So, the manifold on the RHS is blowing - looks like from the rearmost flange, and a stud is broken. I'm not shy about pulling the manifold, and have a blue-tipped wrench to assist with getting old studs out. The wife wants headers however, so I guess it's time (it's her truck afterall)!

What are my options - I've seen the ebay ones (generic '97-03 F150/F250) but not sure if these would even fit as they seem to suggest they are for the LD F250, rather than the SD?

Some of the quality also looks a little 'ropey' on these really cheap units.

I don't really want to spend a significant amount, but there seems to be a big jump from the ebay ones to the $400+ units... what - if anything - is in between?

Are all headers direct replacement for the cast manifolds - or are some 'long' units that I then need a new Y-pipe for?

Cheers,

 

What year and engine?

 

Cheap headers usually have thin flanges that fail quicker than cast manifolds. JBA are about the most expensive shorty, Gibson makes a good medium price header. However, ceramic coatings are worth their weight in gold, it keeps the heat in and protects the metal from moisture and rust.

 

Yeah, that might hace been usefull to know!
It's a '99 F250 SD with the 5.4. I've now updated my profile!

I've seen 'pacesetter' headers from summit - these look interesting enough to begine with - but are these low quality units? is it worth getting such low-cost items such as these dressed / cleaned up, then ceramic coated?

 

You'd be better off paying more, but I bought a set of stainless eBay cheepos for $180 plus shipping - total was just around $200 to the door.

Flanges are very thick, looks around 7/16" thick (and if I remember correctly, that's what the ebay description said). Had them on a year, they haven't gotten TOO dirty but hardly any rust (and we had salted roads this past winter). No leaks. Did have to notch the frame though.

That's for a V10, but there should be cheapos for the 5.4.

But again, if you have the $'s, get some higher priced ones, just for the warranty. But then again, the ones I bought for $180 had a 1-year warranty too...

Performance wise, didn't diminish low-end torque, but added a few ponies up top. Enough to surprise me.

 

Not cheap but I have the Banks headers and love them. I have had them for over 70K miles with no problems.

Not cheapo's though.

 

Yes, Pacesetter is cheap and would be my last resort choice of headers.

 

The Banks stuff is top shelf. I am going to get the Powerpak for my V10 when I can affford it. Good stuff but not cheap.