Can someone explain to a "beginner" what the difference is between headers and manifolds? I have a cracked exhaust manifold and need to get it replaced. My thinking is to have the whole exaust system replaced at the same time but am not sure why everything I look at talks about headers and not manifolds. I have an 87 5.0 302 f150 4X4 if that makes a difference. I could use some education in this area! Thanks!!

 

Manifolds- Stock part. Cast iron, large heavy and usually poor flowing. They look bad too, IMO.

Headers- Tubular, lighter and better flowing and looking. Usually has some thought into the length and size of each tube for better breathing. Almost always makes more power than manifolds and helps with fuel mileage. Install can be a pain in some trucks, but its worth it.

I have never been a fan of replacing a stock part with another stock part. If something has to be replaced, use something better, like headers over manifolds.

 

I had a cracked manifold on my truck when I bought it.I couldn't even find a junkyard that would sell me a manifold.Only want to sell parts they make money on.I wound up buying a set of pacesetters for it.They were a royal pain to put in.I would never do it again.Took me all weekend,broke off two bolts in the head which I have to replace the gasket once a year and that takes about three hours.

 

Thanks for the education! It seems that I would be better upgrading to headers and have a shop do it! Thanks again.

 

This is just an opinion- but I think that exhaust headers for everyday use is generally a really poor choice.

They are always an aftermarket part, and unless you really spend some dough for them- they can end up really being a pain. Also, they will amost always increase the amount of noise within the cab, particularly if they end up in contact with or close to the frame rails- LOUD.

Again- just an opinion, but they really aren't necessary unless you are modifying your motor for higher RPM performance, either.

 

Good to know. I am using the truck for everyday driving but want something that sounds deep and throaty. Obviously I want it to "get up and go" on occassion but if the gain will not be that big for my everyday use, maybe just replacing the manifold and spending the money on something else is a better idea. I have a quote from a local shop for a cat-back, 40 series flowmaster 430402 muffler, (2) 2-1/2" tail pipes and chrome tips installed for $294.25. It sounded like a good deal but I'm not sure what other F150 fans are paying for this type of mod. Anyone?

 

I would say a shop would charge an arm and a leg to put headers on one of these trucks.They probably wouldn't put on a set you purchase yourself,so I was told.You also don't want cheap ones like mine,they need replaced.My truck hardly seemed any louder with them.With the stock double cats and no muffler it's still quieter than any new truck.

 

headers gave my bko a way different tone, specially when they were open but really, I think they give a better tone

 

I found a set of Flowtech long tube headers on JC Whitney for $109.99. Does that mean they are cheap quality or just a good price? I am leary when I see low prices on anything but they are Flowtechs which I thought were decent. Do you disagree?

 

I never owned a set myself.Longtubes IMO are a pain on ford trucks.I like to keep the exhaust up and inside the frame rails which you can't do on fords.You'll have to drill them for oxegen sensors as well.

 

longtubes do tend to hang down, but if you lift it, it's not a problem

 

I'm gonna sound like somebody's oldskool dad here- but you have to ask yourself--

What are the real benefits of running headers on a street vehicle like this??

Sometimes- I mean SOMETIMES, you happen to get a pair of headers that seal up nicely the first time, and you don't have to retorque & replace the gaskets. Sometimes.

If you run headers, and you still want to renew your plates every other year, you have to run cats. Why install headers, and run through a Y-pipe and a single cat? You now need to buy two high flow catalytic converters. cha-ch$ng.
And since you're so concerned with how well your exhaust flows, you might as well include an x-pipe or crossover of some kind while you're replacing the entire system.

And Seriously, exactly how much do headers help with fuel economy??

Your stock motor is designed to work most efficiently from idle- 4500 rpm.
Headers may actually push that powerband up a little (read: slightly less responsive just off-idle). What does this encourage you to do?? Nail it from stoplights to get to that "sweet spot" in the midrange, or at least stay in it longer.
No more fuel economy.

With the exception of full-on race headers, or factory high-performance headers, tube headers are rarely tuned. They are designed to fit in your vehicle- if you're lucky.

 

Not here to argue, but Im in a typing mood

Why not? If noone modified anything, everyones cars/truck would all be the same. How boring.

That is an easy one. Thick flanges, and the right fastening hardware should give you NO problems. Cheap headers that have the flange thickness of a credit card will of course leak, but then you should have known that when you bought them.

Meh. That depends on the laws in your area. And yes, headers are just a part of the whole puzzle, but a good set are still better than most stock manifolds, and can provide a gain, stock cats or not. Ebay has quality high flow cats for $55 and under, new. I just finished shopping for some.

Your right foot determines mileage. Headers can actually help a lot. I know this from experience, and I dont drive like a Grandma either. Better efficiency will always help mileage within reason.

That all depends on a little knowledge about primary size and what you really need. Show me a vehicle that lost that much power to a simple header change, and I will show you a owner that installed no-name brand headers or doesnt know how to tune. Plus, think about how that midrange would help highway towing or passing. A strong midrange rocks! Ask anyone with a 5.0 Mustang

The manifolds didnt make the torque, the engine did.

You got me there. Cheap headers are just that-CHEAP. Unless you find a good buy on quality made pieces. With all the internet shops, its really easy to find a deal.

 

Well said- you know your stuff.

But it's really up to the lady.

 

The lady refrence took me a second. My brain must be stuck on slow tonight LOL.

All your points are valid, I just felt like a little e-discussion