Header Installation
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2000
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Header Installation
Has anyone put headers in a 85 (or similar) Bronco with a 351W HO? I am planning on the near future and was wandering if it was a pain to install on this truck (i.e. removal of other components such as the starter, etc.). I havn't looked at the process in detail yet, but I though that some of you might have lived through a nightmare that you would share with me before I get started.
Also, will a dual exhaust benefit this motor without headers? It has 65K miles on it so I might just replace the current exhaust (flowmaster 3.0" with a growing hole in it) and keep drivin for a few more years before doing a total rebuild. Any advice/thoughts/comments would be appreciated.
jason
Also, will a dual exhaust benefit this motor without headers? It has 65K miles on it so I might just replace the current exhaust (flowmaster 3.0" with a growing hole in it) and keep drivin for a few more years before doing a total rebuild. Any advice/thoughts/comments would be appreciated.
jason
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Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
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From: Durham
Header Installation
If you get good quality headers, they will fit right. I bought Doug Thorley Tri-Ys and they fit like a glove. I've even replaced the starter without having to remove or loosen the headers. The main thing is to use PB Blaster on the manifold bolts to loosen your old exhaust, then install per instructions. You need to periodically check the header bolts to make sure they have not loosened (which will eventually cause a leaky gasket). Get good quality header gaskets like ROL or Buffalo.
Yes, your truck should gain 20 HP or more by opening up the exhaust...and it sounds so much nicer too. My headers collected to a 2 1/4" pipe and I ran 2 1/4" all the way back. I used two short Dynomax cats, into a dual in/dual out flow master muffler and out under the rear bumper with 18" stainless steel pencil tips. Looks and sounds great!
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
Yes, your truck should gain 20 HP or more by opening up the exhaust...and it sounds so much nicer too. My headers collected to a 2 1/4" pipe and I ran 2 1/4" all the way back. I used two short Dynomax cats, into a dual in/dual out flow master muffler and out under the rear bumper with 18" stainless steel pencil tips. Looks and sounds great!
'82 F150 2WD w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
