Looking to get a set of headers, looking into shorties for my 66 2wd with a 352. Aside from having a heat shield on the starter what else should I be aware of? Not looking to sped a whole lot on a Sanderson, but a budget set will do me well. Any issues with shorties interfering with frame or steering box? Thanks!

 

Unfortunately, headers is one of those things that "you get what you pay for" applies. Why just shorties? I don't believe you're gaining much for the trouble of shorties over stock manifolds vs long tubes.

 

Well what I’ve been told by a few other guys is that the logs are quite restrictive, and reading about headers if I were to have to change a starter I would have to unbolt the header most likely

 

Well now that I think about it, aside from the starter issue what else would be changed possibly?

I know with shorties it may be harder to get the down pipe to line up correctly right? And looks like most shorties out there are for the cars aren’t they?

 

Correct on both accounts. Anything you do is better than the logs. Shorties may help a bit with the startee but I doubt it. You want to consider upgrading the starter while you're at it.

 

Well I found a set of used Hedmams being offered up for $100 near me, is that worth going to check out!

 

Make sure of which bolt pattern those Hedmans are. I believe that logs are the 8 bolt style. Even if they're ugly, some sanding and hi temp paint can fix that!

 

Headers definitely help with flow rate but how noticable any effect will be is entirely dependent on how your motor is set up.

With a 100% stock motor you may not notice any gains but unless you go with huge primaries, you won't lose any power so at the very least you'll get a nice look. The downside is headers develop leaks way more often than exhaust manifolds.

To help with leaks, before installing take a straight edge and check the flange. Spend the time to get it straight and flat. It's not uncommon to grind on the welds or to tweak the flangr a bit. Check the heads while you're at it.

Be meticulous when torquing down, make sure it's done evenly and use a torque wrench. Getting a torque wrench on all bolts is impossible with most header designs but do your best.

If you get things flat, torqued evenly, and use quality gaskets you will greatly reduce the propensity for leaks.

As far as specific headers, I've never installed a set in this generation truck so I can't comment on those you mentioned. Generally, the more expensive headers will have heavier flanges and that helps tremendously with leaks.

If you end up with a new set, strip off the paint and use a high quality high temperature paint. Follow the directions on the can. You'll end up having to repaint every so often no matter what but the better paints last longer.

Ceramic coatings last pretty well if they dont get scratched. The coating can cost more than the headers though.
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There are build yourself kits available. They're nice as you can route things to your liking (within available space constraints of course) but if you're not a good welder, don't waste the time or money. It's not a good project to learn on.

I love the look of headers but I dont run them on all of my rides as keeping them leak free and looking good requires a fair bit of attention. As I've gotten older and grumpier, I only put headers on motors that will get a significant benefit. Maybe its older, grumpier, and lazier.......

 

Well now seeing two people say that a mostly stock motor will not see many benefits, I don't think it is worth is. It was rebuilt with a RV cam but thats it

 

In the event you end up going with headers I used Dougs Long Tubes and a mini starter from Robbmc performance. Everything fit great.

 

I got a set of Hedmans from a guy up in Alaska of all places for me 352. They fit well and haven't had any issues. Of course you will have to rework the exhaust to connect things up.

 

Get a set of Remflex header gaskets. They will cost twice as much but WILL NOT LEAK!

 

Got a set of remflex on my manifolds now as well. They are excellent


when you hear people talking of headers leaking it’s at the head to flange mounting point right?

 

Usually, but with the Remflex gaskets, it's not really an issue, as far as my experience goes. Collectors can be an issue with leaks but not if they are done right.
I recently installed a set of Sanderson shortys on a customer's 390 Galaxie, a 65. They were the ceramic coated ones that cost $635 I think. They do not use gaskets at the head, don't leak, fit well. Had to use a mini starter with a heat shield blanket. With headers, starter, blanket, reworking the exhaust, and my labor for the install his bill was around $1400. Just food for thought.