To header or not to header
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan
To header or not to header
I was just wondering what would you guys do in my situation, I have been given a free set of headers from a mid 80's ford van that had a 351 in it, I have heard a lot of bad stories about headers, that they are not worth the amount of hp they give. I guess what I am asking is if it is worth my time to put a this set on my 302 truck, or should I buy brand new???
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
If the headers are in good shape, with a smooth sealing surface and the pipes aren't rusting away, then I'd say go for it.
But I can testify that a bad header is a real headache. They are a lot of work to install, so frequent exhaust leaks can be a real pain.
Use a good gasket to seal. Copper gaskets are popular. But I just recieved a thick sandwich gasket of mystery material from FPA for my high quality headers and they look like a good way to get a seal.
As stated above, to appreciate the headers the rest of the engine needs to breathe freely as well.
But I can testify that a bad header is a real headache. They are a lot of work to install, so frequent exhaust leaks can be a real pain.
Use a good gasket to seal. Copper gaskets are popular. But I just recieved a thick sandwich gasket of mystery material from FPA for my high quality headers and they look like a good way to get a seal.
As stated above, to appreciate the headers the rest of the engine needs to breathe freely as well.
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: house
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 327
Likes: 1
From: Saskatchewan
Thanks for all of the input, I think that I am gonna go for it, and use them, if I don't like it I can always change it back to stock.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 884
Likes: 13
From: Bassett Virginia
If you dont have major upgrades in your 302 engine, meaning cam, carb, etc.......i wouldnt put those on myself. Headers will not make that much HP just by putting them on a stock engine. It wouldnt be worth the time or the trouble.
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 520
Likes: 1
From: california
Usually, installation of headers requires that your stock pipes need to be cut to fit along with the addition of flanges to bolt up. Factor that in with the cost of changing them back to stock if you're unhappy.