I have an '03 2WD SCrew 5.4 with 200,00KM on it. I need to change the cat back system again (Ordered a FM American Thunder) and wondered if I should go with headers while I'm at it in hopes of slightly better low end power and gas mileage. I currently have no manifold leaks which makes me wonder if changing them is worth the risk for the benefits. Questions:
1. Are the OBX SS shorty ones worthwhile?
2. Why do most longtube headers say "For Super charged only"
3. I read that the bolts and gaskets that come with cheaper headers are worthless. What should I use? Ford?
4. Any recommendations are appreciated.

 

Dyno test results prove short headers are worthless 0 gain from stock manifolds.

 

What you have to get to is realize the truck is not a high speed, high RPM application.
Under 5000 rpm there is no gains from short headers because they are too short and only offer a little less restriction at high RPM where you don't run at.
Besides the pain of trying to keep the flanges sealed to the heads and the extra noise they will offer from loss of dampening the cast iron does.
There is no power gains worth the hassle in this application.
Your call.
Good luck.

 

Thanks for the comments. That's kind of what I thought in spite of "noticeable increases" claimed from people who have installed short headers.

What about the long tube version? More hassles with O2 sensors, Cats, and EGR tubes for not much gain? I'm not racing my truck but better mileage would be nice along with low end power.

 

long tubes are dyno proven to give a 15-30hp gain.

 

I found these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Manzo-Stainl...08c692&vxp=mtr
But it says for supercharged engines only??

Or, what about these:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FOR-99-04-FORD-F150-PICKUP-5-4-V8-8-2-STAINLESS-STEEL-PERFORMANCE-EXHAUST-HEADER/170933523641?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29386%26meid%3D3b98237c29b54c749111c6ca4ffdb735%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131047409298&rt=nc
Same thing..

 

I would say stay away from expensive mods with the mileage you have. Could open up a big bag of worms cause usually the more expensive the mod the more tinkering you have to do.

As far as the headers I have Dynatech long tubes and the $250 ebay ones are probably not the same quality as my $1500 headers so take that with a grain of salt. Not to mention you'll need a tune for longtubes but not for shorties.

1. Shorty headers traditionally add TQ and longtubes add HP. I've had shorty headers on a 05 V6 F150 and it was a waste of money, didn't even feel a bit of difference. $400 down the drain.

2. I'm not sure where you got the impression that most companies say for supercharged motors only cause that would vastly reduce their sells. Headers are an exhaust part, nothing to do with the supercharger that sits on top of the motor. Any company that says that is dumb. As long as the diameter of the tubing isn't below stock you'll be alright.

3. Cheaper headers themselves are worthless so if you wouldn't use the gaskets supplied I wouldn't use the headers either ha. Get OEM if you get cheap headers.

4. My first recommendation is don't do it to your vehicle. But if you are hell bent on it then you'll need to pay to play. Most quality manufactures of exhaust have good headers. Dynatech, Kooks, and typically if you sort by highest price on Summit when looking for headers the most expensive ones are usually the best brands. You won't find a hidden gem in the exhaust world these days and there's no new companies out there really.

 

Thanks for the replies!
Yea, I wondered if the SC engines had different heads on them because all of the long tube header ads seem to say SC only. Anyway, I think I'll take a pass on the whole idea now that I've done some research.
Cheers!