97 f150 v6 4.2 220,000mi
Looking at replacing my 4.2 with a new jasper engine in about a year and i was thinking maybe i should replace the headers too....is this a good idea? or are the stock ones fine. And if i need to replace em...what to go with ha?.....also would i need to replace the whole exhaust back from the cats to the muffler?

 

just drop a 4.6 in....

 

Or a 5.4 at that rate.

If you are looking at headers for performance gains you probly wont notice much of anything, if anything at all. The 5.4 (ok or 4.6 ) swap would be the way to go.

If you just need to replace the OE manifolds then headers would be ok IF you can get them the same price as the manifolds. Other wise just get the manifolds and enjoy your fresh engine.

 

5.8 will swap in nice for more torque....same bolt pattern as 4.2

 

^ not that simple....

 

yeah i wouldnt mind a v8....but my v6 with 4.88's really does pretty well....and a 4.2 would be the simplest thing w//out hassle......i dont want headers for performance, i just wanted to see if they should be replaced at 220k miles while im down there.....(however they are very expensive)

 

if they dont have cracks, or are rusted to badly, have the mounting surface machined and use em again

 

yeah i just wasnt sure headers are something that can go bad...like a cat

 

Rest easy, they won't.

Forget Jasper, In fact, scratch most of your thoughts about this and focus on a lower cost more power option.

Search car-part.com, find a 5four close by. If you find one with a supercharger and can afford it, it's the same amount of work installing. Regardless, stick with the 5four, IF your going thru the trouble of adding a V8.

That way, the work you put in will amount to something.

Something you may learn in the future, or perhaps now, - when it comes to Jasper vs a low mile used engine, take the used hands down, there's quite a few reasons. ONLY install LONG TUBE headers on these engines.

Good advice, - just search

Good Luck.

 

alright....i dont really need a v8 and i feel like with all the pcm, transmission bell housing, and electrical work...and replacing the rear to a 9.75 and driveshaft...its more work than i want when im content with my baby 4.2

as for jasper...why no?...ive heard nothing but the best and i can get one at cost...i feel like if I'm going to do all this work id rather have brand new than a used engine...