I just bought a 64 F-100 and one of the first things I want to do is replace the exhaust system (truck has a 292). The manifolds appear to be in good shape, but the cross over pipe has a few holes in it, as does the rest of the exhaust. I found a new cross-over pipe for $69; it looks like I can get headers for about $200.

Is there a significant power gain using headers vs the original set-up? I would like to keep it original, but if there is a lot of power to be gained I might consider the headers.

I also heard that headers are a pain in the butt as they tend to leak all most of the time...Any truth to that?

Ryan

 

Thats A Big 10-4 on the Headers, I just went through this with my 66 F100, I bought headers because of 1 broken bolt.( be careful taking things apart and use lots of WD40) IMHO.... Keep the original exaust manifolds replace everything back from there. Power Gain will be some BUT not worth the Hassel of leaky headers But it's your truck, do it up how you want!

 

I agree with Bill W; I like the look of the cross-over; its a cool concept to see under the hood a exhuast system different than the normal split manifold in my opinion. I hate it when I see a truck with its exhuast capped off on the driver side and run normal tubing.

Mitch

 

I think I'm going to go with a new cross-over pipe and a single exhaust with a quiet muffler - like it came from the factory. My other 2 vehicles have loud exhaust so it will be nice to have one that's quiet!

 

BTW, does anyone have any suggestions on where to get a good cross-over pipe? I think the one I found was on blueovaltruckparts.com and it was $69.

 

Call around to you local muffler shop. If they are any good they can make a new one using the original one as a guide.

 

YES

I think they also have shorty headers, in case you want to route your own exhaust wherever you like. The full-length headers fit under the bellhousing's crossmember.

Here's a few pics of mine:







I've got all of the original exhaust piping stored in my shed. Don't worry, I'm not about to get rid of those. When it comes time to sell the truck, all the original parts that I've removed are going with it. Increases the value X fold.

If you do decide to go with the headers, be careful when removing 44 year old bolts and studs. You don't want to break anything because it can become a major pain in your ***.

I installed mine with the gaskets that come with it and so far so good. I believe you can buy some special types of gaskets which seal better and last longer, but I didn't think they were necessary.

_____


If you go with headers, I think you won't regret it. I've felt a lot of power gain after I finished welding up my completely new exhaust system (which includes the coated headers, 2.5" pipes, dual Magnaflow stainless steel mufflers, and a nice set of stainless 3.5" slash-cut tips). However, even if you just go with headers and a single pipe running to the back, it'll still be very beneficial for your 292. I have no idea what Ford was thinking when they came up with that original crossover idea. I don't have an X-pipe or H-pipe in my new true dual setup, but I don't think it's needed. It's a truck, not a race car.

And finally here's a video of my exhaust system the day I finished installing it:
http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-54015475813122107&hl=en

I'm pretty satisfied with that tone.

 

I agree with matt2491. The headers breathe better, and will really wake a Y block up compared to that horrible crossover setup.

Unless you are looking for a perfect restoration, my reasoning is to never replace a part with the exact same thing. Get something better.