Hi folks -
My name is Paul and I have a 1966 f100. I am considering replacing the 352 with a 390 engine as soon as I can pay for one. Are headers a good idea with this truck/engine combination? I have a friend with a '76 ford pu, and he said that his headers overheat his starter. Does anyone out there have a '61-'66 f100 with headers? Any problems? What brand of headers do you recommend? Any advice will be greatly appreciated!
- Paul

 

I have a 65 f100 with a 352 and it has had headers on it for about 15 years or better. They are headman headers and it is on its second set of headers. The starter was origianl and finaly went out this year after 150k miles. I think it may have just a matter of age that got it. The first set of headers rusted out due to that good old Oregon rain. Make sure you use good gaskets and torque them several times after install and you will have no problems. The headers do run a bit close to the starter and I have had thoughts of buildaing a heat shield but so far so good.

jd

 

same thing I have a 65 390/auto P/S had headers on it for about 10 years no problems

 

I have a 66 with a 390 and the headers that I just put on about two weeks ago and I love them. My dad has headers on his 66 4x4 has had them on there for about 20 years and has to of yet change the starter. Also he has never had to change the gaskets or even had to retighten the bolts on them.

 

Paul, Maybe I just have bad luck, I have Hooker long tubes on my 66, and have replaced the starter at least 4 times in 28,000 miles.

I might use a shortie set again but not the long tubes.

John

 

Starter heat shields run about $15 - $30. Available from Summit or Jeg's.

 

Interesting, that none of you indicated any improvements through the use of headers, only the issues...starters and leaks. What are the upsides? I am also in the same boat as Paul, but am struggling with why I want to go with headers.

 

Headers, really come into play with engines turning over 5000 rpms. My truck turning 2800 rpms is running 70-75 mph. I have no need for headers.

I do have a starter blanket on now.

Every man ought to own one set in his life. I am thinking for my next FE install runing two driver side manifolds and a custom bent pipe on the passenger side.

John

 

When I put the headers on my 66 F-100 4x4 the differance was very noticeable right away. I run a 67 GT Flairlane engine and with the stock exhaust it was choked down, with the headersand duel pipes, you could feel the power increase and the MPG went up. Like my son said, I have been running these sense about 1980 with no problems. They are Cyclone Headers. And sense I'm in the Central Oregon, we don't have that much rain to rust them.

 

Hi everyone!
Thanks for your useful replies. It sounds like the longer tube headers may
be more apt to overheat the starter, but it might be a good idea to use a heat shield for the starter just in case!

It sounds like the Heddman brand may be preferable to Hooker. For those of you who have NOT experienced problems, which brand do you use?

Thanks!

-Paul

 

Headman long tube here no problems..

jd

 

Cyclone long tubes, I don't think they are made anymore.

Allen

 

Bertha66 hit my interest - if efficiency goes up, MPG goes up? Anybody else see fuel mileage improvement?

 

Hi again -
Customcab66 and bhaider, do you guys know what brand of headers are on your respective trucks?

Thanks!
Paul

 

engine air basics more air in + more air out = more power but not necessarily better mileage cause you are burning more gas to