Headers
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Headers
Need some headers for my trucks new engine. It's going to be a 351 with either 385ish for horsepower...or a stroked 392ci with over 400hp. I am not looking for complete maximum performance in the headers...just a nice flowing header that won't rust/corrode (look good/last) and seal right. I already have some gaskets, but what would you guys recommend for headers? I see BBK and Ford Racing recommended often...I also need a y-pipe/cat to go with it. Are those bassani's any good? They have a header/y-pipe combo that seems pretty nice. Something affordable but good 
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
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From: MA
If you want a clean install, go with the Bassani ceramics and their Y pipe. The nice thing about the Bassani headers, are that they are equal length shorties. Most on the market are just OEM style shorties. What kind of gaskets do you already have? The bassani units come with some really cool gaskets. They have graphite 'crush sleeves' that surround each port. When you torque the units down, they displace slightly, creating a perfect seal. Plus, if you ever have to remove the headers, you wont have to replace the entire gasket sets. Each of those graphite rings pop out, and you can just slide a new one in place. Also, due to the collector design, the headers mate to the Y in a gasketless 'cup and ball' fashion. They really took their time to make a quality product.
Rich
Rich
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
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From: MA
I believe they use the same 14 ga steel for each, but the HTC are just that.... high temp coated. I dont know if its Jet Hot, but I am sure its an equivelent. If you have the money, the HTC are the way to go. Not only do they lower underhood temps (cooler engine bay=free power), but they also are warrantied against rust through and discoloration for their life. I did purchase mine from PP when I got mine. You might want to see if they will give you a discount. I got one, when I bought the complete unit for my truck.
Rich
Rich
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Any special consideration for cold weather and the ceramic coated headers?
I live in Minnesota and do a lot of winter driving and the last thing I want to do is crack them.
I live in Minnesota and do a lot of winter driving and the last thing I want to do is crack them.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 6
From: MA
I havent found any issues with the ceramics and cold weather. If anything, they will probably take winters better than standard steel headers. The coating acts as a thermal insulator, so logic would tell me that the temperature change (running to cold) would be smaller than with an uncoated steel header that radiates like crazy. That should keep the expansion and contraction under control a bit better.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Topsfield, MA
Well, this problem has now resurfaced.
I bought some 302 FMS headers off a buddy for cheap. I figured the difference was in their width, but actually their y-pipe position is different. The headers don't match up to the 351's Y-pipe. I have a bassani Y-pipe now but, I'm gonna have to get something else for headers.
BBK has some chrome headers for $270 that I kinda like, but they're not coated nicely.
FMS has a set for around $300, but they're cheap 409 stainless and will have surface rust. The bassani's are nice, but I don't like how crowded they look because their equal length, and it looks like a real dog to get at the spark plugs, plus they're wicked expensive (although u get what u pay for with them).
I'd rather not spend $500 on headers, are they're any other options that are good for the price that you guys know of?
I bought some 302 FMS headers off a buddy for cheap. I figured the difference was in their width, but actually their y-pipe position is different. The headers don't match up to the 351's Y-pipe. I have a bassani Y-pipe now but, I'm gonna have to get something else for headers.
BBK has some chrome headers for $270 that I kinda like, but they're not coated nicely.
FMS has a set for around $300, but they're cheap 409 stainless and will have surface rust. The bassani's are nice, but I don't like how crowded they look because their equal length, and it looks like a real dog to get at the spark plugs, plus they're wicked expensive (although u get what u pay for with them).
I'd rather not spend $500 on headers, are they're any other options that are good for the price that you guys know of?
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dbyrd342
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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