Which Exhaust Header should I use?
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Joined: Nov 2006
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Which Exhaust Header should I use?
Hi all,
1st post. I have a 1987 F-250 with a non-cat 460 ci 7.5L 3spd auto C6 no OD.
I am preparing to have the exhaust leak fixed, but after reading many posts here and doing some searches, am concerned about either re-using the existing headers with new copper gaskets or replacing the headers with an aftermarket set.
If I was to replace them.
1. What would you recommend I look at for headers? (I would like bolt on only without further modifications required)
2. Can I expect any real performance increase here?
3. Rough idea on cost?
4. Since many topics discuss breaking bolts, should I automatically replace all studs with SS?
Thanks for the input!
1st post. I have a 1987 F-250 with a non-cat 460 ci 7.5L 3spd auto C6 no OD.
I am preparing to have the exhaust leak fixed, but after reading many posts here and doing some searches, am concerned about either re-using the existing headers with new copper gaskets or replacing the headers with an aftermarket set.
If I was to replace them.
1. What would you recommend I look at for headers? (I would like bolt on only without further modifications required)
2. Can I expect any real performance increase here?
3. Rough idea on cost?
4. Since many topics discuss breaking bolts, should I automatically replace all studs with SS?
Thanks for the input!
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 58
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I have a 93 5.0 van that I put shorty headers on to replace cracked manifolds. Cheaper than new manifolds in my situation. During the change I broke 2 studs in the head which I am still trying to get out. Major PITA which I imagine is worse on the truck cause you are working from the top. I pull the doghouse and the headers are right there. Also I used the cheap paper gaskets that came with the Summit truck headers. MISTAKE. They lasted about a week. Probably my fault though as I am lazy and did not retighten the bolts when I first heard the leak. Get a set of good gaskets and locking bolts. A bit more money, but worth it in my opinion. I did not notice a power increase although I left the exhaust stock. The only reason for the header swap in my case was because the manifolds were cracked.
A 460 is much different animal than my lowly 302 however I believe that you will have similar results. I have 1.5 inch (maybe 1 5/8, not sure) primaries I believe, but you will need bigger tubes for that big block. You may get a little more power out of it, but you need to get more air and fuel in to let more air and fuel out.
Just my humble opinion,
Brian
A 460 is much different animal than my lowly 302 however I believe that you will have similar results. I have 1.5 inch (maybe 1 5/8, not sure) primaries I believe, but you will need bigger tubes for that big block. You may get a little more power out of it, but you need to get more air and fuel in to let more air and fuel out.
Just my humble opinion,
Brian
New User
Joined: Aug 2006
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brjohnson choose your headers wisely!!
I have a 95 F350 and one of the exhaust manifold bolts had broken off in the engine block so it leaked a little. I figured I would put some headers on instead of just changing the gaskets and bolt. I put on Headman and the first time I used the paper gaskets supplied--bad idea, I couldn't get them to seal. So I got some copper and cut out my own custom gaskets, It still leak just a little bit. The only reason the headers are still on my truck is because I noticed a big preformance gain. And a little exhast never killed anybody. If I could do it over again I would pay the extra money and get Banks Torque-tube headers--they are designed to seal like stock manifold--minus the gasket.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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Well it kinda depends on what headers you would like and your budget. Do you want shorties or long tube? If your not looking to do alot of performance mods to the motor I would just go with a set of shorties. There pretty cheap and have some gains. I would get all grade 8 bolts when you do it. Look around and decide what your budget is.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2007
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With shorties you can bolt back up your exahust. If you get long tubes your exahust will have to me alittle modified since the headers are longer. Any muffler shop should be able to do that. You got more power with long tubes then you do with shorties. Plus long tubes look cooler haha. Plus shorties are cheaper then long tubes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,557
Likes: 44
From: Concord, NC
Take a look at Doug Thorley headers. They are top notch, but you'll pay for them.
www.dougthorleyheaders.com
www.dougthorleyheaders.com
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Thanks all for the feedback.
I will look into Heddman, Thorley and Banks.
Appears Banks does not offer a fit for my year F-250.
Shorties would appeal as no other modifications necessary, but am tempted by longs for the increase in power. Any thoughts on rough approx. on what I would have in costs for a shop to modify to fit long tubes?
The guy who is going to help me has used copper gaskets successfully over the years and from what I have learned on this site and through searches, looks like I will go with that.
I found some additional stuff on the web stating that Ford had re-configured the materials for the manifolds they are producing now and that they should hold up better. Not sure if anyone has thoughts on that as I will also likely look into what that cost picture would look like as well, but don't want to make a mistake if those will simply go as quickly as the stock ones on there now did. Truck only has 54k mi on it.
Thanks again.
Brad
I will look into Heddman, Thorley and Banks.
Appears Banks does not offer a fit for my year F-250.
Shorties would appeal as no other modifications necessary, but am tempted by longs for the increase in power. Any thoughts on rough approx. on what I would have in costs for a shop to modify to fit long tubes?
The guy who is going to help me has used copper gaskets successfully over the years and from what I have learned on this site and through searches, looks like I will go with that.
I found some additional stuff on the web stating that Ford had re-configured the materials for the manifolds they are producing now and that they should hold up better. Not sure if anyone has thoughts on that as I will also likely look into what that cost picture would look like as well, but don't want to make a mistake if those will simply go as quickly as the stock ones on there now did. Truck only has 54k mi on it.
Thanks again.
Brad
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