Another Header Thread
Junior User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
From: WV
I did this job on mine it was the worse, I installed Ford motorsport headers connected to the stock y-pipe that had the off-road piece in it and ran it thorugh the stock convertor and into a magna-flow muffler and duels out the back it sounds good runs better and doesn't downshift when pulling hills as much. I used a dremel tool as well for cutting the bolts off and a stud remover, the pass. side I had to cut the stock exhaust manifold in two pieces to get it off. I heated them and used PB blaster to remove studs. I also removed the shocks and mounts, tires, starter(ended up having to buy a new one because I broke a bolt on the solinoid. It is a total PIA and the worse job by far I have ever done on a vehicle.
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
And I thought I would be smart!!
After reading about the problems everyone is having with broken studs I decided to be proactive and replace mine before they started breaking.... at least I thought so until I started taking it apart.... had 3 broke and didn't even know it.. decided to go ahead and install Banks headers and exhaust while I was at it... The only thing I would have done different is I would have gone down to the local exhaust shop and paid him to cut off the old exhaust system... That was a challenge without a cutting tourch. I would like to see the toqure wrench you are suppost to use on the header bolts. I could heardly get a 10mm wrench on some let alone a socket.
The best advice I picked up off the forum someplace was the suggestion of getting the right kind of stud puller and useing a little heat on the heads. That was the tip of the day. Thankfully I didn't have any studs break off at the head..just at the nuts.
Really happy with the results but it will be spring before I will be able to put it to the reat test.... 5th wheel put away for the winter.
The best advice I picked up off the forum someplace was the suggestion of getting the right kind of stud puller and useing a little heat on the heads. That was the tip of the day. Thankfully I didn't have any studs break off at the head..just at the nuts.
Really happy with the results but it will be spring before I will be able to put it to the reat test.... 5th wheel put away for the winter.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
You were wise replacing the studs before you noticed broken studs.
For cutting off old exhaust systems and pipes its hard to beat a sawzall and a tall metal cutting blade. Thats what I use and thats what the local exhaust shops use.
No way your going to get a torque wrench on the bolts and get an accurate torque. I tightened mine down as much as I could with one hand. Just make shure you disconnet the battery before tightening or check the bolts. A wrench just may fall on the starter leads
For cutting off old exhaust systems and pipes its hard to beat a sawzall and a tall metal cutting blade. Thats what I use and thats what the local exhaust shops use.
No way your going to get a torque wrench on the bolts and get an accurate torque. I tightened mine down as much as I could with one hand. Just make shure you disconnet the battery before tightening or check the bolts. A wrench just may fall on the starter leads
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
Don't think you will ever back them out. The problem isn't always the studs sticking in the heads but the studs breaking at the nuts. If you are going to mess with it, bite the bullet and do it right or it will always be somthing you will be messing with.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Old tyme rver what differences have you noticed? I carry a truck camper and pull a boat and am looking for a little more myself. Are the banks headers much louder than stock at idle? Do not want to be too loud in the campgrounds.
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
I haven't pulled my 5th wheel yet so I don't know the total difference in power but I can tell a big difference just normal driving. The idle sound isn't too loud, just a comfortable rumble, maybe 1/2 as loud as most diesels so you won't get any objections from your neighbors. At cruse you can hear it but not bad, just turn up Willie Nelson a little. Under hard accerlation you do know those 10 babys are working for you.
I should have done this long ago.... of course towing, I have the 5 Star 87 oct towing tune in the computer, but not for dormal running around.
I should have done this long ago.... of course towing, I have the 5 Star 87 oct towing tune in the computer, but not for dormal running around.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 0
I also pull a trailer in the summer 5 days a week, and it definitely made a big difference.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Farms of Duplin County
Well I got my truck back from the dealer today. They didn't put my headers on as it required notching the frame. The stock logs were planed and reinstalled. It's amazing how quiet it is now. I am pretty disappointed that I don't have the headers on so I will have to consider some other options as I want those restrictive logs off. Until I get that figured out I will get the Y-pipe changed out and have a new exhaust put on it. Eventually I will be calling up Mike for a tune but that won't be until well into next year with having to pay the dealership to handle the manifold job.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Farms of Duplin County
I got mine off E-bay like many others. They are branded as Top Speed Pro1's. I know that some have had to notch the frame or dent the tubes to get them to fit. Since I had Ford dealership handle mine they wouldn't do either. I am going to look at picking up some from Ford Racing then as they should have no clearance issues.
Junior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 86
Likes: 3
From: Indiana
I know Banks has no clearance issues, plus they supply 2 heat shealds, one to protect the starter and one for the break lines and shift cable on the left side. They are more expensive but have a lifetime warranty and are stainless. The lifetime means something to me, my other truck is a '87 250 with a 460 and in perfect shape.... I keep my stuff a long time so I go for the long range value.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,635
Likes: 3
From: Lansdale, PA
I'll be putting the jvt headers on my 01 pretty soon. I has many studs broke off in the head as well as flush with manifolds. Notching the frame isn't an issue with me. I'm not concerned.
I also keep stuff for a long time. My 95 F250 460 has over 235k on original engine and trans was rebuilt at 200k just because. Awesome truck. I hope this v10 is at least half the truck my 460 was.
I also keep stuff for a long time. My 95 F250 460 has over 235k on original engine and trans was rebuilt at 200k just because. Awesome truck. I hope this v10 is at least half the truck my 460 was.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Farms of Duplin County
I'll be putting the jvt headers on my 01 pretty soon. I has many studs broke off in the head as well as flush with manifolds. Notching the frame isn't an issue with me. I'm not concerned.
I also keep stuff for a long time. My 95 F250 460 has over 235k on original engine and trans was rebuilt at 200k just because. Awesome truck. I hope this v10 is at least half the truck my 460 was.
I also keep stuff for a long time. My 95 F250 460 has over 235k on original engine and trans was rebuilt at 200k just because. Awesome truck. I hope this v10 is at least half the truck my 460 was.