while shopping price on a stainless steel Gibson header, and cat back system, one of the internet stores told me that a JBA Header was better then Gibson header. I just thought that if i was going with a Gibson cat back it would be better to have a Gibson header.
Advice please=price of the JBA is only 20. more then the Gibson. Don't really care about price if JBA is that much better.
thanks in advance,
JD
have heard that Gibson go on easier then JBA too==is that true?
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2001 F-150 4X4 Supercab
XLT 139" WB style side
5.4L V8 3.55 LIMITED SLIP AXLE
MODS:
AIRAID FIPK
SUPERCHIP(FLIP CHIP)
ROLL & LOCK TONNEAU

[This message has been edited by Predator1 (edited 04-19-2001).]

 

I don't know if JBA is a "better" product or not but if you go to their web site you'll find a complete multi page set of installation instructions. Something Gibson does not offer. I have the Gibson Super Truck system and will be using a set of JBA's when I put headers on this summer. The instructions they post is worth the extra $20.00 bucks to me. I figure that a company that goes to the trouble to do that probably puts more quality into their product too.


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98 NASCAR Special Edition
1OF600 w/ Auto & Tonnaue
K&N FIPK
Hypertech Power Prog.
JET 180 degree thermostat
Hellwig SportTech swaybar
Gibson SuperTruck CatBack
Pilot SS Resonated Tips
Shelf-It overhead storage
Hella FF300 Fog Lights in grill.

 

Predator1,
If I can save one person from making the same mistake I made...!
I started out with Gibson headers and it was a disaster! Long story short, they sent me two sets of headers and both sets were improperly welded, and both sets had the EGR fittings welded shut.
Gibson customer service and warranty is non-existant!

I went with JBA's after the Gibson mess and I'm very satisfied, not only with the quality but the JBA's free up more power. I gained a full pound of boost with the JBA's! I would recommend that you go with the Jet-Black coating, it's worth the extra cost.

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2000 XLT supercab, 4x4 7700lb. package, 5.4L, 3.73 LS, 265 BFG All Terrains on Epic 16x8's, skids,rear sway-bar,Rhino brush gaurd,KC Daylighters,CD changer,MagnaCharger, Flowmaster,Superchip, Airaid, Replaced the JUNK Gibson Headers with Jet Black coated JBA's, Captains with Expy console, Island Blue

[This message has been edited by ***** (edited 04-20-2001).]

 

Can't vouch for the performance of the JBA's yet but they are not very fun to install, if you're not a proficient mechanic.

See: https://www.f150online.com/f150board...ML/004134.html

RCL


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2000 XLT 4.6 V8 5speed 4x4 RC SB Amazon Green

Modifications:
K&N
Mobil 1
Magnum Deflecta-Shield
Soft Snapless Tonneau
Ford Duraliner

 

***** why is the jet black coating that much better then the stainless steel? how long did it take to install JBA HEADER? what prob if any was the install?

 

RCL,
I noticed you have the 4.6 v8 while i have the 5.4, do you think the diff in motors will make an easier install for me?

 

Predator1,

I don't know if you'll have an easier time. I hope so. I've never worked with the 5.4 L engine but I suspect that it's not much different. Ford probably uses the same engine block and changes the bore and | or stroke.

RCL


------------------
2000 XLT 4.6 V8 5speed 4x4 RC SB Amazon Green

Modifications:
K&N
Mobil 1
Magnum Deflecta-Shield
Soft Snapless Tonneau
Ford Duraliner

 

Predator1,
The Jet-Black coating helps to control the expantion and contraction of the header. You won't have to constantly re-torque your header bolts and outlet nuts and bolts.
It took me about 4 hours to install the headers. It wasn't alot of fun but, it wasn't to bad. I really didn't have any installation problems.

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2000 XLT supercab, 4x4 7700lb. package, 5.4L, 3.73 LS, 265 BFG All Terrains on Epic 16x8's, skids,rear sway-bar,Rhino brush gaurd,KC Daylighters,CD changer,MagnaCharger, Flowmaster,Superchip, Airaid, Replaced the JUNK Gibson Headers with Jet Black coated JBA's, Captains with Expy console, Island Blue

 

Well here's my 2 cents. Do Gibson all the way. Why?
JBA won't tell you but when a friend of mine went throught the same thing on a decision. He found out some info you should know. The JBA headers have been a "leaky" nightmare. The so-called "cone" or what ever they call it has major problems. Good instructions are one thing, but maybe it's because people have to put them on file so they can remember how to R&R them again so the replacement will go smooth. Nothing makes me more mad then installing something that has to be pulled back off for leaks, especially in the tight Ford engine compartment.