I would have to throw this one out to Mike...

Which headers have you seen the best results in combination with a custom tune? Do you favor one brand over another?

I think you, or f150online.com still sell the JBA's... what do you think of the Gibson's? I have a friend who can get deals on them, but are the JBA's better?

Also, I would bet you have seen a fair share of head swaps on our trucks... What in your opinion is the best setup? P1's, Patriot's, or SHM? again in combination with custom tuning...

Thanks, Oh great and knowledgeable one!

Still pre-spending my uncle sams $$!!!

 

Hi JHL,

I don't know which engine you have, and in this case it makes a difference.

For example, if your truck was a 5.4 and it was a 2WD, then I would say if you don't mind spending a LOT of $$$, then what would actually get you the highest HP gains would be a set of longtube headers & high-flow cats (you'd have to do *both* with longtubes, as there's no room for the stock cats & Y-pipe with longtubes). However, they are more expensive than any "shorty" header, of course. I run the longtubes, as do Neal the HP Freak & some others who have spent about $2K on literally the most high-zoot exhaust setup possible (including the longtubes, high-flow cats, X-pipe, S/S true-dual cat-back and doing everything in high-grade 304 stainless steel).

If you have the 4.6 engine, nobody makes a set of longtubes that will fit - the driver's side bolts up OK, but the passenger side runs into the start motor, and won't work - there are 2 companies that claim their longtubes fit on the 4.6 F-150, but in reality they *don't* fit. So longtubes are for the 5.4 2V F-150 only at this point in time.

Now in terms of the best bang-for-the-buck, the JBA's are my preference, and they are a "shorty" header that will bolt right up to the stock downtubes & factory cat arrangement. I prefer the JBA's over the Gibson's - now will it make a *big* HP difference between the two? Nope - we find the JBA's give us a few more HP, that's all.

One note - we recommend when you install headers on these trucks to use a set of Stage 8 locking header bolts instead of the hardware supplied with shorty headers (we carry the Stage 8 units in stock & use them on our vehicles). We also find that in some cases, header manufacturers will supply 3/8" bolts for use where the shorty header bolts up to the factory exhaust flange (on the downtubes - that's not acceptable, that needs to be a 1/2" diameter bolt.

 

Yes I have a 4.6L V-8, thought that was in my sig... but it wasnt till I just edited it in.

OK, so the JBA shorty's are the ticket! I do have to admit that I like their product, and they are only about an hours drive away. That way if they install and I ever have any problems I can point my finger at someone other than myself!

Haha... I'm not into busting knuckles anymore!

I do need to see what kind of a "deal" my buddy can get me on the Gibsons... in case it is to good to pass up. I believe both companies make a ceramic coated header, do you know?

 

Yes, all header companies will offer Jet-Hot (or another ceramic coating) coating on their headers - I prefer the Jet hot coating, and in the "satin" finish. If the deal on the Gibson's is HUGE, then sure, you could go with them, they're an OK header - otherwise, the JBA's are the trick - and our JBA pricing is fantastic.

 

Hey Mike,
I don't know if you've been reading the boards here lately, but I have a 'date' with Jon at JBA tomorrow to get the new body 4.6L fitted for headers. My truck is going to be the test vehicle for mock-up (R&D). I am pretty stoked about this because I'll be the first new body 4.6 on the road with JBA's headers installed. Hopefully they will have their prototype avail for SEMA, you can check it out there. From what Jon and I have discussed, it won't be much different than the 5.4 3v's setup, but for us 4.6's looking for more HP anywhere we can....this is a pretty big deal. Some of us may celebrate christmas a little early this year!

 

Good for you, C - hope it all goes well & congratulations!!