Why Headers
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,260
Likes: 0
From: Napa
From what I understand the stock exhaust system doesn't breathe as well as headers do. Headers will give you a couple of extra horses as well. Not to mention they sound a whole lot better 
As for bolt up, Headman headers are supposed to be the best/easiest. You should stop by the https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...splay.php?f=51 FE engine forum and read a few threads there about headers
As for bolt up, Headman headers are supposed to be the best/easiest. You should stop by the https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/f...splay.php?f=51 FE engine forum and read a few threads there about headers
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,836
Likes: 3
From: Elizabethtown, PA
Yes, the manifolds are a bit restrictive. Headers will free up the flow a bit, but don't expect a massive gain, probably just a handful of ponies on a stock engine. Dual exhaust is mostly for grins but will help flow also.
Downside to headers is leaks (guaranteed, or your aggravation multiplied), heat damaging the starter if not shielded, difficult to replace said starter, and the joy of dealing with the exhaust manifold bolts when you go to install them. And, if you don't get them coated, count on rust.
Downside of the manifolds is flow; stupid, moronic, PITA heat riser valve that either siezes up or leaks (or both), difficulty in getting dual exhaust to fit (qualified pipe bender required).
I have duals with the stock manifolds. As you can tell, I have constant issues with the heat riser (leaks, blows gaskets). I'm not a fan of headers, but unless I can come up with a heat riser-less manifold for the driver's side it may come to that. But then I can replace header gaskets when they blow.
The higher your rpm band the more you would need headers. While the stock manifolds are nothing to get excited about they are less trouble for the long haul.
Downside to headers is leaks (guaranteed, or your aggravation multiplied), heat damaging the starter if not shielded, difficult to replace said starter, and the joy of dealing with the exhaust manifold bolts when you go to install them. And, if you don't get them coated, count on rust.
Downside of the manifolds is flow; stupid, moronic, PITA heat riser valve that either siezes up or leaks (or both), difficulty in getting dual exhaust to fit (qualified pipe bender required).
I have duals with the stock manifolds. As you can tell, I have constant issues with the heat riser (leaks, blows gaskets). I'm not a fan of headers, but unless I can come up with a heat riser-less manifold for the driver's side it may come to that. But then I can replace header gaskets when they blow.
The higher your rpm band the more you would need headers. While the stock manifolds are nothing to get excited about they are less trouble for the long haul.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
None that you can tell. I have them and wouldn't do it again. If you are gonna run the engine above 4000 rpms, it's a different story. Dual exhaust will do all that you need from your engine.
It takes me hours to do a 15 min. starter change.
John
It takes me hours to do a 15 min. starter change.
John
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,423
Likes: 8
From: Clarksville,Tn
I initially installed headers on my 302cid inside a 65 swb; my biggest problem was the amount of space taken up from headers; the collectors had to be cut off due to binding against the C-6 trans; also as stated by jowilker the starter if ever it when out I would have to remove the passenger side header to replace it. I went back to my factory manifolds with 2" pipe flowing down to 2 1/2" into dual flow master's; The manifolds on my stock 302 seem not to restrict too much flow compare to the headache's from long tube headers; Look at companies selling shorties if avaiable for your application.
Mitch
Mitch
