Header or Manifold
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
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Header or Manifold
Hey guys,
Got a 2000 150 4x4 w/ the 5.4 (`113,000 miles) and my passenger side manifold has been leaking for quite a while (mildly) but end of last week it really let loose. Ive been checking prices on headers and unless i go with something without a name or pacesetters i'm gonna be spending $400 before i even have someone put them in (looks to be too tight for me to want to mess in there). Stock manifold replacement runs about $93 for just the one side (before labor).
My Question sits in if pacesetters are any good (do they last) and if it will mess with my O2 sensors, computer, and whatnot. I would love to get a little more breathing room in there but is it worth it? and if I do go for the manifold should i replace both? My last truck was a 1990 so there wasn't much computer to mess with and i haven't messed with exaust on this thing yet. Thanks ahead of time for any help.
Got a 2000 150 4x4 w/ the 5.4 (`113,000 miles) and my passenger side manifold has been leaking for quite a while (mildly) but end of last week it really let loose. Ive been checking prices on headers and unless i go with something without a name or pacesetters i'm gonna be spending $400 before i even have someone put them in (looks to be too tight for me to want to mess in there). Stock manifold replacement runs about $93 for just the one side (before labor).
My Question sits in if pacesetters are any good (do they last) and if it will mess with my O2 sensors, computer, and whatnot. I would love to get a little more breathing room in there but is it worth it? and if I do go for the manifold should i replace both? My last truck was a 1990 so there wasn't much computer to mess with and i haven't messed with exaust on this thing yet. Thanks ahead of time for any help.
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New User
Joined: Jul 2007
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Ohhh studs breaking could be a bad thing. i'll definitely check that before i order any parts online... outside of that, any advise on header type or personal experience with manifiold / header replacement would still be appreciated.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 18,157
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From: Stanton DE
Like you said,,,if you go with headers,,,your going to spend a lot more money.
But if your looking to add some power at the same time your fixing it.
Then long tube headers are the way to go. Do NOT buy the shorty headers!!!!!
Some guys have been going with the OBX headers on ebay. And I haven't heard any complaints.
They are stainless and less then 400 bucks.
The Pacesetters are cheaper ,,but you need to have them ceramic coated ,in order to make them last longer. Buy the time you do that,,,your spending about the same money.
But if your looking to add some power at the same time your fixing it.
Then long tube headers are the way to go. Do NOT buy the shorty headers!!!!!
Some guys have been going with the OBX headers on ebay. And I haven't heard any complaints.
They are stainless and less then 400 bucks.
The Pacesetters are cheaper ,,but you need to have them ceramic coated ,in order to make them last longer. Buy the time you do that,,,your spending about the same money.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
The only way to go for any real gains is gonna cost you about $1400 this will be long tube headers with 2 high flow converters. www,summitracing.com has them.
Dynatech 122-842200 - Dynatech SuperMaxx Header Systems - summitracing.com
Dynatech 122-842200 - Dynatech SuperMaxx Header Systems - summitracing.com
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,940
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I personally think JBA and Kooks are the best headers out there, and like what was said before stay away from the shorties. I have went the shorty route only to see small gains and ended up breaking a weld in the collector because I went with cheap quality flowtechs......stay away from them. LxMan said it best....spend the money or don't bother.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: Pismo Beach
Whats wrong with shortys????? I don't know about other states but in california we need every bit of catalytic converter we can get to pass our stupid smog check every two years how do you run a long tube header and keep the cats that we are required to have to pass inspection????? Just curious because I am always looking at new stuff for my truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,940
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You can run longtubes and cats that pass any inspection...2 hi-flow magnaflow cats will do the job no problem. Ford has four but the front two are only pre-heaters.
My truck ran just as good with the stock manifolds compared to the shorties I had....all I did was spend money for nothing.
My truck ran just as good with the stock manifolds compared to the shorties I had....all I did was spend money for nothing.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 6
From: Delton, MI
I have a set of stainless shorties i picked up off ebay for $210. Installed them myself - not for the the novice mechanic. I installed them because, like most older 5.4's, the exhaust studs were rusting out on both sides of my engine. So I pulled the stock manifolds off, removed the broken studs with some special bolt removal tools, and installed new factory studs and installed my shorties. I also replaced my front O2 sensors at this time and installed a 3" cat back magnaflow single exhaust. I saw an increase of about .5mpg, and decrease in my wallet of about $700 (all parts) and a day's worth of my time. If I had the choice (or the money) I would go back and install long headers, minus the stock cat's and a true dual with H-pipe exhaust on it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
I had stainless JBAs on my 97. I gained good hp with them & hi flow cats & a true dual set up. Don't buy a cheap header. Try to find a set made out of 14 gauge pipe. I ran mine over 60k miles with no leaks or problems. They are still working fine & the guy I sold it to has put another 20 k on them.
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 82
Likes: 6
From: Delton, MI
The Stainless Steel headers I put on were at least 14 gauges pipe. I just got lucky and found someone who bought an expensive set, and had to get rid of them. You can find these deals, it just takes a lot of looking and a little luck.
I could claim they gave an increase in HP, but I've never been on a dyno and I don't trust people's "seat of the pants" claims. I've always been a believer in numbers.
I could claim they gave an increase in HP, but I've never been on a dyno and I don't trust people's "seat of the pants" claims. I've always been a believer in numbers.