So im sure people have asked all this before. I have a 71 F100 with a 360, Holley 500 cfm 2 barrel carb, MSD ignition system. I just bought a set of hooker competition headers (HOK-6903HKR). I already have a pair of 2.5 inch flowmaster 40s laying around that I am going to use. I was wondering if I should paint and wrap the headers or will that damage them in the long run, or should I just paint them and what paint should I use. Also I was wondering what size exhaust pipe I should run, I plan on doing dual exhaust, I was thinking 2.5 inch. Should I i do an x pipe or a h pipe. I might just dump it out before the rear axle pointed at the ground. Thank you for any suggestions or thoughts you guys can help me with.

 

You could get the headers Powder Coated, there are coatings that will stand 1000* . Or have them Ceramic Coated which is even better but more expensive.
The exhaust temperature of a fuel injected engine is around 1400* and a carberatored engine is a lot lower and the powder coating will hold up.
I prefer the sound of a "X" pipe but that's my opinion. The main thing is the primaries need to be connected so the choice is yours.
One other thing on the Holley, if it has the 30cc accelerator pump it is too much and the standard size will be better to keep the plugs cleaner.

 

I made a mistake on the accelerator pump, the stock pump is 30 cc and the 500 Holley may have the 50cc pump. It is easy to tell as the pump cover is much thicker.

 

2.5 inch dual exhaust and free-flowing mufflers of your choice. Either an x- or h-pipe will balance the sound and combustion pulses. For a truck, I more inclined to recommend the h-pipe in terms of RPM range.

Hi heat paint, paint n DEI wrap, or ceramic... depends on your budget.

 

Thanks for all the help Kenny and HIO Silver, I know it has a 50cc accelerator I will see about putting a 30 in and I will go with the hi heat paint and a H pipe, because Ive heard you get better low end torque.

 

I've never found high heat paint that will last much past the first full temp run. I've also never got a set of them wiggled in without scratching them all up.

 

Prep is key...

 

My dad is going to take them to his work and they blast them, paint them and then bake them in the oven to cure. My dad said all the paint lasts pretty well on the the tractors and they are right next to the ocean, so i hope they turn out ok, I mainly just want to protect them from the elements. Do you think I should get locking header bolts or just re-tighten them after several heat cycles?

 

I am a Huge fan of Stage 8 brand locking header bolts. I wouldn't put a set of headers on without them. The last two vehicles I put them and headers on was a 1983 Mustang GT and a 1995 Bronco 351W.
Mustang......long tubes......on there over 5 years. Never replaced a header gasket.
Bronco.....equal length shorties.....on there the last 2-3 years I had it. Never replaced a header gasket.
Sometimes they are a PITA to install the locking washer just right. But after that you're done forever.

 

Wrap on headers and motorcycle pipes holds moisture in and prematurely rots the metal. In my experience.

 

2x... wrap is OK for a rig that doesn't get driven in the wet.