I think dono said paint them before you install them.

Wouldn't it peel anyway? If base layer is cheap paint.

It's like a painting project.

Proper prep work.

I did once paint a set of cheap headers with 1400 degree paint.

The good 1400 paint didn't peel, but the cheap paint underneath did.

 

Just sandblast them and repaint.

 

I knew that the paint was going to burn off. I didn't really care. They're just headers anyway. I've never had a show truck.

I'd recommend Summit headers to anyone. Just check out some ceramic coated headers from anyone before you buy. It'll keep the underhood temps down.

Mike

 

Thin headers + high heat = cracking.

 

I had some of the cheap headers from them in the past, never had a cracking issue, but I had planned on hacking on them for my application, so I didn't want the top buck units either. It doesn't matter where you buy headers, if they don't say they have the high temp paint, they just have regular paint. I haven't had a set of headers die right off, but they will rust through in time if you don't go ahead and high temp paint them. It depends how loing you expect them to last for your needs as to whther it matters or not. You'll get several years out of them, but the better headers will not likely need to be replaced unless damaged for some other reason. I personally have not had too much issue with Summit, been pretty good to me.

 

Sorry if I'm being kinda thick, lol, but this is a big purchase to me. So.. most of you say that if i get the old paint off, repaint with high temp paint and then put them on I will be pretty good for say... 5 years at least? If I get 5 years out of them I'd be plenty satisfied.

Terran, you say that the thin headers will crack? have you had personal experiance with this? Everyone else seems to think that its not a problem. Not trying to start anything, just a question.

Thanks for any replies,

Paul

 

you should be able to get five years out of them without painting, just will look rusty. That is unless you run in salty conditions, then shorten the life a bit...

 

With headers? No, not personally, i've seen thicker pieces of metal warp on a truck that's overheated though. Honestly, everthing you read will tell you that thin metal warps and cracks easier. It depends on how hard you drive your truck, the outside temps in your area, ect. But it still stands as a general automotive theory that thin headers are mroe prone to cracking and warpage.

Summit headers are 18 Guage, which translates to 1.024mm wall diameter.

Hedman headers are 16 Guage, which is a 1.291mm wall diameter.

That's a 0.267mm wall diameter difference. To me that's enough to make a difference, especially in a hot envrionment. That's also more heat being transfered to your engine, and less efficent scavenging.


Just my .02 cents.

 

I'm in Maryland, so the winters can get pretty 'salty'.

Thanks for the info terran, I'll check out hedman also. See how much of a price difference it is.


Thanks again,

Paul

 

Been buying from Summit for close to 20 years and am sure I could find stacks (and stacks) of receipts. Low prices, free, quick shipping (for most items).
Never had an issue and the few times I needed to return something (one was many months later) - no problem. Most if not all of the 'Summit' parts are just re-tagged. Usually you'll see the exact same item within a page or two, at a higher price. Of course, these could be 'visual blemished' ones form the factory (hopefully not 'performance' rejects!). Once ordered a 'Summit' fuel filter, the 'race' type with AN fittings and large replaceable filter (I knew it was the Fram), they were out and the sales guy sold me the 'Fram' at the Summit price - a great deal at the time.
As far as quality, its as good as the vendors supply to Summit - they're just a distributor, but they do carry most of the 'quality' names (although I've found some of the 'quality', long-standing companies have as many or more issues than others).
So, I'd recommend Summit (also heard good things about Jegs but I've only used them once, Summit has worked for me).
[BTW, Summit used to name names about mfg who would set minimum pricing and not allow anyone, including Summit, to go below this price. I always thought that was a noteable 'looking out for the customer' approach, although I wondered what the mfg's thought of this - from one of their own distributors?.]

 

Cool, thanks for all the help guys. I think i'm going to go with the summit headers. I'll just have to fork over some extra cash if they crack. Or i can just put my manifolds back on with new gaskets.

Thanks again,

Paul

Edit- Anyone here buy summit headers for a 5.4 f150 know if they are direct replacement or if cutting/welding is required?

 

The headers should fit right in, generally they make them so they fit. Good luck, as long as you watch your temps you shouldn't have a problem, i would reccomend also ordering some DEI Exhaust wrap from them.

 

Cool, I'll make sure i check them over real good for quality welds. Then i'll stip them, paint in high temp and get some of that exhaust wrap. Thanks for the tips.

 

I have great luck with Summit. Have bought quite a bit from them. Bought a set of Fender Flares, sold the truck before I got them on, had them unpacked and carton thrown away. I figured I was out of luck. Almost a year later I ordered some parts and asked them about returning the flares. They said go ahead, and refunded my money. Thats good service. I have had good luck with the quality of what I purchased.

 

Unfortunately the headers i got from summit bascially totally relocated the Y-pipe from my truck way down past the bell houseing requing a new Y-Pipe, so i'm putting off installing them till i have a day to check and weld everything, that or i'll just drive to MIDAS with open downpipes and have them make me up one.