are exhaust/headers really worth it?
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New User
Joined: May 2002
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are exhaust/headers really worth it?
I need some experienced opinions. I have a 95 F150 4x4 with 5.0 and auto trans. 3:55 rear end. I'm considering a Gibson single cat back and Gibson shorty headers. Will be about $600 when done. Will there be a noticeable difference in torque/HP? Truck is bone stock right now with 60K miles. Will it be worth the investment? :-X12
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 630
Likes: 2
From: New Hampshire
are exhaust/headers really worth it?
I know a lot of people around here say that shorties are a waste of money but I disagree. I installed a set of Flowtech shorties on my 94 with a 302 and noticed an increase in power and torque. It wasn't huge, but noticeable. Just my $.02.
Bill
Bill
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 90
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From: In Merna
are exhaust/headers really worth it?
I would go with headers.
I got hooker full length ones on my pickup. I dont know how much more power they gave me because I switch motors from a 300 to a 302. I never ran stock manifolds on the 302. I have seen stock 302 manifolds, because i work at a salvage yard, and they look pretty restrictive to me. I think that headers give you a better sounding exhaust. I would stay that they are more important than the cat back exhause. That is my $.02.
I got hooker full length ones on my pickup. I dont know how much more power they gave me because I switch motors from a 300 to a 302. I never ran stock manifolds on the 302. I have seen stock 302 manifolds, because i work at a salvage yard, and they look pretty restrictive to me. I think that headers give you a better sounding exhaust. I would stay that they are more important than the cat back exhause. That is my $.02.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 883
Likes: 0
From: Bel Air, MD
are exhaust/headers really worth it?
Yes more power.
Any good exhaust shop will tell you that you will gain more power. I was going to put a cat back system on my truck but one shop was nice enough to say what do you just want it louder. Point is, I do believe a cat back will help. But think about it. How much will your truck really gain if your still choking your exhaust at the factory manifolds? 302 & 351 manifolds are very restrictive. Good luck on whatever you decide. Dan:-X12
Any good exhaust shop will tell you that you will gain more power. I was going to put a cat back system on my truck but one shop was nice enough to say what do you just want it louder. Point is, I do believe a cat back will help. But think about it. How much will your truck really gain if your still choking your exhaust at the factory manifolds? 302 & 351 manifolds are very restrictive. Good luck on whatever you decide. Dan:-X12 
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 1
From: AK
are exhaust/headers really worth it?
Just to let ya know... the Gibson will be very quiet. And I've heard really good things about Magnaflow from reputable guys. If I were going with a full exhaust setup with headers, cats, and mufflers then I'd go with Magnaflow.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 378
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are exhaust/headers really worth it?
Trout
there are a couple of things you have to consider when purchasing headers. First, when you open up the exhaust, it is usually done in conjunction with other mods. When you bolt on a free flowing, less restrictive system, more than likely, you will need to modify the induction system as well to compensate. I say this because headers tend to have a scavenging (sp?) effect. At the worst, you might be looking into a bigger carb or a heavily modified oldie! second, there are 2 types of headers--tri-y and 4 into 1. Both have their advantages. Tri-Y's dev't more torque in the lower rpm range whereas 4 into 1 move the powerband up in the rpm scale. shorties? well, i think that they are a modified 4 into 1. personally, i havent had any exp with shorties but i would think the physics are the same nonetheless.
IF, you address the fuel requirements and choose the right header with the right exhause tubing (REMEMBER, size isnt that important, EXHAUST VELOCITY IS!!), i would hazzard a 10-15 hp increase and maybe 20 ft lbs? can anyone confirm? GOOD LUCK AND POST BACK!
regards
Ben
there are a couple of things you have to consider when purchasing headers. First, when you open up the exhaust, it is usually done in conjunction with other mods. When you bolt on a free flowing, less restrictive system, more than likely, you will need to modify the induction system as well to compensate. I say this because headers tend to have a scavenging (sp?) effect. At the worst, you might be looking into a bigger carb or a heavily modified oldie! second, there are 2 types of headers--tri-y and 4 into 1. Both have their advantages. Tri-Y's dev't more torque in the lower rpm range whereas 4 into 1 move the powerband up in the rpm scale. shorties? well, i think that they are a modified 4 into 1. personally, i havent had any exp with shorties but i would think the physics are the same nonetheless.
IF, you address the fuel requirements and choose the right header with the right exhause tubing (REMEMBER, size isnt that important, EXHAUST VELOCITY IS!!), i would hazzard a 10-15 hp increase and maybe 20 ft lbs? can anyone confirm? GOOD LUCK AND POST BACK!
regards
Ben
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
are exhaust/headers really worth it?
well heres my opinion...take it for what its worth. I just finished installing shorty headers, a high flow cat, and flowmaster american thunder cat back kit. I don't think i gained much off the line, but in higher rpms, my truck gets moving like a bat out of hell. I easily picked up 30-40 horsepower above 2500 rpms. I didn't used to be able to cruise on the high way much above 70 for extended periods of time without really revving the engine, but now i cruised back from school 200 miles at 80 miles an hour just over 2200 rpms. The exhaust has made a huge differnce. The one complaint i do have about my exhaust now is that i didn't pick up any milage gains. The milage remained the same, possibly even lost a tenth or two on the gallon.
Ryan
Ryan
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