First Generation Lightning OEM Headers

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Nov 9, 2018 | 03:50 PM

R&RFord

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Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2015

Posts: 1,827

Likes: 358

From: Candy Mountain

First Generation Lightning OEM Headers

I will be installing an Edelbrock EFI performer intake and roller rockers in the coming months (working on the truck in my signature) and had a thought that some OEM headers would make a nice compliment. I thought headers from a first generation lightning would be the best fit (F2TZ9430A, F3TZ9431K) but I am not sure they have any EGR provision, and I am not sure on whether they will bolt right up to the stock (not lightning) collectors. It is not an ambitious build, just looking for a little more than stock. I have run headers before and found them to be leak prone and in the way for spark plug changes, so I am not married to installing a set. I realize the stock CAT would need to be addressed for any gains from the headers to be realized. I think the primary improvement will be from the intake and roller fulcrums.

Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.

Nov 9, 2018 | 05:37 PM

baddad457

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Joined: May 2003

Posts: 11,141

Likes: 25

From: south louisiana

Headers have come a long way in the past 30 years, so leaks aren't as bad as before. Gasket selection helps here too. Those old white gaskets were the source of a lot of leaks. I now use only soft copper gaskets and don't have leaks period. The bolts stay tight once you've got them cinched down to the heads with copper gaskets. I went with PaceSetter shortys on my 96 van, they worked great for several years until both developed cracks in the collectors. I replaced them with Summit's house brand shortys and so far so good with them.