Hey all I recently purchased a 1984 f150 xlt with a 351w + c6 combo. I'm looking to buy some headers. I'm having trouble that find some that will fit. Most of the ones I'm looking at only fit 4x4s. Anyone running headers on their 351w? I had hooker headers on my 76 360fe and they were great. Was hoping to find some that fit my current truck but am having trouble. Any other brand reccomendations/past experiences or insight is much appreciated.
Thanks

Jared

 

I looked on summit racing's site.

Hooker 6912HKR doesn't say anything about 4wd only that I can find.

Same with Hedman 89270

Same with Pacesetter 70-2223



Same with Hedman 89278

I quit looking after that. I am not sure why some say 4x4 only, a lot of the 5.0 headers do say FWD, RWD. You would think a 4x4 header would fit a 2wd since there is less stuff in the way on a 2wd truck frontend.

 

thats exactly what I assumed. But I've heard review of people saying they get reall close to the tranny pan. And I really don't want headers that don't fit

 

If you want tranny pan access and a good fit, I would not install any type of long tube header. They all hang low and in the way of everything. I have had the 4x4 flowmaster headers on a 351w 4x4 with a c6, and I had to bolt the headers to the engine, and then take a long pipe and stick it up in the collector and pull down to bend them to keep them from hitting the tranny pan.

Even after clearing the pan, they will be in the way taking the pan off, and you have to route the exhaust over and up somewhere, it looks terrible from the side of the truck if you leave the exhaust low like that all the way to the rear. And it drags on everything, especially a 4x4.

Look at the stock exhaust, how it's tucked up nice and neat under the oil pan and then up high on the pass side of the truck.

 

So after some research. It seems like the hedman 89270 are going to be the best fit. I still need to decide what mufflers I'm going to run. I'm gonna do 2.5in duals with over axel pipes.

 

Years ago i got the flowtec headers. Drivers side was angled into the tranny pan a bit too much so i had the exhaust shop heat it up and bend it outward. I ran a flowmaster dual in and dual out super 44 2.5". Sounds great. Im in the process of moving that exhaust to a different truck.

 

Did you notice an increase in performance?

 

No You didn't, because there was no noticeable difference in using Headers vs. Stock Manifolds. Want to know why?? PM Me and I'll tell You Why !

 

I want to know why.

 

Me too. I messaged him and he hasn't replied yet.

 

I'm just guessing but here's my thoughts: It's probably because that's not the most restrictive component. I've heard the engine referred to as a big air pump. The easier the air flows in and out, the more horsepower it can make. On the 351W, I've heard that the heads are restrictive and putting a set of GT40 heads on there from a Mustang Cobra without any other change will give 20-40 more horsepower. Then, if you change to less restrictive exhaust (custom headers, etc), you can bump it up some more. I'm guessing the intake would probably be next in the list, followed by the camshaft and then the crank.

 

Bingo...Sorry for the response delay but that is the reason. Restricted head port air flow at both the intake and exhaust ports. Braggs gets the gold star !

 

From actual experience with several setups, they do make a little bit of difference, but not much if you keep the 2bbl carb.

From my seat of the pants meter, a 4bbl carb AND dual exhaust with stock manifolds makes a nice increase. Headers seem to add just a little bit more but it's slight and the fit issues make them not worth it for me. And of course true dual exhaust on these trucks is not legal, 50 states. Some places let you get away with it though.

 

Well since someone else thinks its cool to answer a question directed to me, i wont make a change to his responce.

Only big difference the headers and all did was make it sound amazing. Must do other supporting mods to gain power.

 

Makes sense! Would you say any other additional bolt ons ( carb and intake) wouldn't be worth it if I'm keeping the stock heads?