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I have completly restored a 1982 f150 flairside 4.9L 2wd from the frame up. Rebuilt the eng to orginal specs except for .30 over on the pistons etc. Before I put the eng back in, I was thinking about putting on a header and changing the intake/arb. The truck will be used for everyday use. My question is is it really worth the money, am I going to get anything out of it?
Well, I'm not sure about numbers, but the header made a big difference in my truck. I have driven 4bbl equipped trucks, huge difference in the power when compared to my truck and my 351W powered parts truck, and it is a worthwile addition. According to Jegs, a header, 4bbl intake and mild cam will add somewhere around 115 hp to a stock engine. But, I am going back to a stock head on my truck, and adding a Detroit 4-71 Blower and dual 4bbls, won't fit under the hood, but I don't care.
Evan MacDonald
82 F100 FlareSide
HD 300-6, 240 head(10.25:1 cr)
Hedman Hedder
NP435(6.69 low)
2.73 Geared 9"
Blue & Silver
I added a Clifford intake, dual cast iron exhaust and a blaster coil to my 77 and the improvement (extreme) was worth it to me. Was not cheap though. Offy has a manifold also - JC Whitney may still have them in stock.
Evan,
Thanks for the info. I think I am going to start with the header first. The total cost Header/Intake/Carb will be ove 1100.00. To much for me now. Will the header only help, or am I wasting my $. Thanks Art
Are you planning on a cam with a higher rpm range along with the other mods? If so then go ahead.
Get the ceramic coated and a heat shield for your starter. If not then the split cast iron exhausts work very well. At this point ignition mods might give you more bang for the buck.
Tough choices - I love the sound the headers produce but could not justify them.
Ron
Eng has been rebuit already, stock cam, 30 over pistons. I plan on upgrading the electronics (no computer on this year. I spoke with a couple of people they said start with header,then ignition.
Still new at this. Clifford is the only one that supply a header with all smog stuff. I live in MD and they look for all equip. I am still up in the air on what I should do. Thanks art