My manifolds need to be replaced and I am looking for a good set of headers. I'd like to know what brands anyone can recommend, basically which won't warp, prices, and hp/tq improvements. The truck is 85 F150 4X4 351W C6. Cat is most likely gone too due to rich running conditions, so if anyone recommends good high-flow cats, that would be appreciated, too. Also, is it legal to convert to true dual exhaust if you put cats on, or will I get busted at my inspection(MA does serious inspections now)? Thanks.

 

I put Doug Thorley headers on my '82 since they were the only ones that were listed as smog legal. They are awesome! They have an extra wide flange to keep from warping, a fantastic gasket, and they fit like a glove. No modifications required!!! They were somewhere in the $350 range (I can verify with a receipt if you want), and are Nickel Chrome plated. I've had them on for nearly a year and they look great. The Chrome has turned a little blue/yellow from the heat, but they said that would happen over time. I even have changed my starter since having the headers and did not have to loosen the headers to swap in a new starter.

I also put true duals on mine. I have two gas tanks, so I went from the headers (collected to 2 1/4") and went with 2 1/4" pipe all the way back. I bought two Dynomax cats that were only 12" long. I went from the headers and crossed over to the passenger side to the two cats, then into a dual in, dual out Flowmaster 50, crossed bach over behind the front tank and out under the bumper with two 3" stainless steel exhaust tips. Sounds fantastic. (have pics if you're interested)

I've had my truck inspected twice with no hint of a question on the exhaust. However, technically it is illegal to even remove your stock cat without written agreement from a certified mechanic that it needs to be replaced, then, it is supposed to be replaced with a stock cat in the same location. But, I do not know of anyone (even CA) that follows the cat laws from the FCC that stringently. If you put the cats back on, you will probably be OK. Hard to get a feel for that though, because you will find a wide variety of interpretations even from inspector to inspector.

Good luck and let that thing rumble (should be good for an extra 30-40 horses and with the DT Tri-Y headers, you'll gain low end torque as well)

'82 F150 w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik

 

I have an 80 Ford E-150 so to begin with headers were hard to find and had to go with what I could get. Sorry, couldn't do those 350dollar jobs.I went to Jeg's email site and finally wound up calling them and got a pair of Heddman's including S H for $112.00. They have 2 1/2 inch collectors, fairly well made, fit good and have been on a year or so and yes are rusted a little but they give me the same access to everything underneath and also the plugs as the exspensive ones. I lucked into finding a pair of hi output casts 2 1/2 in and out into 12 inch Turbo's. Finishing up the deal with 2 1/2 pipe dumping out the sides before the wheels. I live in MD which has a fairly strict emmissions standard and they never have batted an eye. Try Jeg's, They are a lot cheaper than Summit. Their address is www.Jeg's.com or call them at 1 800-345-4545.
Dave