looking for headers
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: lake elsinore, ca
looking for headers
I have a 1990 bronco w/ 302.... I have jba chrome steel, they are about 4 to 5 yrs. old. I'm looking for a new set. Does anyone know what make of header I should buy. I live in CA.
Thank you,
Kirk
Thank you,
Kirk
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
why change? jba's are good quality headers and are CARB aproved. the design hasnt changed all that much if at all since getting what you already have.
gibson,bassani,bbk are good as well. dont skip and stay clear of the summit shorties.
gibson,bassani,bbk are good as well. dont skip and stay clear of the summit shorties.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: lake elsinore, ca
The header bolts teep comming out, a few are a real pain. I have the Bassani Y pipe attached to the headers. I keep getting exhaust leaks and the pipe is rubbing against the body. I just thought there might be good quality header that I am able to install that I am able to get to the header bolts and sparkplugs easily.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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Problems that I've had with headers on a Bronco I used to have and some other vehicles, is that they are a pain to work around for spark plugs and anything else around there. Also a muffler man I know said they are going to get leaks all the time. He even said the gains on power and mpg are not worth the constant matainence. Just what I've heard.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
I've never had any issues with my Bassani shorties. One re-torque of the bolts after the first 500 miles and the occasional check about every other oil change and I've never had to put more than about a 1/8 turn on any of them in the past three years. Plug access is pretty easy too. Lets face it the last two on the passenger side are always tedious just because they are so far back under the AC bulkhead. That's true even with OEM manifolds.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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First let me say I've had top of the line edelbrock stainless shorty headers and now have Summit shorty coated headers. I see no differnce in quality. The flanges are the same thickness (3/8") and they look and fit the same. (although the coated headers look better after installed awile.)
The only issue seems to be the bolts getting loose. This is not the headers fault. I have seen header bolt locks on TV that would solve the problem, but they look hard to install. I use lock washers and have had resonably good luck.
As far as power/MPG, I dont see any great preformance gains. I believe the long tube headers are more likly to give you preformance. But if you know Fords, you know that they are known for cracking the stock manifolds. I had three of them crack before going to headers. No cracks since.
What ever you do, get Boash sparkplugs because they are the shortest. (no need to get the plus fours) Then get good quality wires with 45 degree boots. I highly recomend the high temp boot covers also.
The only issue seems to be the bolts getting loose. This is not the headers fault. I have seen header bolt locks on TV that would solve the problem, but they look hard to install. I use lock washers and have had resonably good luck.
As far as power/MPG, I dont see any great preformance gains. I believe the long tube headers are more likly to give you preformance. But if you know Fords, you know that they are known for cracking the stock manifolds. I had three of them crack before going to headers. No cracks since.
What ever you do, get Boash sparkplugs because they are the shortest. (no need to get the plus fours) Then get good quality wires with 45 degree boots. I highly recomend the high temp boot covers also.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
What's the matter helirich, didn't like running those Ford custom two-piece manifolds?
I know what you mean, the passenger side on every 302 and 351 I've EVER had has cracked somewhere between the first and third port.
I know what you mean, the passenger side on every 302 and 351 I've EVER had has cracked somewhere between the first and third port.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: lake elsinore, ca
Gents,
Thank you for your input.
I gave this Bronco to my son 6 years ago. He is in college and can't afford the gas. I have it back now and went offloading with a buddy last Monday it was a great time (accept for the poison oak that I'm having fun with).
The Bronco has exhaust leaks at the head / header & headers / Y pipe. I want to fix it up: starting with the exhaust than the suspension and wheels, front and back off road bumpers.
Thank you again it helps,
Kirk
Thank you for your input.
I gave this Bronco to my son 6 years ago. He is in college and can't afford the gas. I have it back now and went offloading with a buddy last Monday it was a great time (accept for the poison oak that I'm having fun with).
The Bronco has exhaust leaks at the head / header & headers / Y pipe. I want to fix it up: starting with the exhaust than the suspension and wheels, front and back off road bumpers.
Thank you again it helps,
Kirk
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