I was wondering where a guy could find headers at a decent price for a 1989 F150 with a 4.9L & is 4X4. I found some made by Hooker but they want $400 for them. That's way out of my price range, I gotta build this thing on a high school budget.

 

Try summit or pacesetter.

 

Be careful when looking at "less costly" <read: "CHEAP"> headers. I was at a shop yesterday researching my own header project and the owner showed me a set of Ford Racing headers (like the ones in Summit Racing catalog) and also showed me a set of no-name units. He "plinked" the no-name pipes and it made a tinkly sound like a tuning fork. Then he plinked the Ford Racing pipes. Solid thud. Major difference in pipe wall thickness. The thin ones will pass a lot of the valve hammering sound through them and sound very tinny. I know JBA uses 14 gage, Hooker mostly 16-18 gage, and the others somewhere in this range. Not that I'm promoting ANY particular brand over another - just promoting the caveat emptor - buyer beware. It's also a case of longevity. The heavier gage pipes should last longer. And remember, you get what you pay for.

Also realize that if you get the plain steel ones, it will be the least cost option. Chrome, aluminized, ceramic coated, jet-hot coated, stainless steel all will increase the cost. I read on a previous thread that the plain steel headers from Summit Racing lasted on the guy's truck and didn't rust out for the many years he had them installed. And the price was reasonable. Not the style I'm looking for, but it may be your ticket.

 

I had hookers on my 80 4.9 and a offy 4bbl intake woke that old 300 six up.
Remember you get what you pay for