Hi Im looking at putting some headers on my F150 4x4 302/351 E40d with 38s. Wondering what would be a better idea shorty headers or full lenght. Wondering what my gains would be vs the other. Plus looking for some recommendations on headers. Thanks Danny

 

i baught shortys for my 93 f250 4x4 302 5spd. with 35s not sure i've heard so many different stories about them shortys should bolt on to the stock exhaust or in the same place as stock exhaust manifolds. LT's will not, tht why i baught shorties

 

Long tubes give better performance.

 

shortys i think last a little longer, cause there up to the warm motor, thats just an opinion though. i think the big advantage of them is they can hook to your stock exhaust if you want and they dont have a collector gasket to blow out. As far as performance i never noticed much different between shorty headers and long tube. I guess to be sure would have to check with a dyno.

 

I was kindof wondering the same thing. I assume shorties wouldn't give as much flow, but still be a vast improvement on stock manifolds. I think they'd quit making full length headers if they weren't worth the cash. I'm waiting for someone to just point to me and say, 'Hey, those headers are good, and it's okay if they cost $150.'

Ryan

 

As a general rule, short tube headers give more top end grunt, and long tubes more low end. jd

 

I should be getting some shorty headers soon. My dad is trying to convince me these are bad, and the gaskets constantly blow out. Is this true? I am planning on Trying to hook to my stock exhaust for now, until i get money round up for a full true dual

Also, will there be much sound difference from manifolds? I sapose with less backpressure..

Last question. Should i be worried about manifold bolts breaking in the block? This is a new motor, about 30,000 miles on it. I would think you'd be SOL if one were to break. Have to pull t he motor just to drill out.

thanks,
Josh

 

you will have far less trouble with shorty headers then long tube headers. i like the bbk shorty headers allot ive put many sets on different trucks at my dads shop. never a problem with them. Never had one come back leaking either. it the long tube headers that constantly blow gaskets not shortys. and ive never had trouble with bolts breaking off in the block on these motors so id say your pretty safe.

 

That depends. A good pair of shorties will outperform a lousy set of long tubes any day.

The difference in power is usually so small its not very noticable between the 2 designs. Long tubes will GENERALLY help make better low end. However, that doesnt mean they will fall on their face as RPMs climb.

Any decent header (shortie, long tube) is worth the $$, regardless of design. Shorties should bolt up to a stock exhaust or Y pipe with less headaches. Equal length headers are a crap shoot, unless you know the length of the primaries are the right length for the powerband you are looking for. Equal length means nothing if the actual length is wrong. Primary tube length and size is important to how much power is made and where, just like tuned intakes. Look at the difference in a stock intake manifold and a tunnel ram.

Header gaskets blowing out are a common problem with both designs. The culprits here are thin, cheap flanges that warp and header bolts that are too short to get a good enough grip and back out over time. Fix those 2 problems and they should last a long time. Of course, a good coating will help a lot too.

 

hmm well ran shorty headers on my 351 w for 8 years and never had a blow out. never have yet had to replace the gaskets guess the shorty headers i picked where deisgned well or something

 

What kind of shorties do you have or what would be a good set to put on. Same with long tubes what would be a good brand. Thanks

 

i use the ones made by bbk, summit racing sells them

 

Once again, my broad generalization isn't always the rule. Gotta stop doing that.

To elaborate a bit, I think ultimate trck-type performance will show the advantages of long-tubes. Specifically due to enhanced exhaust scavenging.

For mildly tuned engines, like 99% of the vehicles out there, I think the benefits of long-tubes may be less pronounced.

And long-tubes eliminate the pre-cats on our trucks, so they aren't really legal. Something to consider depending on where you live and how smog-checks are performed. You'll fail the visual with long-tubes.

 

To each their own. My '75 250SC has FlowMaster long-tube headers, are scavenging and fit well. Followed by 2 1'2 pipe and Thrush G-paks w/ 24" long 4" tips. I like the mellow, deep growl. Backing down hard, they sound like an AA gun.

 

I have to agree with most of what Kens64 says. You get what you pay for. If it is a stock engine use shorties. Long tubes will give you more low end power. " If they are a high quality header" But, they have their downfalls, fitment mainly.. The shorties on my 87 bolted pretty much right up with some strength, a few words, and help from a friend. Always easier when a buddy is there to help. I mean run and get you beers.