Looking for exhaust recommendations
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
Looking for exhaust recommendations
Hi all, its been a minute.
I am back on track on putting my '87 F-150 4x4 back together. I am putting in a 5.0 EFI used engine and deciding whether to go with shortie headers or replacement OEM style manifolds. I need insight from you all regarding:
1. whether to keep the emissions system with oxygen sensors and pump or eliminate the system?
2. whether to install catalytic converters?
3. the best aftermarket manifolds, exhaust pipes, mufflers systems
4. best aftermarket companies that cater to old/classic Ford trucks.
Thank you all in advance for your help. Frank
I am back on track on putting my '87 F-150 4x4 back together. I am putting in a 5.0 EFI used engine and deciding whether to go with shortie headers or replacement OEM style manifolds. I need insight from you all regarding:
1. whether to keep the emissions system with oxygen sensors and pump or eliminate the system?
2. whether to install catalytic converters?
3. the best aftermarket manifolds, exhaust pipes, mufflers systems
4. best aftermarket companies that cater to old/classic Ford trucks.
Thank you all in advance for your help. Frank
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1,922
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This will generate MASSIVE opinions! I would put shorty headers instead of manifolds, they flow better. I have Hedman shorties. What pump are you referring to keeping? Smog pump? If so, is it operational? Do NOT remove the O2 sensor if you’re keeping fuel injection, it’s a requirement for it. If you’re handy or money isn’t an issue, make or have someone make a new, better y pipe. As for adding catalytic converter, that’s solely up to you. Some will state about breathing cleaner air and keep it. Any modern aftermarket cat will
flow better than the original. Muffler, what sound are you wanting? Loud, mild, or quiet?
flow better than the original. Muffler, what sound are you wanting? Loud, mild, or quiet?
Thread Starter
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
Thank you 90, I appreciate your help.
It seems that there isn't a huge price difference between manifolds or headers so I think I'll go with headers. Are the Hedman headers ready for the O2 sensor or do I have to fabricate the bung?
Yes, I was talking about the smog pump. Some say it runs better with the pump, some say get rid of it. I'm concerned that if I take everything off I have to flash the computer but I don't know if that's true.
Is there a benefit to having a Y pipe or can I just take both pipes back to the mufflers? I'd like to open up the breathing a bit and a good performance muffler with a little growl but not very loud. Suggestions?
Thanks again for your input.
It seems that there isn't a huge price difference between manifolds or headers so I think I'll go with headers. Are the Hedman headers ready for the O2 sensor or do I have to fabricate the bung?
Yes, I was talking about the smog pump. Some say it runs better with the pump, some say get rid of it. I'm concerned that if I take everything off I have to flash the computer but I don't know if that's true.
Is there a benefit to having a Y pipe or can I just take both pipes back to the mufflers? I'd like to open up the breathing a bit and a good performance muffler with a little growl but not very loud. Suggestions?
Thanks again for your input.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1,922
Likes: 428
They do have a provision for an O2 sensor, but I don’t use it. You want the O2 to be about the same distance from the collector that it currently is so not to mess with the computer. Breathing is always good for it! Stock motor running duals, keep the pipe size small (no bigger than 2.25”) to help with scavenging (low torque). If you leave the cat off, I ran Thrush turbo. Great sound right in the middle of loud and quiet with a good price.
As for smog pump removal, mine is removed. Like you said, opinions are strong both ways! There is a delete pulley up can get to put in is place if you want. I have a thread on the delete pulley actually. There’s a separate pulley, just the pulley, you can buy and put it on the bypass kit and use the stock belt. You’ll need to plug the back of the heads. There’s a kit for that as well. Others have but the tubing of and flipped the blocks that bolt to the heads, just another option. The rest of emissions, if it’s working, I would leave it.
All emissions, if you leave the connectors attached, the computer don’t know it’s not doing anything. No need to deal with the computer.
As for smog pump removal, mine is removed. Like you said, opinions are strong both ways! There is a delete pulley up can get to put in is place if you want. I have a thread on the delete pulley actually. There’s a separate pulley, just the pulley, you can buy and put it on the bypass kit and use the stock belt. You’ll need to plug the back of the heads. There’s a kit for that as well. Others have but the tubing of and flipped the blocks that bolt to the heads, just another option. The rest of emissions, if it’s working, I would leave it.
All emissions, if you leave the connectors attached, the computer don’t know it’s not doing anything. No need to deal with the computer.
Last edited by 90project5.0; May 15, 2026 at 05:50 PM.
Fleet Mechanic
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 47
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90, I read your other post regarding the smog pump. That's going to save me some headaches, lol. Thanks
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Fleet Mechanic
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You’re welcome! I hope you don’t have my hiccups, like rerouting the belt on my own for whatever dumb reason haha!
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Lead Driver
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Juat heads up, Fox 5.0 shorty headers fit these frames easily but will not connect to the O.E. Y pipe...yet they are pretty simple to find cheap, especially the BBK unequal length ones. A 2.25" Y pipe with a single 3" would be fine for the truck. Pick whatever muffler you like.
Also, upgrade that stock camshaft. The stock flat tappet 302 ones are lame, being polite. With the intake manifold out you can see if your block is roller ready or not.
I would also at least jerk the heads and hand lap the valves to the seats, new stem seals, and slightly better valve springs.
Also, upgrade that stock camshaft. The stock flat tappet 302 ones are lame, being polite. With the intake manifold out you can see if your block is roller ready or not.
I would also at least jerk the heads and hand lap the valves to the seats, new stem seals, and slightly better valve springs.
Fleet Mechanic
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most expensive rabbit hole I’ve found!
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Mar 2021
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I want to say '90 but I have to confirm that.
Cam change and timing chain sound like a good idea since the motor is out. Didn't think of that. I don't want to go deeper at this time. But I definitely think a roller needs to go in there as a foundation for later upgrades such as heads.
Do you guys think that a Y pipe should be installed? Benefits over dual pipes all the way back?
Cam change and timing chain sound like a good idea since the motor is out. Didn't think of that. I don't want to go deeper at this time. But I definitely think a roller needs to go in there as a foundation for later upgrades such as heads.
Do you guys think that a Y pipe should be installed? Benefits over dual pipes all the way back?