Can anyone recommend a set of headers? I would like to get some different ones to improve performance, but i don't really know anything about the different brands and types of them. I don't want anything too expensive, maybe at/around/near $1000. Can anyone help me out?

 

Headers are a pia on a daily driver if you ask me.....bolts always coming loose...leaking gaskets....ect....plus ford has come a long way in making manifolds that flow pretty well.....i'd spend the 1000 on other upgrades if i were you.

 

If your really set on getting a pair of headers than I would reccomend JBA. Quality materials and they last. I would agree that the stock manifolds are good and I would get exhaust, tuner, and intake first. Headers are good way to pull the extra 30-40hp out of the rest of your bolt-ons.

 

I would also recommend the JBA headers... For long life use the stainless steel ceramic coated ones which have obvious benefits including a "lifetime warranty".

Summit Racing has them for $755.00

 

Thanks guys. I was planning on getting air intake, exhaust, i have the tuner, and i figured headers are another fairly cheap way to get some performance. But i don't know much about them.

 

Ryan50hrl,

I disagree with the PIA statement, as I have had headers on my Chevelle for years with no problems. The main problem is that most installations are not done correctly, or use stock hardware and bolts which are incompatible with the system, which is the cause of your leaks, etc...

I have installed the JBA's on my 2004 and love the extra power. It comes down to understanding what you are asking your engine to do. You add a cold air intake and programmer to get more air/fuel into the engine and then restrict the exhaust end of the system to get the air out. More air in equals the need to get more air out. Headers do just that and coupled to a quality exhaust, you have a very good package.


Doug

 

You can find ceramic coated JBAs for under 700, Edelbrocks for under 500 and Ford Racing makes a set (don't remember the cost). These are shorty heads and will probably free up in the range of 10 to 15 hp depending on who you believe. There are a couple of long tube headers floating around that claim to free up 30 hp.

I have heard horror stories about changing them out as it is a very tight fit. Ford Racing has detailed instructions on how to change them out.

 

rlm328,

Yeah, JBA has the instructions on the web site as well and they do look like a bit of a chore to swap out. I did mine when I have the engine out, so it was 15 minutes work per side, but I would bet on the better part of a day to do them.

Banks also makes a set of shorty headers.


Doug

 

I priced the Ford or Roush ones awhile ago and they were a good deal. Yeah! loosen tranny mount,motor mounts, remove this and that, I heard it could take 6 plus hours for someone who knows what they are doing! lol