Exhaust Options / Headers
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Augusta.GA
Exhaust Options / Headers
I'm going to cheat and not research this, though I've seen the question posted before.
Is the recommended exhaust pipe ID for mild performance 2.5 in? Went to summit and they seem to have quite a list of headers for my 79 F-250 Supercab/camper special. I've read previously there isn't enough space by the fender well without mods.
Otherwise, what do I buy to connect to my exh manifold (i cut exhaust out with sawzall ) local parts store??
thanks
Is the recommended exhaust pipe ID for mild performance 2.5 in? Went to summit and they seem to have quite a list of headers for my 79 F-250 Supercab/camper special. I've read previously there isn't enough space by the fender well without mods.
Otherwise, what do I buy to connect to my exh manifold (i cut exhaust out with sawzall ) local parts store??
thanks
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 207
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From: Wisconsin
not sure what the recommended size is. anyways, i just changed my headers and the rest of my exhaust a few weeks ago. the old headers were rusted completely so i replaced them with hedman elite ceramic coated fenderwell exit headers. kind of expensive, but very high quality. i then replaced the 2 1/4" dual pipes with stainless 2 1/2" pipes and glasspacks. some say this will reduce backpressure and also reduce torque. i havent dyno'ed it or anything, but if it was reduced it must have been by a miniscule amount. can't really see a difference in performance between the 2 1/4" and 2 1/2" pipes, and the new exhaust sounds great. BTW, i installed this on my (early) '77 F250 with 400 engine. hope this helps and good luck.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 207
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From: Wisconsin
posted pics in my user gallery a while ago. also check this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=410510
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=410510
Thread Starter
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 713
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From: Augusta.GA
Your truck is 4X4? I don't see this option for my '79 2WD.
Hedman Header Options for 351M/400 Trucks:
2WD 1/2, 3/4 & 1 TON
Yr 77-79; Part No. 89268*; Notes: 1) Without smog injection or injection heads; 6) Modification to stock exhaust required to retain catalytic converter; Tube and collector: 1 ¾, 3”
4WD 1/2-1 TON PICKUP & BRONCO
Yr: 77-79; Part No.89368*; Notes: 6) Modification to stock exhaust required to retain catalytic converter; 41) Fender well exit; 45) Not legal for sale or use in California on pollution controlled motor vehicles. Tubes and Collector 1 5/8, 3".
Yr: 77½-79; Part No. 89218; Notes: 4) Includes parts necessary to retain emission devices. (49 State); 6) Modification to stock exhaust required to retain catalytic converter; 44) Will not fit Dana 60 front differential; 166) Will not multi-shock absorber factory or aftermarket installations. Tube and Collector 1 3/4, 3".
Thanks for reply I will look again at your gallery and see what I find on the thread you supplied. Stupid question: There's no problem with tire wear with this through fender well design?
Hedman Header Options for 351M/400 Trucks:
2WD 1/2, 3/4 & 1 TON
Yr 77-79; Part No. 89268*; Notes: 1) Without smog injection or injection heads; 6) Modification to stock exhaust required to retain catalytic converter; Tube and collector: 1 ¾, 3”
4WD 1/2-1 TON PICKUP & BRONCO
Yr: 77-79; Part No.89368*; Notes: 6) Modification to stock exhaust required to retain catalytic converter; 41) Fender well exit; 45) Not legal for sale or use in California on pollution controlled motor vehicles. Tubes and Collector 1 5/8, 3".
Yr: 77½-79; Part No. 89218; Notes: 4) Includes parts necessary to retain emission devices. (49 State); 6) Modification to stock exhaust required to retain catalytic converter; 44) Will not fit Dana 60 front differential; 166) Will not multi-shock absorber factory or aftermarket installations. Tube and Collector 1 3/4, 3".
Thanks for reply I will look again at your gallery and see what I find on the thread you supplied. Stupid question: There's no problem with tire wear with this through fender well design?
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
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I used to have a 79 F-150 with 2wd and bought a set of Blackjack headers to fit the 351M that was in it. They fit perfect with no mods. I don't know if they still make them, but a call to Summit Racing's tech line should give you the answers you need. I have found them to be very helpful at Summit. Those headers combined with a true dual exhaust ( 2.5"), made a good bit of difference in the power of that truck. My current truck is a 78 F-150 4x4, and I also am going with the Hedman Elites, but I have not seen them for 2wd.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 207
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From: Wisconsin
yes, my 77 F250 is a 4x4. and no, i haven't had any issues with tire wear or damage from these headers. if you stuff the wheelwells with the widest tires you can find it may be an issue tho.
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From: PacNW
Blackjack & Cyclone headers are made by Dynomax. They're identical headers made on the same jigs but the Blackjack are painted and the Cyclone are ceramic coated.
Loss of torque in the exhaust happens in the first few feet after the gas leaves the port. That's why primary tube size selection in headers is important. Once you get past the collectors and into the actual exhaust pipes it's hard to have too little back pressure so whether you go with dual 2 1/2" or dual 2 1/4" or single 3" you probably won't be able to tell the difference.
Putting a crossover H pipe or X pipe is good for a few more poinies and it should be placed as close as practical to the collector exit. There's an old trick of painting a thin stripe on the pipe and running the engine. Where the paint burns off first is where you want to place the crossover.
Loss of torque in the exhaust happens in the first few feet after the gas leaves the port. That's why primary tube size selection in headers is important. Once you get past the collectors and into the actual exhaust pipes it's hard to have too little back pressure so whether you go with dual 2 1/2" or dual 2 1/4" or single 3" you probably won't be able to tell the difference.
Putting a crossover H pipe or X pipe is good for a few more poinies and it should be placed as close as practical to the collector exit. There's an old trick of painting a thin stripe on the pipe and running the engine. Where the paint burns off first is where you want to place the crossover.
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From: PacNW
An H pipe is a fairly easy fabrication for a competent muffler shop. An X type crossover involves installing a specific fitting. Believe it or not there is significant power difference between all 3, no X over, H pipe & X pipe.
Posting Guru
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From: PacNW
Haven't ever seen any reliable numbers other than peak HP and peak TQ and the entire system really has to be taken into account, not just the style of the Xover but the X type provides for a better flow while the H pipe is more restrictive since the exhaust gas has to make a 90 deg turn. The peak HP and TQ for a good X pipe system was comparable to running open headers while the H pipe system dropped both HP and TQ.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Earth
My reason for the crossover was to balance out the sound, mixing both the left and right side exhaust notes. So you can hear "all eight", rather than just four and four. But, the possibility of a power gain was all the more reason for doing it. 