Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Headers for a 390

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 01:20 PM
  #1  
Coleton_henry's Avatar
Coleton_henry
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 368
Likes: 33
Headers for a 390

What are y'all running header wise on your 390s? Going to convert my 360 to a 390 or get another one altogether and I'm going to put headers on it. ( along with some other things )
 
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 02:08 PM
  #2  
wyrm73's Avatar
wyrm73
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 991
Likes: 110
From: Dallas, OR
Club FTE Gold Member
2WD or 4x4? I have whatever crappy ones came with the truck and have been looking for a good replacement for a while. Most of the long tube choices out there aim the collector straight at the transmission mount. And 4x4 gets the added joy of trying to pipe around the transfer case. I am still holding out hope of finding someone who makes a fenderwell exit header for the FE engines. The last one I knew of was Mad Dog and they don't show in their catalog anymore. The next best bet would be shorties from what I understand.
 
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 02:12 PM
  #3  
Coleton_henry's Avatar
Coleton_henry
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 368
Likes: 33
Originally Posted by wyrm73
2WD or 4x4? I have whatever crappy ones came with the truck and have been looking for a good replacement for a while. Most of the long tube choices out there aim the collector straight at the transmission mount. And 4x4 gets the added joy of trying to pipe around the transfer case. I am still holding out hope of finding someone who makes a fenderwell exit header for the FE engines. The last one I knew of was Mad Dog and they don't show in their catalog anymore. The next best bet would be shorties from what I understand.
1976 F-250 Highboy 4x4
 
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 03:24 PM
  #4  
somethingclever's Avatar
somethingclever
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,213
Likes: 321
From: SW PA
I like the 16 gauge hooker's for an FE/highboy application.

Fit well and strong...plus slip-on collector instead of 3 bolt flange.
 
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 04:12 PM
  #5  
gemutlich's Avatar
gemutlich
Mountain Pass
Veteran: Army
10 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 194
Likes: 24
From: 06804 / 38583
Well-recommended:

Headers for Ford, Mustang, Pinto, Bronco, Cougar, Ranger, exhaust parts for home built do it yourself automotive headers.

Keep in touch and let us know what you end up using, and what you think of 'em!
 
Reply
Old Jul 18, 2017 | 06:25 PM
  #6  
HIO Silver's Avatar
HIO Silver
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
Sanderson 3/4-length headers.

Unlike long tubes, doesn't require jackin up engine to install.

... doesn't trap the starter either.

Have fun with the long tubes!!!
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2017 | 07:01 PM
  #7  
PA74F250's Avatar
PA74F250
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,099
Likes: 8
From: York, Pa
I have the Hedman Elite with the ball and socket collector. They fit fine and do not leak and are 14ga. Bad part starter is trapped.
 
Reply
Old Jul 19, 2017 | 11:56 PM
  #8  
fordman67's Avatar
fordman67
Hotshot
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 14,376
Likes: 605
From: evansville in
Originally Posted by PA74F250
I have the Hedman Elite with the ball and socket collector. They fit fine and do not leak and are 14ga. Bad part starter is trapped.
I plan on the hedmans as well. Their flange is thicker than some of the other inexpensive units.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-4

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-6

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

 Brett Foote
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 10:20 AM
  #9  
9thPony's Avatar
9thPony
Elder User
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 580
Likes: 5
I'm using Stan's Headers. Excellent fit and finish.
 
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 10:49 AM
  #10  
Roger Carter's Avatar
Roger Carter
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
Look for the header with the thickest flange and the heaviest gauge tubing and I doubt you will be disappointed. Note...They won't be cheap.

I have used Hedman Elites on numerous trucks, both 2wd and 4wd and have always been pleased with their fit and finish.
I have L&L on my own '78 4x4 (with a 460) and have no complaints whatsoever.

Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 11:06 AM
  #11  
Jonnyuma's Avatar
Jonnyuma
Laughing Gas
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 79
From: A dirty little town in OR
Are the Sandersons that much better than the Hedman Elite series?

I'm also on the lookout for new headers so info is being absorbed by more than the OP. I've considered shortys and fenderwell exit units... what's the best?

When I say "best" I'm mostly considering ease of install, fit, and longevity.... tuned for peak HP is not really a "thing" in this case.
 
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 11:44 AM
  #12  
Roger Carter's Avatar
Roger Carter
Laughing Gas
20 Year Member
Liked
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 968
Likes: 5
From: Corbett, Oregon
Jonnyuma,

I can't speak as to a Sanderson header since I have never used them. I have read a lot of positive comments about them, as I have with Hedman Elites, and all my experiences with the Hedman Elite have been very good.

Shortys are usually an easier fit than long tube headers. Fenderwell exits are typically an easy fit, but they bring along their own set of problems when hooking up to the exhaust system.

Personal preference and experience have a lot to do with attitudes and opinions toward headers.

Hope this helps.
 
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2017 | 06:47 PM
  #13  
jakeharp's Avatar
jakeharp
Fleet Mechanic
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,311
Likes: 31
From: Nevada
Budget

If your on a budget like I was, the Flowtech's worked fine and were very affordable.... FE390 Right around $200, direct fit for my collectors, so worked out nicely.... Part# 12542FLT for 4x4

 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
BigBoy73
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Feb 23, 2015 10:03 AM
heikks
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Apr 22, 2009 02:52 PM
460man
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Nov 5, 2006 08:40 AM
NWcountry
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Mar 27, 2005 01:17 PM
390man
Exhaust Systems
1
Mar 4, 2005 01:16 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:46 PM.

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

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-02 21:45:57


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