Are Shorty headers as good as full size headers? I need some for my 351w. Thanks.

 

They were in my case.(72 F-250 390FE) I went for keeping the exhaust system outside the frame. ( I have my spare tank by the frame fails ..left side..)
I used Sanderson shorty`s...http://www.centuryperformance.com/sanderson.htm.. They end up Very close to the oil pan BUT the flange is Below the pan edge ,,like 2".
I have NOT had any starter problems(heat related). I had mine rebuilt by the local shop BEFORE installing the headers!!



__JOHN__Õ¿ö
FTE Club #7
Member-
http://www.cruisin-north.com/
Santa Rosa, Calif.
72 F-250
ICQ#6030753
http://www.ford-trucks.net/users/jbhf250/
https://www.ford-trucks.com/pictorial/big/1972_f250_2.html

 

Before you start tossing money out the window. Stop. You need to figure out what you are going to do with your truck. If it is a basic every day driver, you will notice no difference in shorty, or full length headers.
From your posts, it sounds like you want something with more torque and horsepower than stock. Am I correct?
If so, you are starting in the right direction. A freed up exhaust will free up, not make more, power. From there you can start going with the power adders. You have a set of old 351 heads. You can get them ported for better flow around the valve guides. Have hardened seats installed for compatability with unleaded fuel, might as well get hardened guides too.
For your truck, go with a low duration cam, something less than 200 deg. @ .050" lift (intake), with 1.6:1 rocker ratio, you can easily go with something around a .472" lift. Roller or flat hydraulic. For low rev motors (like your truck) it won't matter.
Make the choice between low and high compression. Generally, anything over 10:1 requires high octane (92+) and 13 - 15 deg. advance on timing. High compression also kills off the possibility of a supercharger, unless you machine for better sealing.
Do your homework before buying stuff with no final plan. You need to put together a system, and keep in mind all the havoc it will play on the entire vehicle before you buy. In the end, you will be grateful for the extra time you put into research.
email me at thebalickis(No Email Addresses In Posts!) if you have any questions.

 

Thanks! i am looking to free up some horspower and torque. I did not fully explain my problem. I have a 79' 4x4 f-150 with a 69 351w. The 79's did not come with a 351w so I am worried about clearence.