Cracked exhaust system...
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Cracked exhaust system...
Hey gang,
88 f150 4x4 302 aod tranny...
My drivers side exhaust is broken, found a used one for 40 bucks at an auto salvage yard, no biggie. Now to show my ignorance,should I stay stock. Shorty headers versus long tube headers. Is there a differance for my truck or does it matter. What are the advantages of having headers. Currently I have a single 3" custom exhaust sytem under her.
Appreciate any info.
Will
88 f150 4x4 302 aod tranny...
My drivers side exhaust is broken, found a used one for 40 bucks at an auto salvage yard, no biggie. Now to show my ignorance,should I stay stock. Shorty headers versus long tube headers. Is there a differance for my truck or does it matter. What are the advantages of having headers. Currently I have a single 3" custom exhaust sytem under her.
Appreciate any info.
Will
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,371
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From: just outside of Phila.
headers will definitely improve flow and sound. I have an '88 EFI Bronco and trying to fiddle with manifolds like that can be a pain in the **** because of how they contort under heating and cooling stresses...makes it hard to mate back up to the bolts. Theres tons of info out there about going to headers and step by step guides to help everywhere, just remember to put new plugs in first if you go with shortie headers...saves time in the end. And I think long tube headers would work better with a sicker engine, where air just NEEDS to get out of there as soon as possible. If you're not running a radical engine, I'd say shortie headers would be better.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
If you have a stock truck and are not planning on spending $2000+ dollars in high performance parts, then I would stick with the stock exhaust manifold. Usually they are good for 20-30+ years as long as you do not live where they salt the roads a lot. Headers can be a big headache, especially when it comes to starters and with an automatic you do not have the option of bump starting your truck if it fails. FWIW.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: just outside of Phila.
rebocardo is right (sorry for not getting into it more), but trying to put a used manifold back on will be tougher then putting on a new one with new bolts. And a heat shield is SUPPOSED to protect your starter from heat soak if you have headers, but there goes your budget when you start adding all of the nickle-dimer stuff like shortie spark plugs, thicker plug wires and plug boots, plus all of the wires you'll need to stowe away because the heat is obviously so much more coming off of a header than a manifold and you don't want aything to melt. And by this point your rig may be off the road for awhile while its getting these upgrades. Between this and what rebocardo has/may still add, you should have an idea of what's what, and now it's just personal preference. Good Luck!!!
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2004
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Thanks guys.
I fear that you are correct. Guess now I will start looking for a new set of exhaust manifolds, any ideas. I will go in and check some of the other posts and see if anyone has come up with any suggestions.
Will
I fear that you are correct. Guess now I will start looking for a new set of exhaust manifolds, any ideas. I will go in and check some of the other posts and see if anyone has come up with any suggestions.
Will
