What headers would be a direct bolt on for my 72 f-250 camper special
390 with air, power steering, dual exhaust, 2 wheel drive, c6 trans
any problems I need to be aware of etc.

 

Most headers have special footnotes that say they will not work with camper special due to the front swaybar I believe. If i'm wrong somebody will straighten me out.
EDIT: I looked on Summit and the Hedman 89100 looks to be your best bet. I'd wait till somebody who has got headers can second this.

 

Thx for the fast relpy, Glad I am asking the question before my purchase.

 

No prob. Like I said i think the reason the Camper Specials wont work is because of a front swaybar. I dont know if the headers will work regardless, or of there is some modification that can be performed to make them fit. You will just have to wait for somebody who has installed (or tried too) headers in a vehicle that fits your description.

 

A Camper Special doesn't necessarily have a front swaybar; my '72 CS didn't come with one. If you confirm that you don't have a swaybar, I've had good luck with the Hedmans. If you have the money I would recommend upgrading to the coated versions; they'll look better, last longer, and keep your engine compartment temperature lower. My other universal recommendation for header applications is to use exhaust studs instead of bolts. They make the install easier (you can hang the p-side header while you bolt in the starter and they keep the gasket in place) and they eliminate the dreaded broken exhaust bolt syndrome that is common in our trucks. You can go for the high-dollar ARP studs ($100/set for stainless) or get some standard Grade 8 pieces at a well-stocked hardware store (like Lowes) for about $1 a piece. Be sure to order a starter blanket along with the headers; it's cheap and will extend the life of your starter.
If you do have a front swaybar then you'll almost certainly have fitment problems. However, many FTEs have reported that the aftermarket swaybars (Addco, etc) work with headers without issue. So, if you really want headers, you could always replace the swaybar too.

 

Guys, I have never sen the sway to cause a problem. It may depend on just what kind of bar you have. But I have seen some camper specials that had attachments for a pickup camper that could very well get in the way, and one of my CS trucks had an auxillary fuel tank inside the frame rails, on the driver side, that would have definately gotten in the way. It would seem that header manufacturers took the easy way out and just say it won't fit, when in reality, not all Cs trucks were equipped the same and most in fact, WILL fit. I have heard good fit comments about the Hedman 89100s, that is what most of the 2wds will need. DF, @ work ( sorta )

 

Actually the headers will work even with the driver's side auxillary tank; it just makes things more complicated for your muffler guy (not to mention future tranny removal). I just noted the potential problem with the stock swaybar because that's what's always cited on the charts. Could be another urban legend?

 

hey, will they also fit a 72' camper special with a 360

 

How much difference is there between a '66 and a '73 camper special? I went with the Sanderson block huggers and a sway-bar from an f 250. I had no problems with clearance or otherwise and I agree,spend abit more for the coated headers,you'll be happier,I wish I had...Also also I went with the stainless ARP header bolts,they are sweet,once they settled in and were re-tightened they have not loosened up.Even after a few years of every day driving they have stayed put.

 

If they fit a 390, then they will fit a 360. Same block for both engines.

 

I put on a set of blackjack headers set for a 72 ford f-150-250, 390 4x4. Fit great and look great. Price is right as well. Just look on ebay.Dont bother painting forget it....... either coat them or leave em all together as headers are headers. Dj

 

I had a 73 ford with a 390 that I put the blackjack headers on. Perfect fit, and carried it over to Midas to have the exhaust run.. The guy spent aver 3 hours custom bending the pipes and put the Golden Turbo's on it. Really great sound and never had any problems out of the exhaust. Only thing I didn't like was that after putting on the headers, then I had to remove the passenger side one to drop the starter.

You can get a set of the Blackjack headers from Summit Racing for about $120, I think...