headers back
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New User
Joined: Jun 2005
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headers back
I have a 94' f150, 302, 4x4 and the flange where my header meets the down pipe has rusted away creating a nasty leak. the leak has caused my EGR to fowl up, so my performance has gone down the tubes. I was planning on buying a set of flow tech headers, holowing out the cats and ending with a flow master muffler. I am broke college kid so i was wondering if this would be the cheapest plan of attack and whether or not an exaust shop would install the headers for me. I could do it, but i don't want the hassle unless its going to cost me a lot of money. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
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From: Topsfield, MA
It probably would cost you a few hundred bucks for someone to install it. Usually it's 60-70 bucks an hour for labor, depending on what the pay scale is.
I also don't think shops like to do that type of work because hollowing out the cats is illegal, and some headers are illegal.
If you do hollow out the cats, put a piece of exhaust pipe going through it so that the air flow doesn't have to enter the akward shape of the cat housing and ruin the nice exhaust flow.
You can also get Catco high-flow cats for about $60. They don't really hurt performance.
I also don't think shops like to do that type of work because hollowing out the cats is illegal, and some headers are illegal.
If you do hollow out the cats, put a piece of exhaust pipe going through it so that the air flow doesn't have to enter the akward shape of the cat housing and ruin the nice exhaust flow.
You can also get Catco high-flow cats for about $60. They don't really hurt performance.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Roland, Ar
Do you have stock exhaust manifolds now or headers? If it is still stock you can go to a parts store and buy a split flange for a few bucks and fix it yourself. Repair shops in my area charge $60 to $75 per hour so having a shop install your headers would be costly.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Roland, Ar
Is the flange on your manifold bad or the loose part around the headpipe that is bad. By the "loose part" I mean the part that bolts the headpipe to the manifold, if thats the bad part a split flange will fix the problem. If the flange on the manifod is bad the its time for a new manifold or you can get shorty headers.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Vandenberg AFB CA
I'm also looking at headers back for my bronco. What's the difference in shortys vs. full-length? Is there any brand to aviod?
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Rio Rancho USA
Shorties- Easier to install, not as big a gain as other designs.
Long tubes- More torque than shorties, harder to install.
Long tubes- More torque than shorties, harder to install.
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Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Vandenberg AFB CA
I guess the long tubes require a new Y-pipe or require a cat modification? I need more power. I'm hauling a 2900# trailer in the mountains.
In addition to modifying my exhaust I'm considering swapping my 3.54 for 3.73 since I've got 31s on right now. What about an underdrive pulley? Yes this is going "off thread".
Hedman, Hooker, any difference? Thanks.
In addition to modifying my exhaust I'm considering swapping my 3.54 for 3.73 since I've got 31s on right now. What about an underdrive pulley? Yes this is going "off thread".
Hedman, Hooker, any difference? Thanks.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: Prince George, B.C.
Shorties are direct replacment for the stock manifolds while long tubes are exactly that, they come all the way down where the Y pipe joins up, so with those you need a new header pipe(Y pipe) to get it all hooked up. This is a good time to go either single 3" or dual 2.25" I also thought I would add this:
If you are checking out Flows, go do a google search for Chambered mufflers, check out classic chambered's site as well as sweet thunder. Classic has sound cllips of a mustang, a cobra kit car, a '73 charger and a '05 Magnum. I think these are some of the best sounding muffs you will find. An improved version of the now discontinued Thrush Turbo Tube. (these are for the guys looking for LOUD and deep.
If you are checking out Flows, go do a google search for Chambered mufflers, check out classic chambered's site as well as sweet thunder. Classic has sound cllips of a mustang, a cobra kit car, a '73 charger and a '05 Magnum. I think these are some of the best sounding muffs you will find. An improved version of the now discontinued Thrush Turbo Tube. (these are for the guys looking for LOUD and deep.