are headers worth it?
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maine
are headers worth it?
i was reading that headers are really noticable on stock engines. is this true? i want to get some, if some should i get a carb gasket heat shield also?
reading on here i see most people saw get hedman hedders, but there's some many types hedman has. what should i look for.
i have a '96 Bronco XLT 5.0
reading on here i see most people saw get hedman hedders, but there's some many types hedman has. what should i look for.
i have a '96 Bronco XLT 5.0
Last edited by frog73; Nov 6, 2004 at 04:41 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
I've been running Bassani's shorties for several years now and really like the improvement they offer. They are equal length which is important for flow and bolt in place of the stock manifolds. No adaptors or replacement pipes necessary. I run the entire Bassani system under my truck but the headers do not require that you swap to the complete system. The factory Y-pipe will bolt right up to them. Just a thought. I'm not knocking the hedman's, just have no experience with them. The Bassani's still look good too even after some rather nasty midwest winters.
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I am definitely in support of headers. They can really wake-up an engine especially the 5.0. I've used Flowtech full length headers on a 5.0 truck with good results. I've also had shorty Pacesetter headers on a different 5.0 truck with good luck. If you've got the money go with a set of ceramic or stainless headers. Better than smelling the paint burn off for the first little bit. Best piece of advice I can give you is to get some good copper or aluminum header gaskets. The paper ones always seem to blow out on me even with regular maintenance. I'm running copper gaskets on the 460 in my 79 Bronco with great results. It has full length fenderwell headers and I love 'em.
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Oh, as far as what to look for. If you're trying to keep your stock exhaust definitely look for a pair of shorties that are designed to bolt up to your stock exhaust. Some of you other guys might know what brands and part #'s will work. If you are going to replace your exhaust, well, then you have a lot more options depending on smog rules and such. Hope this helps (maybe more confusing than anything)
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Maine
very cool. thanks for the info. the reason i ask, is i found some on ebay, jba shorties, that the description says will fit f-150 and broncos. the seller bought them for his 5.0 Mustang, but don't fit.
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Hey, if you're sure they'll fit and it's a good deal go for it. I've had pretty good luck with ebay. If you get them, check out summit for a set of their copper gaskets and stainless header bolts
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From: China Spring, TX (Waco)
Headers
Has anyone tried a set of Ford Motorsport headers? Made from 409 stainless steel and about $140 cheaper than ceramic coated bassani's.
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Whatever you do, don't get the summit or pacesetter headers. I have replaced my gaskets three times and had to silicone all around where the tube meets the flange. They leak everwhere and I wish I didn't trash my original manifolds. They are really horrible. If anyone has any good ones they want to sell, I need some 
Justin
Justin
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bend,OR
justin i totatly agree. the summit headers are flowtech/pacesetter rejects. the quality isnt as good thats why summit can sell them for so cheap under there name. I had a set for my 302 awhile back . they didnt match the square ports coming off the head for *****. thats why i say you get what you pay for. and its so true with headers
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No, no. Shorties ARE the way to go. It's just that you need to buy a good pair and not buy the cheap ones which will cause you problems. I mean, I can install a pair of shorties in less than 20 minutes, and that should tell you something.....I have had a lot of practice with my crappy pair.......sheesh.
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Originally Posted by HMA-169
Has anyone tried a set of Ford Motorsport headers? Made from 409 stainless steel and about $140 cheaper than ceramic coated bassani's.
Paul
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: SE Texas
Since no one has posted agianst getting headers, guess I will be first. You are constantly dealing with leaks, the starter will get really hot, and you will prolly have trouble getting to at least one spark plug. You get little or no Hp gain from them, just moves the engine's power band higher up.