So I have a crack in my exhaust manifold (passenger side) and its going to cost me $400 to fix it. Should I just fix it or go with some aftermarket headers? I have an 02 XLT 5.4.

Found these on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

My setup is pretty basic, CAI and a Gibson exhaust. Any input would be appreciated.

 

those are shorty headers. you wont see much of any HP/TQ gain with those, just sound. Spend the extra $100 and go with longtube headers. many good brands out there

JBA, Edelbrock, Doug Thorley, OBX, Dynatech (the best), and pacesetter (average)

longtube headers will gain you about 15-20 HP

 

Go to the junk yard and buy a used one.

 

thanks for the info. You recommended something like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tchlink:top:en

or should I spend the extra $50 and get the Dynatech?

Also, how difficult of an install is this, I am somewhat mechanicaly inclined, is it something I could tackle on a Sat morning?

 

I would buy a $300 stainless set of shorty headers and have it done, unless you can afford the longtubes.

 

I'm not seeing any shorty's for under $400, maybe I am looking in the wrong place. If its a difference between $150-200 for the longtubes I will go with them, I plan on having the truck for a while. Do the longtubes require more modification? The shorty's seem to be a bolt-on. Thanks in advance

 

longtubes bolt on, but are a PAIN to put on. plan for that as an all day project, but youll need to include a 24 pack of beer to help you. I would spend the extra 150-200 on LTs. i gave you that list earlier. check some of them out and get prices and read reviews. and yes that link you posted with the Pacesetters would work just fine, decent quality, but personally i would spend the extra 50 bucks and go with Dynatech. All depends on how much you wanna spend.

 

These are the ones I have been for a year and a half now with 30,000+ miles on them with no problems. many other members are running them as well.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-03...Q5fAccessories

 

Yea, my LT's were under $300 new, -installed those before Gotts did his, almost 3 years ago. Not one problem.

LT's are 30/35 as far as numbers once dialed in. That was proven when built54 Dyno'ed his shorties, then Dyno'ed LT's within the same week lol.

I was surprised how much more low end they gave me.

BTW- If you want to replace just the manifold, -Doorman was selling replacements on ebay for under $30 at one time, most likley $50 now.

 

thanks for the reply, those look pretty good and they are right in the price range. Did you install them yourself? If so how labor intensive?

thanks for the input and the OEM tip, I have pretty much made up my mind to go long tube aftermarket and these OBX are priced right. Same question, did you install them, labor?

 

Yes, I went with Pacesetter and they were PITA, I documented quite a bit here.

As said, quite a few installed the OBX and those are documented here as well. OBX is most likley easier. There's MORE people here that will help you that install. OBX's are different , quite a bit different than Pacesetters. Pacesetters are longer and have slip fit collectors. It's difficult to squeeze everything in, I had to customize my install, but it did turn out well with a 6 second gain 0-80 over all.

What you need to do is add up total cost. You'll want to incorporate high flows if you don't have them yet. The resonators in the OBX kits for the most part, are tossed. I'm not sure anyone uses those, you'll get efficiency codes 420/430 without O2 modification,-IF you try to use those. People will post what they have done, you can search as well. The best high flows to use is the spun barrel Magnaflows, -simply because they fit better in the cavity under the cab and you won't have to modify your O2 sensors, - your still within margins.

BTW- I like those Gibsons, you'll find that allot of people here choose sound over performance. You can have both with the stock tune if do it right, your already half way there if you have the cat back. Keep it single unless you plan to tune. Hell, with the Gibson you can get away with a 2.5" set up and run LT's and High Flows. You'll be a little lean, but only @ WOT. Unless your full throttle everywhere you go, that's not going to hurt a 2 valve.

Labor Intensive and cost, from least to greatest -

1. OEM Manifold
2. Shorties
3. LT's ++

Allot depends on the tools you have as well.

This is the kit I installed -



I didn't use the Y, It was a 3" off road set and didn't fit around my E4OD/4R100. So I used it for my intake set up -