Header install questions
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, Virginia
Header install questions
I'm thinking about doing my headers finally this weekend and the rest of the exhaust.
being my first set of headers I have some questions....
How much time is this gonna take? I realize every situation is different, but if all goes OK? Can I do the headers in a solid day?
The gaskets that came with the headers....are they good enough? I've read about the copper gaskets. What about using the copper sealer on the gaskets that came with the headers?
Should I invest in the locking header bolts? I saw a thread on them in the 90's truck section.
I need to tap for my 02 sensor and the EGR. Anything special needed? I was going to use my stepper drill bit and just go slow.
Thanks for any thoughts or advise, really need to get it done and over with, my manifold is cracked bad, the cat and muffler with the old piping is just shot with holes.
Thanks
Blair
being my first set of headers I have some questions....
How much time is this gonna take? I realize every situation is different, but if all goes OK? Can I do the headers in a solid day?
The gaskets that came with the headers....are they good enough? I've read about the copper gaskets. What about using the copper sealer on the gaskets that came with the headers?
Should I invest in the locking header bolts? I saw a thread on them in the 90's truck section.
I need to tap for my 02 sensor and the EGR. Anything special needed? I was going to use my stepper drill bit and just go slow.
Thanks for any thoughts or advise, really need to get it done and over with, my manifold is cracked bad, the cat and muffler with the old piping is just shot with holes.
Thanks
Blair
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
I have always used the gaskets that came with the headers with no troubles. I don't think locking header bolts are necessary. Just remember the bolts need to be snugged up several times after the install because of gasket compression and from many heat cycles. Timewise it could take up an entire weekend depending on what you run into with the EGR and removal of the old parts.
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Also, use plenty of PB blaster on the old bolt studs and let is soak a while. If you have an impact wrench, it tends to break the bolts less often too, really good at loosening stuff. Other than that, should be straightforward.
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, Virginia
I've soaked everything I can see with PB at least 3 times. Then I try and drive it hoping the heat from the motor and the PB will help loosen the bolts.
I do have a impact, will try it.
Here's hoping it goes well............Thanks for the replys, looking forward to hearing your muffler and cat Bear River!
I do have a impact, will try it.
Here's hoping it goes well............Thanks for the replys, looking forward to hearing your muffler and cat Bear River!
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Don't have any advice for this thread exactly, but could someone link me to a thread or perhaps a guide as to the easiest way to remove the stock exhaust manifolds? I have an 86 F-250 with a 460 in it, and wasn't able to see a clear path to the old bolts from underneath.
New User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
What headers did you go with? I can't decide if full length will be best since I have a 4x4 and am planning the 6 speed tranny swap.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
From: Culpeper, Virginia
I bought the cheaper Flowtech longtubes. I've been told the longtubes build torque best, so I picked them up along with a big cat, new muffler, all new tubing and will make it all here at the house.
My truck is a 4x4 also. Auto tranny though, not sure if it matters.
My truck is a 4x4 also. Auto tranny though, not sure if it matters.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
78bigunns
Small Block V8 (221, 260, 289, 5.0/302, 5.8/351W)
5
Jul 9, 2007 08:46 PM
russell56443
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Mar 25, 2005 03:55 PM