5.4 Headers ?
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5.4 Headers ?
I have a 97 f-250lt duty 4x4 and am thinking about shorty headers. Any one tried swaping the stock manifolds for direct bolt in shorty headers? Was it worth the mony? Any noticable MPG or HP gains? Which brands are good or which ones arn't? Is any brand easier to install than others? Or any other good or bad info would be aprieciated.
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From: Hurricane Alley
I have done quite a bit of research on headers lately and have found that if you want them to last, especially if you drive in climates that are less forgiving, stainless steel is the way to go, such as Gibson. If you want them to look decent for a long time, then having them coated is also a very good idea. Additionally, coated headers will reduce the amount of heat dissipated into the engine compartment since headers are famous for being very hot. I have had headers on every vehicle I have owned so far, except my F150, which is just something I haven't gotten around to doing yet but will be doing within the next six months.
The install on an F150 is not too bad, though you will need to remove the inner fender flaps to get to some of the bolts easily. Plenty of penetrating oil will also be needed to soak the bolts, both the exhaust manifold bolts and the flange bolts (these will be the worst to do if you live in an area that salts the roads in the winter). PB Blaster is what I recommend since it has always worked for me and I know many people that have used it with much success.
If you go with headers, you must, at the very least, add a cat-back exhaust system or the headers will be pretty much useless....you will see a slight increase in performance but the numbers will very depending on the other mods you do.
The install on an F150 is not too bad, though you will need to remove the inner fender flaps to get to some of the bolts easily. Plenty of penetrating oil will also be needed to soak the bolts, both the exhaust manifold bolts and the flange bolts (these will be the worst to do if you live in an area that salts the roads in the winter). PB Blaster is what I recommend since it has always worked for me and I know many people that have used it with much success.
If you go with headers, you must, at the very least, add a cat-back exhaust system or the headers will be pretty much useless....you will see a slight increase in performance but the numbers will very depending on the other mods you do.
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I do have flow master single in and duel out cat back system. I am not impressed with the sound, very quiet when compared to other v8 trucks with simular set up. The more rpm and load on engine the quieter the muflers. I am hoping that headers will help with that too.
Any one else noticed the same result when adding cat back systems? Did the headers help?
Any one else noticed the same result when adding cat back systems? Did the headers help?
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Hurricane Alley
The reason it is probably quiet is most likely because you have the three chamber Flowmaster. They also make a two chamber which is considerably louder. The three chamber is better if you drive long distances on the expressway, much less resonance. Two chamber is better if you like the have the sound....
Headers will change the sound but not as much as they could due to the cats....but you will still hear some difference.
Headers will change the sound but not as much as they could due to the cats....but you will still hear some difference.
