Installing Headers Today
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New User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 21
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From: Lancaster, CA
Installing Headers Today
What do I need to look out for? I have a 70 F100 with a 302 and 3 speed auto. I bought Hooker LTs from Summit with gaskets and it came with all new bolts. I figured I would buy anti-seize to put on the bolts before they go in the block. Aside from unplugging the spark plug wires, what else should I do? I plan on using a sawzall to cut the existing pipes connected to the manifolds.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 387
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From: Calgary
Here is what I did when putting Flowtech headers on my '72 302:
Wrapped starter with heat resistant insulating strip
Raised engine on passenger side using floor jack and piece of pipe. Put 2 x 4 between engine and motor mount so it wouldn't fall.
Broke fan shroud because I forgot to undo it before I raised engine.
My header instructions recommended new motor mounts so the engine sits up high on the frame. I didn't and found collector touched the cross member so I made 1/8" shims to put between the motor mounts and engine...worked.
Made a new transmission cross member that gave a straight shot from the collectors to the back. Used 1.5" x 3" rectangular steel.
Couldn't shift gears at first because the shifter rod hit the driver's side collector so I just connected the rod to the other side of the transmission lever.
That's all I can think of for now.
Wrapped starter with heat resistant insulating strip
Raised engine on passenger side using floor jack and piece of pipe. Put 2 x 4 between engine and motor mount so it wouldn't fall.
Broke fan shroud because I forgot to undo it before I raised engine.
My header instructions recommended new motor mounts so the engine sits up high on the frame. I didn't and found collector touched the cross member so I made 1/8" shims to put between the motor mounts and engine...worked.
Made a new transmission cross member that gave a straight shot from the collectors to the back. Used 1.5" x 3" rectangular steel.
Couldn't shift gears at first because the shifter rod hit the driver's side collector so I just connected the rod to the other side of the transmission lever.
That's all I can think of for now.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 100
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From: Maggie Valley, NC
I put a set of hedmans on my 71 f-100 with a 302 a few years ago an it wasnt too bad. First of all you need to take the manifolds off and clean the area where the gasket goes real good. Also, you might want to clean the area where the gasket goes on the headers also. Take the fan shroud off, and after that, loosen the motor mounts, and jack the motor up a few inches. This is the only way that you can get the headers down between the frame and motor. After you get the headers set down, you can set the motor back down. Ease it down slowly, making sure you dont smoosh your headers. Make sure you tighten the motor mounts back down. Now you are ready to bolt them up. Take the headers and set them in place, and then put the two outside bolts in first. This way you can have the headers in place and you can slide the gasket in place. After this all you have to do is put the other 6 bolts in and your done. A little hint, put two gaskets on each side and it wont leak for a good while. Good Luck!
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New User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster, CA
I got it done and the only things I had to take out were the spark plugs and wires on the passenger side and the starter cable. Aside from that it went very smooth and they slid right in. They look great!
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 45
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From: NorCA
Put a heat shield on the starter as my Hookers cooked it. The starter was caged in, so I had to cut pipe to replace it...P I T A! A mini starter would offer more room to disperse the heat and you might be able to replace it without a torch.
