Headers...
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
Headers...
Hello,
I am starting a post about Headers for our FE because every post I have looked up has been very vauge about what headers fit our trucks and work well. I am looking for a set of shorty headers for my 1968 Ford F-100 w/ 360FE and C6 Auto Trans (2WD). Every post I look at through the search has members posting that this or that may or maynot work or no part numbers are provided. So, I thought I'd see if I could get a thread started that would take all the guess work out of finding a good set of headers. I bought a new set of exhaust manifolds and I am still going through donuts like crazy! So I have decided enough is enough and I'm going with headers. I have looked at Sanderson Headers and I am pleased with the quality and coatings as well as a decent price. I used to have a set of L&L Headers on a Early Bronco and loved them but they don't make a set for a FE that I have seen. So, please....post what headers you have on your truck as well as price and a part number if possible. Any help would be great for myself and others who are in need of making the switch to headers.
Thanks. FTE Rocks!
I am starting a post about Headers for our FE because every post I have looked up has been very vauge about what headers fit our trucks and work well. I am looking for a set of shorty headers for my 1968 Ford F-100 w/ 360FE and C6 Auto Trans (2WD). Every post I look at through the search has members posting that this or that may or maynot work or no part numbers are provided. So, I thought I'd see if I could get a thread started that would take all the guess work out of finding a good set of headers. I bought a new set of exhaust manifolds and I am still going through donuts like crazy! So I have decided enough is enough and I'm going with headers. I have looked at Sanderson Headers and I am pleased with the quality and coatings as well as a decent price. I used to have a set of L&L Headers on a Early Bronco and loved them but they don't make a set for a FE that I have seen. So, please....post what headers you have on your truck as well as price and a part number if possible. Any help would be great for myself and others who are in need of making the switch to headers.
Thanks. FTE Rocks!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 425
Likes: 3
I highly recommend Stan's Headers. You can visit their website at http://www.stans-headers.com/order.htm.
I used the Tri-Y design. I have a 1970 F250 4x4 with the mysterious "third crossmember" and they fit perfectly. In fact, they fit so closely that I didn't actually think they fit until I got all the bolts tight. They are expensive, but you get what you pay for in my opinion. I also ordered mine with ceramic coating. Getting the starter off isn't as easy as it used to be, but if I put a block under the oil pan with a floor jack I can remove the right engine mount, unbolt and slide the right side header forward and remove the starter, still easier than most newer vehicles.
I would highly, highly recommend Stan's Headers if you have the money.
I used the Tri-Y design. I have a 1970 F250 4x4 with the mysterious "third crossmember" and they fit perfectly. In fact, they fit so closely that I didn't actually think they fit until I got all the bolts tight. They are expensive, but you get what you pay for in my opinion. I also ordered mine with ceramic coating. Getting the starter off isn't as easy as it used to be, but if I put a block under the oil pan with a floor jack I can remove the right engine mount, unbolt and slide the right side header forward and remove the starter, still easier than most newer vehicles.
I would highly, highly recommend Stan's Headers if you have the money.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
Ok, so I contacted Sanderson and spoke with someone about a set of headers for my application. They recomended the FF427 for 53 & up F-100. They said if they didn't fit that I could return them for a full refund minus the shipping. I figured I'd try these and see if they bolt up and aren't too long. If they didn't all I would be out is the gaskets and shipping. Also, said I could return them and exchange them for a different set....say the F390 or the FF391 sets. I think I am going to give them a try. I've never had a set from them but other guys on here have said they have had good luck with that brand. Would like to hear from someone who had a similar setup as I have. Thanks.
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/popup_image.php?pID=88
http://www.sandersonheaders.com/popup_image.php?pID=88
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 28
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I've been searching the forum for awhile myself for information about different headers, mainly shorties, for '67-72's with an FE. Well I guess I missed something when I joined FTE. Because I just figured out there are actually two separate forums. This one and another one for paid members only.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
Diamondblue68....well I don't know anything about paid members but I'll keep you posted as to my progress with my headers. Seems there isn't any info on this subject...atleast detailed.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Originally Posted by Diamondblue68
I've been searching the forum for awhile myself for information about different headers, mainly shorties, for '67-72's with an FE. Well I guess I missed something when I joined FTE. Because I just figured out there are actually two separate forums. This one and another one for paid members only.
Back here in reality, there is one forum. There are also uninteresting topics, or ones that were answered years ago. Did you actually use the search function, or just flip through a few pages of posts?
