Headers, is it worth the headache?
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: MN
Headers, is it worth the headache?
Know that I'm pretty much done with my suspension upgrades, it's time to build up my 302. I'm in the process of installing a high flow cat and a 3" exhaust. I would like to do some shorty headers, but it seems that it would be more hassle than it's worth. Some of the header bolts are so rusted that the heads are starting to flake like a pastry crust. I can just see me having several broken bolts that are located in an area which is difficult to work in. Are thes regular problems that occur, and are there any tricks to installing then that would limit the rust related issues that I would run into? Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2000
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Personally I think shorty headers are worth it if you are running a good exhaust sytem behind them. The exhaust set up you mentioned in your post along with some shorty headers would make a nice power and sound difference. When you get close to installing the headers start soaking the exhaust manifold bolts down with WD-40 or PB blaster everyday for a few days before even attempting to break them loose.
When selecting headers you usually get what you pay for, that goes for header gaskets and bolts also. I would go with some stainless steel headers and if you can swing it get them ceramic coated. Buy some good quality copper or aluminum header gaskets, you'll be alot happier. After you get them installed check the torque on the bolts daily for about a week and you shouldn't have any issues with bolts coming loose. I'm using Ford Racing stainless shorties and like them alot, they're a little pricey but to me they were worth it.
When selecting headers you usually get what you pay for, that goes for header gaskets and bolts also. I would go with some stainless steel headers and if you can swing it get them ceramic coated. Buy some good quality copper or aluminum header gaskets, you'll be alot happier. After you get them installed check the torque on the bolts daily for about a week and you shouldn't have any issues with bolts coming loose. I'm using Ford Racing stainless shorties and like them alot, they're a little pricey but to me they were worth it.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Monterey bay area
Re:Rust...use lots of PB blaster and let soak in for a day or two....
then remove bolts....and manifolds....
Headache? heck the only headache I know of is spending money on cheap headers thinking they were a "good deal". I found out that the headache came with the frequent gasket changes associated with the cheapie's thin flange warping...thus causing leaks.
I went with a set of coated JBAs and haven't looked back.
I also backed them up with a Basani Y pipe and the Flowmaster dual out 40 series...and the sound, power is great.
then remove bolts....and manifolds....
Headache? heck the only headache I know of is spending money on cheap headers thinking they were a "good deal". I found out that the headache came with the frequent gasket changes associated with the cheapie's thin flange warping...thus causing leaks.
I went with a set of coated JBAs and haven't looked back.
I also backed them up with a Basani Y pipe and the Flowmaster dual out 40 series...and the sound, power is great.
