I have a 1978 Bronco with a 351M (building a 400 for a swap later) Which is the best headers for clearance for this truck? I would prefer a ceramic coated set for longevity. I am leaning towards the headman headers (PN # HED-89216) Does anyone have experience with this application or advice / input?

 

For clearance, outboards give you a straight shot back.

 

the best are the ones that actually fit like they are supposed too....! You can get any of them coated inside and out which is a very good thing.

 

I have considered running 'em outside the rails, but not fully convinced on the idea. Any suggestions on manufacturer options for that?

Roger, are you being a wise guy? Of course the ones that fit are best, which happens to be why I am doing a little research before $$$. Why coat the inside? Does the gain justify the cost?

Does anyone with a bronco like mine run these headers?

 

Take a look at my gallery. Basically the same as your Bronco. These are Sanderson's. Coating them on the inside and outside helps keep the heat buildup down under the hood. Sanderson's are coated in and out.

 

yes and no...not towards you mind you, but towards the companies that make headers that are supposed to fit and don't -. They seem to rule supreme (search and I'm sure you will see what I'm talking about)- so It's a good thing your doing your homework and if you get a decent header- whether it's coated or not I'd check it out fit wise and if it does- send it off to get coated in and out if needed.

Not only for heat but headers ceramic coated only on the outside will rust inside out. Headers properly coated will last a long time and thats a good thing cause they fit. search google or similar for ceramic coated headers and you will learn much about the technology.

sorry i sounded like a smarty pants.....what are you planning for a 400 build?

 

No worries, Roger. I am well aware of fitment issues from various manufactures' products. I bought a set of headers for my last bronco and brought them to an exhaust shop to have them mounted and make a dual exhast to match. They had a little trouble making the header fit, so they cut a 2" x 1" strip out of the top of the FRAME RAIL to help out! I didn't take offense to your post, I just couldn't guage how hard you were pulling my leg....

Those Saunderson's look good. Do my eyes decieve me or does each primary have it's own flange? Nice and thick ones too. Those aren't in my summit catalog, where is a good place to learn more about em? BTY, have you had any problems with your starter? I didn't see a shield and with header above and pipe below I was curious...

As for my build up, I can't decide between what I want and what is practical. My truck is used mostly for off-roading and camping, so it doesn't see a lot of highway travel. I put less than 3k miles on it a year, on average. I would love to put a TMI 434 long block in with MPFI and call it good, but the smog ****'s in my current state say no way to FI.

I haven't ruled out the TMI part, but DIY is easier to do on a budget. Pick up parts and have machining done a little at a time is easier on the budget.

Looking for 9.5 CR with edelbrock EGR manifold, stock carb, and maybe a 255 DEH. I have a summit cam (5201 ?) still in the box sitting on a shelf, so maybe try that one. I have conisdered the CHI heads, but not sure if I can get em past a visual smog inspection. Aussies look a whole lot more stock......

 

The flange for the primary tubes are one piece but they are nice and thick, 3/8", I believe. I have not had any issues with my starter. If you look at my "Y" pipe it looks very much like a stock piece. I chose to run a "Y" pipe because there has always been issues with the left side pipe and where to run it when dealing with a 4X4 (the front drive shaft). Duals are cool but I have half the pipe, half the hangars, half the mufflers, and half the headaches as a dual exhaust system. By running a bigger pipe(each leg of the "Y" is 2 1/2" into a single 3" and 3" the rest of the way back with a free flowing series 70 Flowmaster) I have more flow capability then my mostly stock 400 can ever use. I could probably run one of Tim's 434's and not run out of flow. The web site is: sandersonheaders.com. The are a little pricey however they come with all the copper gaskets, header bolts, and collector flanges(specify angled).

 

diy is easier on the pocketbook when all goes well but when you start getting parts that are not oem and especially heads etc a lot can happen to frustrate and delay the process...still glad i'm doing it but i am sold on getting everything (partswise) i can from tim from here on out...my budget isn't thrilled right now and i'm no where near being on the road.