Header Questions
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More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 537
Likes: 198
Header Questions
I'm still new to wrenchin on my recently aquired 1973 2wd F250 Camper Special with 360 and C6, no a/c.
I've got the engine out, and I'm going to overhaul the gaskets. The motor runs fine, so a complete rebuild is not necessary at this time.
I'm likely going to install a set of headers in place of the exhaust manifolds. I've got some questions though, hoping to tap the brain trust for some insight.
When it comes to hedder coatings, what's the good to best ranking of paint vs thermal vs ceramic? My guess is good = thermal, better = paint, and best = ceramic? Is that right, or is thermal better than paint?
For a basically stock, occasional driver/hauler, but over-all "Nice" (not a shower) truck, should I spend the bucks on ceramic? I'm trying to keep the budget to a modest figure, but we all know saving money can end-up costing more.
Also whats the preferance on bolted flange, ball/socket, or slip fit collectors?
I'm leaning towards;
Hedman Elites, 14Ga, thermal coated, ball and socket. $337
-OR-
FlowTech, 18Ga, Ceramic, bolted flange. $313
Thoughts?
I've got the engine out, and I'm going to overhaul the gaskets. The motor runs fine, so a complete rebuild is not necessary at this time.
I'm likely going to install a set of headers in place of the exhaust manifolds. I've got some questions though, hoping to tap the brain trust for some insight.
When it comes to hedder coatings, what's the good to best ranking of paint vs thermal vs ceramic? My guess is good = thermal, better = paint, and best = ceramic? Is that right, or is thermal better than paint?
For a basically stock, occasional driver/hauler, but over-all "Nice" (not a shower) truck, should I spend the bucks on ceramic? I'm trying to keep the budget to a modest figure, but we all know saving money can end-up costing more.
Also whats the preferance on bolted flange, ball/socket, or slip fit collectors?
I'm leaning towards;
Hedman Elites, 14Ga, thermal coated, ball and socket. $337
-OR-
FlowTech, 18Ga, Ceramic, bolted flange. $313
Thoughts?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 900
Likes: 3
I haven't seen any paint hang around for very long on headers. Some people swear by barbeque paint though. I think thermal and ceramic may be the same.
I'm thinking of using the Headman Elites on my next project. They are more expensive, but they seem like a better quality piece with the thicker flanges and ceramic coating.
I would suggest something with a 1 piece flange (where it bolts to the head) the others can warp from the heat and be a real (you know what) should you ever have to take them off for any reason. The bolt holes can be difficult to line up when you go to put them back on.
I'm thinking of using the Headman Elites on my next project. They are more expensive, but they seem like a better quality piece with the thicker flanges and ceramic coating.
I would suggest something with a 1 piece flange (where it bolts to the head) the others can warp from the heat and be a real (you know what) should you ever have to take them off for any reason. The bolt holes can be difficult to line up when you go to put them back on.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 1
Thermal is the same as ceramic as far as I know, and both are way better than paint. The Hedman HTC is really nice looking, I just bolted a set on my truck last weekend. If money was no worry for me I'd have gotten bare headers and had Jet Hot do the coating, but that was gonna be about $150 more than the Hedmans that I've got. Ball / Socket connectors are way better than old school 3 bolt flanges, the only thing the 3 bolt flanges will do for you is give you lots of gasket changing practice...
