Any opinions on Tri-Y vs conventional 4 tube headers?

The Thorleys are Tri-Y, the L&L's look to be 4 tube.

 

I have a 97 f250 4x4, installed a set of thorley headers. They are a good fit, althought
Had to grind a little off the engine at the bell housing as I thought it needed more
clearance.Made a heat shield for the starter,transmission and under the bell housing.
My only complaint was the cost, over $600.I bought them thru Camping World,
they were advertised as Gibson headers, but had Thorley mfg. plate on them.
However am well satisfied with their performance.

 

Regarding Tri-Y vs 4-tube:
The Thorley Tri-Y's are more compact because you only have 2 tubes at the collector. That helped with clearance on my truck. My new L&Ls are bulkier and are about 1/8" away from my frame rail. Still, they fit much better than a cheap set of headers.

Thorley emphasizes torque in their advertisements for the Tri-Y design. If you're planning on making serious horespower and running high rpm, I would go with the 4-tube. Otherwise, I doubt you will notice much performance difference between Thorley and L&L.

Scott

 

Scott:

Why are you replacing the Thorley's with the L&L? Your truck looks a bit more extreme than mine for sure. I was all set to get the L&L's until this Tri-Y option came up. I do not run high RPM's and need lots of torque for towing. The tri-Y seems to be the way to go. If you beilieve there advertising.

 

Roger,
My new motor has EFI heads, which have different exhaust ports so I couldn't re-use my Thorleys. The motor should make about 500hp so I figured I would give the L&L's a try because of their 4-tube design and larger collector diameter (3" for L&L vs 2.5" on the Thorleys).
(I don't know if all Thorleys have 2.5" collectors or not.)

Scott

 

My 79 has the 4 into one not the Tri-Y.I don't think Doug Thorley made them for that year.

 

i put my hedmans on. they fit perfect and god what a power increase on a big block!

 

Well, I made my decision and ordered the L&L's. Seams like they are both good, but L&L offers a better rust through garentee.

 

I scored some used Tri-Y's, but I'll be installing those at the same time as the new 750 CFM holley and the Edelbrock performer, so I won't really be able to tell you much as far as performance increases with just the headers.

 

Austynn,
Let me guess... You're buying the Thorleys from a guy on ebay? That guy is ME!
It's a small world.

Scott

'87 F250HD, 521 EFI, ZF 5-speed, 6" lift, 37" PJ's, lots of other stuff.

 

Haha, yes it is! I still don't have them installed, but I'll be sure to post up once I do.

 

Hey, ive checked all the names that everyone mentioned far as headers go and i cant find my paticular setup. i have a 1981 F250 body with a 1979 460 and the truck is 4x4. ive had no luck finding headers for this truck. Does anyone know of anybody that makes them?

Thanks,

FTE fan

 

The L&L headers should fit that setup. I just bought a set, but have not loaded the engine in yet to tell you for sure. Mine is a 82 with a 78 460. Call them and ask. Most companys do not list our truck with a 460 because it was not available from the factory until 83.

 

yeah i see them listed. thanks. dont they run about 500 dollars tho?

Thanks,

FTE fan

 

Yea they are expensive, but appear to be of the highest quality & have a lifetime rust through warranty.