I can get a set of Flowtech headers for $95.00 or a set of Hedmann Headers for $229.00. I know you get what you pay for but, are the Hedmann or Hooker or other brands worth the extra bucks?

 

I one word. NO.
The best headers I've ever had were Coyotes (mexican hookers) but hooker closed them up.
At best in most places you'll get 7 years of use from an uncoated header. Well if you look at it the cost for coated headers and time it's not worth it for a on the road truck. Show trucks etc maybe.

I'm running Summit's house brand on my 65. They hit the main cross-member and ended right in-front (~4 inches) of the trany member.

Beware all headers of any brand stink! They will all in time rust and warp and leak. Fitments is always a problem too.
There are several things you can do to help your self.
Do a dry fitments first that is no gaskets etc, correct any problems then. (starter interference, ending in of cross members, shifter linkage)
Even though most kits come with header bolts 3/8 thread with 7/16 heads most of the time you can't get at them to torque them right. Toss the new bolts in the junk hardware drawer and go get allen head bolts or those nice allen headed "Stage 8" kits with the no back off plates.
Get a shallow pan of boiling water and soak the gaskets for 30 minutes or so. This will let them get soft and pliable so they mold to the header and head better.
After you get the header one one side go do the other side and then go back to the first side and re-torque the bolts. Next hook up your exhaust and then re-torque the header bolts again. Those gaskets need time to mush around you'll be surprised to get 1/4 to 1/3 turn more after 5 or so minutes. Down at the collector use those copper gaskets and don't torque the bolts to tight you'll bend the flanges and it will not seal good. I get SS bolts fot theses as you'll be in there every now and again.

44

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 10-Oct-02 AT 05:23 PM (EST)]buy the L&L coated headers

there built right for your app and are super heavy duty

have a set on a truck thats been running the roads and woods for 5 years

NEVER had a problem one

not one header leak

the flanges look to be 1/2 steel or heavyer and the tubes are super heavy duty

only downside is there about 400 bucks new

i will say there WELL WORTH THE $

you should never have to get a new pair for a long time

 

Summit and Jegs are both selling Jet Hot Coated Dynomax headers made for the Twin I beam fords for (i think) 219.00. That is what I am going to use on mine. Cant beat that Jet Hot Coating.

lata
CHRIS