Headers vs. manifolds

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May 30, 2017 | 12:56 PM

obsford

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From: Michigan

Headers vs. manifolds

I have a 2001 F-150 5.4. In the past few years I've had a manifold on the right side crack twice. I've been contemplating buying headers instead. I live in Michigan so they'd see salt. I'm interested in seeing what you guys would suggest

May 30, 2017 | 06:59 PM

enriched&beyound

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2008

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From: NE Iowa JD Country

Quote:

Originally Posted by obsford

Have you checked your engine & transmission mounts ?? If they are giving extra movement, then it maybe your exhaust that is taking the extra stress??

It maybe the quality of your manifold that your installing too?? Were they aftermarket? or OEM?

Switching to headers can be a expensive option. Going with shorties headers will offer the least amount of down stream modification , if any. Long tubes will require some major revamping of most if not all of your exhaust system.

Being in the "rust belt" you probably will be better going with stainless steel and ceramic coating. If you have looked at headers much at all, you most likely already know that carries a premium price. I would caution you not to get those cheep ones ....maybe you get a good set , maybe not??? Which is what your trying to avoid judging from your opening comment.

May 30, 2017 | 07:21 PM

obsford

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From: Michigan

Yea mounts are all good. I used oem replacement manifolds. I will probably end up spending the money on good quality long tube headers, and just straight pipe the rest.

Jun 6, 2017 | 07:08 AM

jchandler11

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The question would be do you plan to keep the truck long term? If so then investing in headers might be your option. How many miles are on the truck? Yes headers will allow the truck to breath better plus you can pick up some HP. Just depends on your needs I guess.

Jun 6, 2017 | 07:20 AM

obsford

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From: Michigan

Yes the plan is to keep the truck for a while. Truck has 70k. Just worried about which would last longer living in the rust belt

Jun 6, 2017 | 08:25 AM

alloro

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Quote:

Originally Posted by obsford

In the past few years I've had a manifold on the right side crack twice.

I've been driving for 40-years and never once had an exhaust manifold just crack on me. To me it sounds like something isn't squared with the exhaust ports on the head.

Jun 6, 2017 | 08:28 AM

obsford

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From: Michigan

This year of the 5.4 is notorious for cracking manifolds. Plus I live in Michigan so it rusts. My uncle and my grandfather both have the same truck and have had the same manifold issues. Not a rare occurrence in these motors