Headers Help
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Tulsa, OK
Headers Help
I am getting everything ordered for my engine (352 from 66 F100). I just got it back from the machine shop.
Everything on it was original including the exhaust manifold that was baked on! I am trying to select some headers to replace it. I am overhauling the whole truck, but just for personal use (couple thousand miles per year) and not to win shows. That being said I am not sure whether I need to spend the extra money for ceramic coated headers.
From a performance perspective, will I see a big difference? Do I need to spend the extra $175 bucks, if I am not real concerned about the appearance?
Thanks!
Everything on it was original including the exhaust manifold that was baked on! I am trying to select some headers to replace it. I am overhauling the whole truck, but just for personal use (couple thousand miles per year) and not to win shows. That being said I am not sure whether I need to spend the extra money for ceramic coated headers.
From a performance perspective, will I see a big difference? Do I need to spend the extra $175 bucks, if I am not real concerned about the appearance?
Thanks!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
I would stay away from headers. The 352 is not a monster powerhorse to being with; it has only limited potential for improvement. You will probably not see any difference with them installed. Your money would be better spent on other improvements like quality after market manifolds with copper gaskets, or disc brakes and power steering.
Further, FE headers have a tendency to cook starters because they sit so close - which further complicates problems because the header must be removed to replace the starter.
Further, FE headers have a tendency to cook starters because they sit so close - which further complicates problems because the header must be removed to replace the starter.
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 38
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From: Tulsa, OK
Awesome, information. Thanks! I never thought about how close that starter is!
I have already added disc brakes and power steering. I also changed the intake manifold. I got an aluminum one with a 4 barrel carb at a swap meet instead of the 2 barrel that it originally had.
So would you still get a new exhaust manifold or should I just use the ones I have?
I have already added disc brakes and power steering. I also changed the intake manifold. I got an aluminum one with a 4 barrel carb at a swap meet instead of the 2 barrel that it originally had.
So would you still get a new exhaust manifold or should I just use the ones I have?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
Have them ground flat at a machine shop. as they tend to warp. You may find that aftermarket replacements are cheaper - I did!
If you are changing the entire exhaust system, get ones for a '76 F-150 with a 390.
The right side manifold is different '65/'66, and is setup for a (almost) useless heat riser valve. You will probably want to eliminate that, but it will require changing the exhaust at the manifold.
If you want to keep the entire exhaust, then you will probably want to keep your original manifolds.
Otherwise, if you are changing your exhaust anyway, get new later ones, and you will be happy with the results.
If you are changing the entire exhaust system, get ones for a '76 F-150 with a 390.
The right side manifold is different '65/'66, and is setup for a (almost) useless heat riser valve. You will probably want to eliminate that, but it will require changing the exhaust at the manifold.
If you want to keep the entire exhaust, then you will probably want to keep your original manifolds.
Otherwise, if you are changing your exhaust anyway, get new later ones, and you will be happy with the results.
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f100guy
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