Ok I have decided that the next modification for my truck will be a good set of headers!

I have a few questions:

1: I am going to be keeping my stock exhaust
and catalytic convertor in place. Will the headers make the stock exhaust louder?

2: I have a SuperChip installed will the header have any type of compatibility problems with the chip?

3: Is it true that the bolts that hold the headers on must be tightend like every 40k miles?

4: Around how much HP and Torque increase can I expect seeing as I am keeping the stock exhaust and catalytic convertor? (See my mods in my signature)

Last, what headers would you guys recommend? I have been looking at the STEEDA headers, they look really nice and come with the bolts and gaskets. Also they are pretty cheap $285.00 anyone ever seen these? What do you think?

I want headers that are a direct replacement that don't require any cutting or anything like that. I just want to bolt them on and go.

I CAN NOT spend over $300 on the headers. So are there any headers out there better thant he STEEDAs for under $300?

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1993 Ford F-150
2WD, 5.0 (302), AOD, 3.55

K&N Drop In, Superchip & Pirelli Scorpion Zeros!

Eclipse CD Player, Eclipse 8-CD Changer, Eclipse Amp, Clarion front speakers, 8" Boston Acoustics Subwoofer

 

Uh, good questions, I went with cheap! And I have had no problems. Yes it does make it louder, and it may not work with stock exuast systems, I left my cat too, I have a Hypertech chip, and have absolutely no problems from it, although headers can put out a lot of heat. sometimes ruining the starter. I have SummitRacing headers that bolt in place of the factory manifolds, at 159 dollars, I feel that I got my moneys worth.

 

Yea these STEEDA headers are suppost to bolt right on and work with the stock exhaust or aftermarket either one. Also pastmaster, when you put the headers on yours did you have to get rid of the thing that mounts to the manifold and goes around the spark plug wires? I have no idea what it's called but it's on both sides heh, I know you probably have no idea what I'm talking about....but hopefully you do.

 

Hmmmmm i think I have just changed my mind I think I will consider the JBA headers more than the STEEDAs.


"With the installation of a set of JBA shorty headers on a stock Ford F-150 truck with a fuel injected 302, improvements of 3.68 miles per hour in the 1/4 mile, with a 6 tenths reduction were made. (Peterson Publishing, Jerry Pitt)"


Sounds good to me plus these seem to be a lot better quality and are 50-state lgeal. Now anyone ever used JBAs? And where can I get them cheaper than the $559 list price?

 

BMW: are you talking about that metal shield? Ya mine is gone, I may end up having to have them wrapped.

I didn't know that they made that much improvement, dang!!!!!

 

Yea I'm talking about the metal shield

 

BMW325
Bassani makes a real cool set of equal length headers for the 302-351 engine.
I had a set of them(ceramic coated) on my 93 Lightning, and I loved them

 

BMW325
Try to find a set of equal length headers, the older push rod engines run much smoother with them than a non equal length header.
I had Bassani equal length ceramic coated headers on my 93 lightning and loved them.
They bolted right up, and made it sound a lot better, but not louder, I had them on for 90,000 miles and never had to tighten them up.
I don't remember what they cost, but they look real cool. They do sell them without the ceramic coating, but if you can afford to pay for the coating, go for it. It will make them a dream to keep clean.
If I do get headers for my 99F150 I would get the Bassani equal length headers again. http://www.bassani.com

sorry about the double post, didn't realize I posted earlier.

[This message has been edited by Don C (edited 01-22-2000).]

 

I have JBA's on my truck, and they look stock and they bolted and fit in well. It took me 5 hours to install them and I am not a mechanic. I paid $319 for them from Truckperformance.com. They are nickle plated. Good luck

 

Check out Motorsport (Now Ford Racing) headers. They are stainless steel and made by Borla. Use Grade 8 Locking stainless steel header bolts and a top quality gasket when you install. Some of the bolts on the passenger side you will only want to tighten once. These fasteners will eliminate the need to retorque the bolts. You will have a bit more noise in your cab. The thinner walls of the headers can't contain the combustion sound as well as your factory cast manifolds.

The headers are a bit over your $300 limit and the bolts will run you another $35. Make sure you use the locking header bolts no matter what brand you go with. I made the mistake of not using them on my '95 and had to retorque every few thousand miles.

Good luck with your decision.

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97 F150 Lariat 4X4 Ext. Cab. 5.4, AT, Tow Pkg, bedliner, white/grey 2tone w/ grey leather, Fact. CD changer, Gibson Side Swept, K&N, Bosch Platinum +4's,Michelin LTX 265/70 16, S/D Triton V8 emblems, Both doors cracked, Piston slap quieted by Mobile One & Slick 50 Synthetic.

 

Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts, will keep the headers tight....bolt them on, with the stage 8's, drive the truck to normal operating temp, turn the truck off, and while it is still warm snug the bolts, and use the locks for them...I haven't had a header leak or loose bolt in almost 30k...good luck...