Headers..Worth the Trouble..??

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 12, 2005 | 07:58 PM

savaunte

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Headers..Worth the Trouble..??

When I had my new Exhaust put on, I asked the mechanic about headers..he told me they are more trouble than what they're worth. So I'm asking you guys, is it worth getting the headers and how much maintance comes along with getting headers...the guy really turned me off on getting them..so I just bought the Diablo chip, but im still thinking about those damn headers...LOL

My truck is a 94' F-150 w/351 5.8L

Feb 12, 2005 | 08:23 PM

95 F150

Elder User

Joined: Mar 2000

Posts: 725

Likes: 0

Headers are worth the trouble if you get good quality headers and gaskets, I've found that if you retighten the bolts a few times for the first week after you put them on they stay tight and you don't have to mess with the bolts very often.

I'm running some stainless steel shorties and like them alot, these along with a complete dual exhaust setup made a good difference in power but longtube headers would have made more power in the lower end of the power range and are great torque builders. The downside is you would definately have to have your exhaust modified to match up to the longtubes if you went that route.

Last edited by 95 F150; Feb 12, 2005 at 08:25 PM.

Feb 12, 2005 | 08:26 PM

boxcar1974

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 3,130

Likes: 3

From: Massachusetts

I Love the headers on my V10. In the higher rpm range it made a noticable difference. I installed them myslef and it was a pain the the butt. Especially since mine had 5 tubes per side not 4. I did the complete exhaust system over making it very free flowing. I was pricey but worth it. I have stainless steel headers so maintenance is non-existent. I would say go for it. You should upgrade the intake system also but is not required. The more air in and the more air out...........

Feb 12, 2005 | 08:34 PM

savaunte

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxcar1974

You should upgrade the intake system also but is not required. The more air in and the more air out...........

Awsome, you have any good suggestions for a new intake system and headers..??

94' F-150 351 5.8L

Feb 13, 2005 | 10:36 AM

boxcar1974

Postmaster

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 3,130

Likes: 3

From: Massachusetts

There are many companies that make cold air intakes. There are all about the same. I have the stock cold intake tube with a 30% larger inlet to the filter element with a K&N filter. It work fine and no problems with dust in the tube or the oil on the filter fouling the MAF sensor. Any reputable header manufacturer will be just fine. I went with a complete exhaust from Banks Power. It came with the intake, headers, Ypipe, downpipes, all lead pipes, muffler and tail pipe. All the sizes were increased over the stock set up. 3' collectors all the way to the muffler and 3.5" tailpipe. Works just fine. The thing that I liked about the Banks kit is that everything is thought out for you. There are no o2 sensor issues and everything is step by step so nothing gets forgotten.

Feb 15, 2005 | 12:43 AM

FERacing66

Posting Guru

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 1,354

Likes: 0

From: Jackassville

Yup its worth it. Installed em myslef. Major pain in the a**, but makes a huge difference in power

Feb 15, 2005 | 08:26 AM

Tiremine

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 279

Likes: 0

Savaunte,
Remember that your engine is basically just an air pump. If HP is what your looking for anything you can do to get more air though it will help. You can easily add more fuel. The hard part is adding more air. Unless you cheat with a little N2O. hehe...