Im getting a great deal on some JBA headers, but are power gains really noticeable? I'm looking for performance, and some extra growl out of my flowmaster exhaust. I have 99' 5.4L. Does anybody have these headers on their truck, and what do you think about them now? Does the patented firecone they talk about really work? Ceramic or stainless? I just ordered a flipchip from Mike T. and their going to go ahead and add the custom program for the headers.

 

Ihave these on my 1990 chevy truck.(iknow,i know......but its the only chevy i will ever own again). I have the JBA shorty headers with flowmasters. I didnt notice much if any hp increase,but it did give it a deeper tone. In my opinion, they were a waste of money. Dont get me wrong though, the headers are excellant in quality,fit and finish.(mine are chromed)If you get the full length header,you may notice a better HP increase.

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2000 EB EXPY
5.4,3.55LS
K&N
Superchip
Gibson SS exhaust

 

Thanks for the info Skank dog. I know you didn't notice much H.P., but what about torque gains? I'm really looking for some low end power. Sorry I should of been more specific in my previous post. How often do you have to retorque the headers? Do you know how well made the gaskets are, and do they last? I'm geting the headers for $480 installed(stainless of course).

[This message has been edited by raully (edited 03-24-2001).]

 

I did notice a little more low end torque.
I had to tighten the header bolts every month
or they would come loose and blow the gaskets.I finally went to local performance shop and purchased some locking header bolts and havent had to tighten them any more.
The gaskets you get with the kit are kinda cheap. I would recommend you go get a good quality set of gaskets like fel pro. Ive put them on mine and they have been there for about 4 yrs. with no problems.
Thats a good price on stainless, my chrome ones turned blue in short order and have started to rust in small places.
I would definatly have a shop install them.
Even the guys that installed mine said they were a b**** to put on!! And they install mufflers and headers every day.
You will notice a power gain but atleast on mine, it wasnt as much as I expected. Yours may be differnt. Good luck!! I know your chompin' at the bit to get those bad boys on there!!


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2000 EB EXPY
5.4,3.55LS
K&N
Superchip
Gibson SS exhaust

 

Thanks again for all your help. I'll pass on the info you gave me to the guy thats going to put them on.Were did you buy the fel pro gasket and locking header bolts?

 

I bought them at a place called Lonestar racing here in town. But any automotive chain like pep boys,abc auto,western auto,etc. should have both items. If not you can always get them off the jegs or summit racing web sights. Good luck! You'll have to let me know how it turns out.

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2000 EB EXPY
5.4,3.55LS
K&N
Superchip
Gibson SS exhaust
Royal Purple 5w-30

 

Thanks again. I'll definetly put up another post and let you know how they work out. Won't be for a couple of weeks to a month maybe. Getting a new engine put in due to 5.4L head gasket leak problem.

 

Raully; I just installed JBAS on my F150 4.6L The time limit was based on the weather.But it only took my brother and I 4 hours.They are not the easyest to put on but as Godog said befor it take time,every thing fit well aND ALL HOOK UPS MATCHED UP WELL.The performance didnt pick up until I onened the air flow a little. So I say go for it..I think the shop that told the other guy it was a bitch was to get more Bucks from him.Give it a try if you get in over your head take it then to the shop..If the JBAs you buydont have the inst..info go to there web site.and down load it from there.Hope this helps you out.give it a try..OLDGRAY.

 

Thanks old gray. I got a good friend of mine that does custom exhausts, and he's going to put them on for only $100. This is good deal because he is going to get me the headers at his cost $380. I know these headers retail for about $480 dollars if not more. I already opened up my air intake with a K&N fijk, so I hope I'll get some more gains from that. I also had Mike T. program the headers onto my superchip. Mike said it should give me another 6-8 ponies. I got enough ponies under my hood and I really wants some torque.