Header install - 69 f100 390
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: manson
Header install - 69 f100 390
Hey guys. I just picked up a set of headers for my 69 and am looking for any suggestions on the install. I currently have the front inner and outer fenders off the truck so the engine compartment is completly open. The instructions say to knock the passengers side motor mount loose and jack the motor up and install that header from under the truck after removing the starter. Where is the best point to lift the motor? Since i have the fenders off the truck do you think I will have to remove the starter? Also, after I put the headers on, I am going to bolt up the side pipes....but I wanted to take it to a local exhaust shop to bend the pipe and do the install between the headers and the side pipes...is it ok to run the truck with open headers? ( other than having to wear ear plugs ) Any tips would be appreciated!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Marengo, Iowa
you will likely have to pull the strater to get the header past. When I swapped motors in my old 75, I had to leave the header in first to get it back in place. The reason for taking the motor mount loose is so you can lift for clearance on that side. If the headers are new, the header should split, but maybe that is a difference from 2 wd to 4wd. You could use a hoist to lift the engine, it would stay out of your way while you are lifting the motor.
About opem headers.... YES!!! You must do this... it's such a quick thrill, and no, it won't hurt the motor at all. It's such a sensation of power, the vibration, the sound shock waves, it's absolutely awesome.You just won't be able to resist the temptation to revv it a few times.
About opem headers.... YES!!! You must do this... it's such a quick thrill, and no, it won't hurt the motor at all. It's such a sensation of power, the vibration, the sound shock waves, it's absolutely awesome.You just won't be able to resist the temptation to revv it a few times.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
you can probably do that, but it may off set too much, and also put a lot of strain on the trans mount. I don't know if I would want to push up on the balancer being the FE's have such a long crank snout, but that's how I have done other motors with no issue. You could lift by the pan if you are carefull and spread out the pressure so it isn't pushing on one point. Too bad you're so far from me, I'd let you use mine, but for the price of coming after mine, you could rent one closer. They are generally 10-20 dollars to rent.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
mine breaks down enough to put in the trunk of a car, Opie hauled it in an Escort wagon... most of the rentals would be the same way. If you want it, it is for sale...
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: manson
Heck, You shoulda told me that when I came down to get the hood! ...besides, I am so broke I can't pay attention right now. Bad time of year...all the $$$ I spent in gas for my damn boat is catching up on me!
I didn't realize they would break down. That is a good thing. I will check around and maybe snag one from a friend at work. One guy offered to let me use his. Do you have a sling of some sort to wrap around the engine to lift it with?
I didn't realize they would break down. That is a good thing. I will check around and maybe snag one from a friend at work. One guy offered to let me use his. Do you have a sling of some sort to wrap around the engine to lift it with?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
Likes: 3
From: Marengo, Iowa
I just use some light weight chain, big eneough to fit a 3/8" bolt through, or add a strap to the end to bolt up. Then just use the intake bolts or an accessory bolt hole in the head. An idea for you is to use a rafter to lift it, and a come along hand winch. I have lifed a lot that way in the past, just be sure the rafter is in good shape(experience-had one that was spilt, well, I fininshed it) You won't be stressing it that hard, so you will be ok. I know. sounds shade tree, but you do what you have to.
The manufactured units break down for shipping, but most home builts don't.
The manufactured units break down for shipping, but most home builts don't.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: manson
Good idea on the comealong..I do have one of those. I don't need to lift it much..and since the front clip is off I have plenty of room to access everything. Heck, maybe I can even pry between the block and the frame with a 2x4 just to lift it a bit...I will get it. Anxious to start. Might rip the old exhaust out tonight.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Calgary
Don't forget to unbolt the fan shroud before you hoist the engine or you will end up breaking it.
When I installed my headers I put a floor jack under the engine with a piece off pipe up to one of the oil pan bolts. It worked.
When I installed my headers I put a floor jack under the engine with a piece off pipe up to one of the oil pan bolts. It worked.
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: manson
I pulled the old exhaust last night. Passengers side was a snap...drivers side was a **** ( kinda like FOMOCO )...brake lines, power steering box and hoses.... and that manifold was cracked, split verticaly right down the middle. Is this common? I don't see the headers fitting! 
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From: waco
I put headers on my 73 which is about the same engine configuration as what you have. It's very tight but they will fit. I took both motor mounts loose and lifted my engine until the bell housing was against the cab. The left header will slip right in this way. The right one will slip right in also. On the right side....take the starter off, put the header in to place, then put the starter back on, then bolt up the header.
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From: manson
Success!
The header install went without a hitch last night I didn't even need to remove the starter. The drivers side was a bit of a pain but all is well..and as Roger said to do, I fired her up with the open headers...AWESOME! I do need to do something about the starter and tranny lines...I need some sort of heat shield or wrap to put around the header in the starter location and either wrap the tranny lines or relocate them somehow as they are in contact with the header pipes in a couple locations . Don't wanna fry the fluid. Any suggestions?