4.9 300 Hedman Headers
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Joined: Dec 2017
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4.9 300 Hedman Headers
Hello,
I’m about to upgrade my truck with the Offenhauser C series intake and Edelbrock 1404 Carb along with Hedman headers. But before I get started with it I already know I can’t stick with the standard exhaust inlet because it’s a single and the outlet of the headers is a dual. For those who’ve made this upgrade, what have you done to make yours compatible? I’ve been thinking of getting a y pipe and flex pipes. And any other things I need to be aware about before I get started with my project will be helpful!
thank you
I’m about to upgrade my truck with the Offenhauser C series intake and Edelbrock 1404 Carb along with Hedman headers. But before I get started with it I already know I can’t stick with the standard exhaust inlet because it’s a single and the outlet of the headers is a dual. For those who’ve made this upgrade, what have you done to make yours compatible? I’ve been thinking of getting a y pipe and flex pipes. And any other things I need to be aware about before I get started with my project will be helpful!
thank you
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
Are you trying to tie it into your current exhaust system or replace the entire system?
Most of the stock type exhaust systems are going to be under sized with your modifications. But if you want to tie the headers into your current system. It will require some adapters/reducers and making up a Y-pipe.
It's pretty easy to make up a Y-pipe with full length headers. You can buy a Y-pipe union pretty cheap. Then add your collector hook ups and some pipe and you've got a Y-pipe. You can either weld it all together ( or have it welded ) or just use clamps on it all.
I hate flex pipes!
They just always look cheap to me.
If you want to replace your whole system. It's pretty easy to make up a decent exhaust system. Depending on what your vehicle ( age, emissions or not, where you want it to exit, etc. ) is and what you want for an exhaust ( single or dual ) . The single exhaust is easier and cheaper.
First decide what muffler/s you want to run and what size pipe you want to run.
A place like Summit racing or Jeg's is a good place to get the exhaust parts.
Most of the stock type exhaust systems are going to be under sized with your modifications. But if you want to tie the headers into your current system. It will require some adapters/reducers and making up a Y-pipe.
It's pretty easy to make up a Y-pipe with full length headers. You can buy a Y-pipe union pretty cheap. Then add your collector hook ups and some pipe and you've got a Y-pipe. You can either weld it all together ( or have it welded ) or just use clamps on it all.
I hate flex pipes!
They just always look cheap to me. If you want to replace your whole system. It's pretty easy to make up a decent exhaust system. Depending on what your vehicle ( age, emissions or not, where you want it to exit, etc. ) is and what you want for an exhaust ( single or dual ) . The single exhaust is easier and cheaper.
First decide what muffler/s you want to run and what size pipe you want to run.
A place like Summit racing or Jeg's is a good place to get the exhaust parts.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,195
Likes: 387
From: Near Los Angeles
Put int/exh on with studs, grade 8, coarse into head with copper anti seize compound, fine thread out with a crimp nut. Use oem thick washers. You'll have to grind 1/2 the backs down on a bench grinder for the diff. in flange thickness.
Torque as directed in book, three times. YES! THREE times. Cold. Run it to running temp and let cool to touch. Retorque. repeat. Done forever.
Install a efi era starter, small, or when your starter goes out, you'll be hurting!!!
AB. Sticky this, please.
PS: there's a great youtube vid about making exh. systems.
Torque as directed in book, three times. YES! THREE times. Cold. Run it to running temp and let cool to touch. Retorque. repeat. Done forever.
Install a efi era starter, small, or when your starter goes out, you'll be hurting!!!
AB. Sticky this, please.
PS: there's a great youtube vid about making exh. systems.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 133
Likes: 11
From: Alamogordo
i have the hedman headers on my 65 f100 240ci-they were a bit of a challenge to install-i would not recomend them to some one w/ a low patience factor-and when the starter goes its going to a big job as the headers have to removed to get the starter out-i just hope it doesnt go in the winter
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,195
Likes: 387
From: Near Los Angeles
I have had the Hedman header on my 75 f250 for 9 years, give or take.
I bought an Azone rebuilt starter when I installed the header, and just now swapped out the starter. I did it with the header fully bolted up, top and bottom.
I had to torque one of the collectors over quite a bit with a C clamp.
That's why you should install a mini starter, or an efi year starter, when you put on the header. Be sure to specify whether you have a manual or auto trans.
If you get the efi starter, you'll have to rewire, but there's a lot of info online to help.
I also had to add a couple of shims (washers) between starter and bolt hole to keep it from chewing flew plate when I accelerated.
Good luck.
P.S.: It'd be nice if Hedman or another co. offered a header with a single collector, or that option.
I bought an Azone rebuilt starter when I installed the header, and just now swapped out the starter. I did it with the header fully bolted up, top and bottom.
I had to torque one of the collectors over quite a bit with a C clamp.
That's why you should install a mini starter, or an efi year starter, when you put on the header. Be sure to specify whether you have a manual or auto trans.
If you get the efi starter, you'll have to rewire, but there's a lot of info online to help.
I also had to add a couple of shims (washers) between starter and bolt hole to keep it from chewing flew plate when I accelerated.
Good luck.
P.S.: It'd be nice if Hedman or another co. offered a header with a single collector, or that option.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 133
Likes: 11
From: Alamogordo
as a matter of fact i had to pull the starter to get the headers installed because there was no way the collectors would have fit past the inner wheel well/frame rail and believe me i tried- and all that extra cussin didnt help 
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
I can use heavier materials and route them where I want them to go.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,195
Likes: 387
From: Near Los Angeles
Good for you, Fordman. I think only the most intrepid owners build their own headers.
The only thing I am willing to try is making my own system after the Cliffy shorties. Now that I have the gas welding set up I'm unstoppable.
The only thing I am willing to try is making my own system after the Cliffy shorties. Now that I have the gas welding set up I'm unstoppable.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 6,298
Likes: 47
From: South central, Minnesota
It's not really that hard, just time consuming. I'm also not afraid to make mistakes. I make my mistakes, learn from them and move on. I don't have a shop or garage to work in. I'm doing it in my driveway.
I'm not the greatest welder. So my welds probably won't be that pretty. I've got two wire feed welders and they are both set up for flux-core. Shielding gas doesn't do much good welding outside. I would love to get a TIG welder or even a Oxy Acetylene gas welding set up. But I don't have them right now so I will work with what I've got.
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