Mike,

Can I get your opinion about this? I'm not sure if you look at that board, so I posted here (also had a chip question - below).

I ordered a set of headers, an intake, and a chip from you (for SVB2) on 8/29. I had problems, so I called you, then JBA tech support and have done everything they asked - provided pictures, and am now waiting on their next reply...they're working with me and not trying to give me the runaround or anything...

Have you ever had a problem like this with these headers? After two sets, I know I cannot be the only one.

JBA headers thread

If I get fed up with these, is it ok to put the stock manifolds back on and use the chip I ordered? It's programmed for the headers with performance on side 2 & towing on side 1 (haven't got the chip yet, Anita told me thursday it's on the way though). Or would the chip have to be reprogrammed?

Thanks!!
Robert

 

I have the same header on my 5.4. I just went out and looked at mine. I can fit my little finger between the flange and the block. It almost makes me wonder if you got the 4.6 liter header. I think they are different part numbers but don't quote me on this.

 

hmm...this is all too weird for me, maybe they changed the design since you got yours? Do you by chance know what your part number is? my part number (from the box) is 1679sjt and has 1679 stamped on the drivers side header.

My stock manifold fits as you describe, but the JBA headers do not. I'm hoping JBA isn't going to give up and say tough luck on this. When I called them about it the first time, they tried to tell me I didn't have the 5.4l engine he said "I'd hate to think someone jipped you when you bought your truck"

After a few pictures, they changed their mind about that suggestion.

Were there different 5.4l engines? I thought they were all the same all the way back to 97.

Thanks for the reply!!

 

There are a couple of variations on the 5.4 but I don't think that the design differences make any difference in this area. Your problem would have to indicate a broader spread of the block and this didn't change. I'm sorry I don't remember my stock numbers but I too got them through Mike. I've had them over a year.

 

The 4.6 header doesn't point down so much. Ironically I fitted 5.4 JBAs on my 4.6 and they come very close to the tranny bellhousing. I had to modify, pound with ball peen hammer, the exhaust pipe to fit.
I would ask JBA to replace the header one more time or have them pay to modify the flange. Cut the ears off the flange and weld new ones on.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

Hi Robert,

Well, about all I can tell you is that to date, nobody *we* know of has had such a problem before with a JBA header on any vehicle, including these late-model F-150's - at least, not among any of our customers to date, or anyone else I can think off off the top of my head - and we sell a lot of JBA headers & have for years - not only for these trucks, but also for other vehicles. So I have to say that this is completely atypical in our experience - nor normal at all, nor have we ever had that problem before - that may not make you feel any better though, since you *are* having a problem, and you don't know just how bad I wish I could just reach out & fix that for you, my friend!

You are working directly with the manufacturer, as is appropriate in this kind of situation. Please let us know if at any point the manufacturer is not cooperating, etc., & as always, we'll do all we can - that much you can *count* on!

Robert, we're happy to work with you on this to do just about whatever makes you happy, as we want everyone to be happy having done business with us. If you'd like to go over any of this, please give us a call when you get a chance & I'll be more than happy to, if you like, Robert. Thanks & good luck for now, talk to you soon!

 

Thanks for the reply!! I called them today to talk and they told me I'd have to grind the collector flange down to fit. They say ford made some 5.4l engines differently than others and the headers will not fit all engines. I'm having a really hard time believing this. I insisted that if it is advertised as bolt on, they need to make it right...I don't want to grind it down (one reason is I think it may mess up the coating - I'm really clueless though).

I argued enough so that he (JP @ JBA Headers) said that he'd get a set custom made (?!!?!?) for my application. He should have an estimate of when they'll be done by wed...

In the mean time, will it hurt the truck to run with an exhaust leak? I drive about 60 miles everyday. It is definately a noticeable leak to me, but my wife & friends all say they can't hear it. I've got other cars, but don't particularly want to drive either one to & from work everday if I don't have to.

Thanks again,
Robert

 

btw...I just drove the truck for the first time with the chip in and it's awesome!!