FE Headers
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Junior User
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FE Headers
I'm fixing to get a set of headers for my 69 f100 with a 360 in it, and I'll probably use the same ones on it when i build a 390 for it, since they are basically the same externally, and I have to make a decision- do I buy hooker headers, flowtech headers, blackjack headers, or heddman headers? They all list headers for this application, and I was hoping for some input from you folks that have used them, to see what fits the best and with the least amount of modifications. Thanks y'all.
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From: nunya
The hooker competion headers dont have a bolt on header flange(you have to weld the pipe directly to the header, or weld on a collector flange). From what I have read the headmans are a good choice for the money. OR if you wanted to spend some extra coin, check out Thorley headers.
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not having a flange isn't too big of a deal to me, i just want something that will fit the truck without too much trouble. I have heard mixed reports on the heddmans, so I thought I would ask. I'd love to have the thorleys, but money is tight. I'd also love to go with ceramic headers, but I'll have to go with painted ones because of money.
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From: Madison, SD
Save your money and get the ceramic coated, they look great and last a whole lot longer.... Hedman used to be guaranteed against rust outs, had to get them replace every couple of years... With freight rates the way they are today I think that would be an expensive exchange, as the owner pays freight both ways.... If you can't wait to save up the money for the ceramic coated, then just go with whichever brand has the heaviest tubing and thickets flanges, then try to keep paint on them so they won't rust out....
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I bought a set of headmans for my mustang and they were plain junk. They were sopposed to be american made but I swear they were from China. They would not even bolt to the head. I had to take them off and ream out the holes and still had a rough time getting bolts to alighn.
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You gets whats you pay for...save up abit more, buy the better headers and get them TBC'd. Also, Stage 8 or Breslin header bolts are a GREAT investment-they don't reverse out from the head as the headers thermal cycle.
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Junior User
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the hookers have fairly thick tubing, that is part of what i liked about them. I really want the ceramic coated ones, but money is really tight right now. oh well, i guess i'll figure something out eventually.
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From: East Helena MT
When I had my 360 I went with Dyno-max ceramic coated headers that I bought from Jegs. I have had them since 1997 or 98 and with the exception of the oil that leaked and spilled on them which some what burned into, they still look great. They bolted to the engine great with no problem. Getting them in and out of the pickup can be a challenge but other than that they bolted up great.
Jeff
Jeff
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
I got the ceramic coated Sanderson block huggers, they dropped right in from the top. a little close to the starter but, I later ended up going with a mini starter when, I went to the dodge 5sd O/D tranny. I once had a set of Blackjack long tube headers for 20 yrs with no problems they were 16ga.tubes 3/8" header plate never had gasket leaks or a cooked starter like some many guys have when they don't do it right the first time.
ceramic coated run cooler look nicer.(The Sanderson don't use any header plate gaskets)
My 2cents
orich
ceramic coated run cooler look nicer.(The Sanderson don't use any header plate gaskets)
My 2cents
orich
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thanks for all the info, i appreciate it, and any more input would be great too. I like to get as much info as possible before i get into anything. I really like ceramic headers, so I may just try to save the money. A lot of my money gets dumped into the cashiers office at NC State, and I'm still in debt to them, so money is kind of tight. We'll see how it all pans out. Thanks again for the info everybody.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: NW Mississippi
I have a set of thermal coated Hedman's on my 390. Can't speak for longevity yet as I have not had them long but they fit perfectly and are most definitely not from China. Whichever ones you choose I highly recommend putting a thermal wrap on your starter. If you are going to use them on another motor in the future ceramic coated headers, although more expensive, are the better choice imho.
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From: nevada
I have had a set of Hedmans on for over 10 yrs, no probs yet. 4 yrs ago I rebuilt the 390 and hung a mini starter between them. Bolted right up every time, and so far no rust. Of course I live in the desert, so that wont be a prob. Yesterday saw a set of NIB ceramic headers for a 390 on Craigslist.com for $275, doubt they are still there.
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From: So Cal
I have the Sanderson Block Huggers and with ceramic coating and have had ZERO problems with them.
here's a link: http://www.sandersonheaders.com/prod...products_id=89
here's a link: http://www.sandersonheaders.com/prod...products_id=89
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Anaheim, California
I've had a lot of headers on a lot of different vehicles over the years and can say that the hedman hedders have always provided a decent bang for the buck.
A lot of fitment issues come from the use of aftermarket heads. Thicker head bolt bosses and raised exhaust ports will require modifications to the headers.
Worn or incorrect motor mounts will also affect fitment.
Stick shifts will have more fitment problems than automatics, usually the clutch linkage gets in the way.
The exhaust temperature will run higher on the ceramic coated headers, but radiate less heat to the engine bay due to the insulating effect of the ceramics. O2 sensors will normally run hotter and work better with the ceramic coated headers.
JMHO
Squido
A lot of fitment issues come from the use of aftermarket heads. Thicker head bolt bosses and raised exhaust ports will require modifications to the headers.
Worn or incorrect motor mounts will also affect fitment.
Stick shifts will have more fitment problems than automatics, usually the clutch linkage gets in the way.
The exhaust temperature will run higher on the ceramic coated headers, but radiate less heat to the engine bay due to the insulating effect of the ceramics. O2 sensors will normally run hotter and work better with the ceramic coated headers.
JMHO
Squido
