
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2016 | 10:49 AM
  #4  
fordf2501's Avatar
fordf2501
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 230
Likes: 1
From: elkmont alabama
so I should be looking at just oem style manifolds then? there is a exhaust shop not far from me and they build custom headers but I know I would end up paying a lot for them and this is just like a farm truck not a high performance application so really not worth what little gain I may get.
any ideas on where to buy stock style exhaust manifolds from I have been looking at rockauto and the prices aren't bad but the reviews I have read from summit on the same brands has me really worried about buying a set to just have the same problem as now
 
Reply
Old May 3, 2016 | 10:59 AM
  #5  
wizkid00104's Avatar
wizkid00104
Cargo Master
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 21
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I was told to only use Ford OEM manifolds as there are quality issues with the castings on the aftermarket ones.

Here are your other options for headers: 2002 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY 5.4L/330 FORD MODULAR V8 Headers - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

For what it is worth, it is usually no a cracked manifold causing the leak, but instead a blown gasket and/or broken studs. You will likely be able to re-use your manifolds but you should have them machined flat again before re-installing. I think I am going to headers on mine, but when I do I will be using SCE copper gaskets.

SCE Pro Copper Embossed Exhaust Gaskets 4046 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

Also, you will want to replace the studs with stainless. That will ensure this doesn't cause you problems again. You'll need 2 of these kits.

Amazon.com: Ford 4.6 & 5.4 Liter V8 Stainless Exhaust Manifold Studs Stud Kit: Automotive Amazon.com: Ford 4.6 & 5.4 Liter V8 Stainless Exhaust Manifold Studs Stud Kit: Automotive

Here is a nice write up on how to do the job.

2004 F250 Broken Exhuast Manifold Stud
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
2019RRSDLARIAT
Modular V8 (4.6L, 5.4L)
8
Dec 2, 2020 12:52 PM
joeycyph56
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Jul 31, 2019 09:47 AM
Kijutsu
1997 - 2003 F150
5
Nov 2, 2009 01:50 PM
BassMan 32
1997 - 2003 F150
5
Apr 26, 2007 07:38 PM
bwilder10h
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
9
Jan 7, 2006 04:18 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:50 AM.

story-0
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 09:39:23


VIEW MORE
story-1
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-30 18:33:59


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-5
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-6
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-9
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE