Upgrade Quesition
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Daytona Beach USA
Upgrade Quesition
Hey everyone, here is my situation. I am currently rebuilding a 302 to go into my 1982 f-150. I am going to be doing the exhaust either before or shortly after putting the engine in. My question is should I stick with the stock exhaust manifolds or go with headers. I am on a fairly tight budget but most headers arent too expensive. But, I definately don't want to waste money on something that won't help much. Future upgrades include a 4 barrel 600 cfm Edelbrock, conversion to roller cam (possibly), maybe a gear change to 3.55 or 3.73 (I'd like an opinion on that too), and a few minor upgrades. But its definately not a race truck, just something I'd like to have fun in. All opinions are welcome
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Upgrade Quesition
Headers Rock! they are ver cheap, I think Dynomax makes a set of regular finish headers for only like $79. the new ceramic-coated ones are just over $200, and they make a big difference in keeping it cool under the hood, plus they look awesome. If you go with standard finish headers, don't be surprised when they pick up some rust after just a couple weeks, this is normal, and it won't effect perormance. They sound good, they perform even better, and it's the only way to start a performance exhaust system. Let that Ford Roar!
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Durham
Upgrade Quesition
Headers are great. I run the Thorley Tri-ys and I like the fit. Typical problems are starter removal and the replacement of plugs but my Thorley's cause no problem. Run a dual exhaust all the way back.
I like my 3.55s (after running 2.73s for a long time) and make sure you get the Posi rear, it's great!!
I like my 3.55s (after running 2.73s for a long time) and make sure you get the Posi rear, it's great!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Upgrade Quesition
I've heard the Thorleys are awesome, but I know they are expensive, I have a set of Flow-techs, which are basically the same as the Dynomax headers sold in Jeg's for like $79. Yeah, the fit is pretty close, and I don't know if the Dynomx units will fit on the Left side with the heads on the engine. I had my engine jacked up, and the other time I had them out was with the heads off. You'll love them, and as Slik said, gears are even more fun, but I wouldn't know anything about that yet, I'm still rockin' my 2.75's, but I do get great milage on the highway (13-16), cruising at 70 MPH @ 2500 RPM.
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing
John F. Daly III
The TorqueKing
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Durham
Upgrade Quesition
Got a friend here that has some Hedman's I think, either that or DynoMax. His starter has gone out twice and he has to remove the right header to get the starter out (I don't with my Thorley's). I also run a thermal blanket around my starter to help keep the heat from the headers from frying the starter...and I sure like the ceramic coating, wish I had gotten it, but i'll probably get mine coated in another 3-4 years.