I type "headers" into the search bar for the 67-72 forum, and get 94 pages of returns. The info is there.
Try this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...e-headers.html
Or this one:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/6...-i-in-for.html
There actually isn't much that fits the 67-72 trucks, but -most- of what fits the 73-79 ones will cross over. The main concern is frame clearance. Most of the 4x4 stuff won't fit the 2wd trucks.
New User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Stan's header' worked well for me.Ball and socket type collecters,thick flanges sealed well.Had trouble with head to header gaskets;best were from Summit,embossed copper listed specifically for the 360-390FE truck motors.
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
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quote{Back here in reality, there is one forum.}quote
Sorry, The way I read it the "members only" section is separate. Now I know.
quote{There are also uninteresting topics, or ones that were answered years ago. Did you actually use the search function, or just flip through a few pages of posts?}quote
Ouch, Don't you think this is kinda rude and discouraging to new members? Think about it. Evidently its interesting to him or he wouldn't have asked. As far as the search function, sure it's handy and goes way back. I've used the search function extensively because I know that pretty much every question has been asked before, but maybe there's some fresh input from recent experience, or maybe a guy just wants to make conversation.
Sorry, The way I read it the "members only" section is separate. Now I know.
quote{There are also uninteresting topics, or ones that were answered years ago. Did you actually use the search function, or just flip through a few pages of posts?}quote
Ouch, Don't you think this is kinda rude and discouraging to new members? Think about it. Evidently its interesting to him or he wouldn't have asked. As far as the search function, sure it's handy and goes way back. I've used the search function extensively because I know that pretty much every question has been asked before, but maybe there's some fresh input from recent experience, or maybe a guy just wants to make conversation.
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 12,170
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From: The hills of No. Calif.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 28
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Actually, the "Members Only" forum is mainly just non-automotive chitchat, so as far as getting the automotive info you need goes, you're not really missing out on anything. It's just a place where folks can discuss issues that are not allowed in the main forums. You're in the right place here...
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,302
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From: Madison, SD
Why shorties???? We've done some pulls on the dyno with shorties and never saw enough gain to make it worth the cost of the swap....
On the chassis dyno, the best headers for the FE's are the full length Tri Y headers....Not cheap, but they work great!!!! Guess it depends on whether you just want headers for the sake of having them, or want some solid performance gains....
Whatever type of header you get, IMO it's worth the extra $$$$ to get the ceramic coated headers. Painted or chromed headers add so much underhood heat that the performance you gain with the headers is somewhat negated because of the considerably higher underhood temps making the fuel so much hotter... Cool fuel makes much more power then hot fuel..... If you're running an open element air cleaner, then you will be pumping hotter air into the engine....not good for performance either.....
On the chassis dyno, the best headers for the FE's are the full length Tri Y headers....Not cheap, but they work great!!!! Guess it depends on whether you just want headers for the sake of having them, or want some solid performance gains....
Whatever type of header you get, IMO it's worth the extra $$$$ to get the ceramic coated headers. Painted or chromed headers add so much underhood heat that the performance you gain with the headers is somewhat negated because of the considerably higher underhood temps making the fuel so much hotter... Cool fuel makes much more power then hot fuel..... If you're running an open element air cleaner, then you will be pumping hotter air into the engine....not good for performance either.....
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2008
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I was thinking shorties because of ease of installation and starter removal. But I was also wanting a noticeable performance gain, so I won't go with the shorties I guess. How much performance gain should I expect with long tube triYs? The engine is a '64 TBird 390 (300 hp engine). Fresh .030 over. Original stock rebuilt heads. Cam is 484/510 lift- 270/280 duration w/ new Crane lifters. Factory 4Bbl intake & 4100 autolite.(Luv those carbs
) I'll be running 2 1/2" flowmasters with side exit.
) I'll be running 2 1/2" flowmasters with side exit.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 171
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I can tell you guys that you don't want to get the Dynomax full length headers. I put some on my 70 f100 4x4 and the fit was not so great. I had one pipe on the driver side that hit the side of the block and a pipe on the pass. side that was too close for my comfort to the starter. So I had to get the big hammer out to persuade them to fit.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 315
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From: Plymouth, MI
Thanks for the input. I did use the seach function and again everyones post was vauge. I wanted to start a specific post to deal with the issue. I am just going to headers because I am tired of dealing with the stock manifolds not sealing at the donut. I say just fix it and be done with it once and for all. I'll be ordering the Sanderson Headers (block huggers). I'll keep everyone posted.