Headers or manifolds?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,082
Likes: 175
From: Central Texas
Headers or manifolds?
OK, I'm building a mild 390 to replace the 352 in my '65 F250. I, unlike many, have no problems with the factory manifolds leaking(machined the manifolds and heads), and have had more problems with headers on other vehicles. So the question is...Is the increase(?) in performance worth the possible headaches of forever dealing with collector and header gaskets? Whichever way I go I do plan on running dual exhaust, which should help in any case. Looking for pinions and suggestions for brands(w/ cost) of headers. Thanks!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
The headers will help your heads breathe easier and probably get up to 20hp more from your engine. Relatively speaking, how often you think you'll be replacing collectors and gaskets anyway? lmctruck has Hedman headers for around $250.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
There are ways of making them not leak. Go to napa and get the Victor Nitroseal header gaskets. Those dont leak and can be re-used. Then, get those soft aluminum collector gaskets. Those WILL NOT blow out and seal well. There ya go, no leaks.
And yes, the performance gain is worth it!
OBTW, I use Hedman headers.
And yes, the performance gain is worth it!
OBTW, I use Hedman headers.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 367
Likes: 0
headers
i haven't had any problems with my headers leaking, i just bought some good gaskets and tighten them down really good, and retighten them after a couple days. btw 250.00 for hedman headers is quite expensive, summit racing and jegs have them for quite a bit less. jmho
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
If it's in the budget, splurge for some FPA or Stan's headers, and don't worry about leaks using just about any gasket.
I run the FPA, and I could probaby get them to seal by finger tightening the header bolts. They don't come cheap, but I had a set of $225 headaches and even they were a pain in the backside!
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...FPAheaders.htm
I run the FPA, and I could probaby get them to seal by finger tightening the header bolts. They don't come cheap, but I had a set of $225 headaches and even they were a pain in the backside!
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...FPAheaders.htm
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 938
Likes: 1
From: North Carolina
Originally Posted by debestuss
The headers will help your heads breathe easier and probably get up to 20hp more from your engine. Relatively speaking, how often you think you'll be replacing collectors and gaskets anyway? lmctruck has Hedman headers for around $250.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
From: Fort Rucker, AL
Originally Posted by FORD352V8
Jegs has a set of hedmans for $130. Yes, the headers will help your power big time. It is worth it you will feel the difference no doubt about that. If your worried about leaks just get some copper header gakets, thatll do the trick, thats what I have and no leaks after almost a year.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
Likes: 0
From: Fort Rucker, AL
Originally Posted by gtex
If it's in the budget, splurge for some FPA or Stan's headers, and don't worry about leaks using just about any gasket.
I run the FPA, and I could probaby get them to seal by finger tightening the header bolts. They don't come cheap, but I had a set of $225 headaches and even they were a pain in the backside!
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...FPAheaders.htm
I run the FPA, and I could probaby get them to seal by finger tightening the header bolts. They don't come cheap, but I had a set of $225 headaches and even they were a pain in the backside!
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...FPAheaders.htm
FE "Freakin Expensive"
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,461
Likes: 4
From: Smith Mountain Lake, VA
If your head ports are square and your headers are square there's no reasons for a leak, like with anything thats heated and cools, expands and contracts, torque em down, heat em up, let them cool, and retorque!!
Russ
Russ
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 510
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte
Originally Posted by gtex
If it's in the budget, splurge for some FPA or Stan's headers, and don't worry about leaks using just about any gasket.
I run the FPA, and I could probaby get them to seal by finger tightening the header bolts. They don't come cheap, but I had a set of $225 headaches and even they were a pain in the backside!
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...FPAheaders.htm
I run the FPA, and I could probaby get them to seal by finger tightening the header bolts. They don't come cheap, but I had a set of $225 headaches and even they were a pain in the backside!
http://www.thedreyerfamily.com/69f25...FPAheaders.htm
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
Originally Posted by scamardo
Hey Greg, think I would have any issues with those FPA headers fitting my 65? 390 FE with Power steering?
Nope! My application was one of the worst, because of the Bendix steering gear, and mine fit like a glove! Stan at FPA really knows his headers and his FE motors. He told me he never had an F Series fitment issue on the FEs, reagrdless of steering etc. I highly reccomend them. Albeit expensive, it's one of the best investments in my project!
!["Beemer Nut"'s Avatar](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' viewBox='0 0 50 50'><circle class='avatar-circle-default' fill='%23bc5285' cx='25px' cy='25px' r='20px'></circle><text class='avatar-text-default' x='49%' y='53%' fill='white' text-anchor='middle' alignment-baseline='middle'>"</text></svg>)
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
Likes: 4
From: "Islander"
header clearance, leak & gaskets
I installed Thorley headers on a 68 CS with Bendix box, yes tight less than 1/4" between header and box. After 35 years the input seal leaks, only way to replace it is have a seal custom made. The rebuild kit seal leaked and fit loose in the box bore ID. I used copper header and collector gaskets, retorqued once now no leaks at two years. I'll never be without headers. Carl.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 686
Likes: 1
From: Edgewood, Wa
Originally Posted by PROSTOCK
OK, I'm building a mild 390 to replace the 352 in my '65 F250. I, unlike many, have no problems with the factory manifolds leaking(machined the manifolds and heads), and have had more problems with headers on other vehicles. So the question is...Is the increase(?) in performance worth the possible headaches of forever dealing with collector and header gaskets? Whichever way I go I do plan on running dual exhaust, which should help in any case. Looking for pinions and suggestions for brands(w/ cost) of headers. Thanks!
) or, the cheaper route, cut off the end of the collector all together, and weld the pipe directly to the collector......