Headers for '97 F250 HD 5.8 L - Are they a good idea?
 

Hi all.

I am a newbie to the forum.

I have a 97 F250 HD 4x4 with a stock 5.8 L gas, 130,000 km, and a 3 inch pipe and muffler back from the catalytic converter which is now rusted out and needs replacing. I am thinking of putting on headers and either a new single or dual performance mufflers, but where I live I must keep the cat converter (good for the air, I am not complaining).

So:

- Is there any real advantage to putting on headers (performance, mileage, sound) if everything is still combining into a single pipe and going through a restrictive catalytic converter? Is it a waste of money? If not, what brands of headers (that will fit and last) are recommended? I was looking at BBK Shorties…

- How many 02 sensors are there on the stock exhaust system? I understand these must all be kept.

- And last, any real advantage of going with duals after the cat converter? I am really after a nice mean sound, which muffler brand (either dual or single) is recommended?

Thanks all,

Ash

WELCOME to FTE! ;)

No ideas about brands and such, others will surely speak up. You might want to try the engine forum for your engine - is it a 351M or 351W? (I'm assuming 351M). They'll have more info specific to your engine.

Headers can only help. Be aware, unless you get very thick-wall headers, you WILL hear them.

If the stock cat is still good, use it - on the trucks, they aren't very restrictive, but if you do want to get more flow, go aftermarket.