Best Headers
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Joined: Jul 2001
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Best Headers
I finally have the sufficient funds to buy some headers, but before I do, I want to make sure of a couple of things. I don't know that much about this kind of thing, so bare with me. First of all, how many choices do I have? I know that JBA and Gibson make headers for my truck (97 f150 4.6L).......are there any others? Second, will headers reduce my low end power? I really want more low end power, so if they do, I don't want them. Third, will a regular muffler shop install them(like mieneke) or will I have to take them to a independently owned shop? Thanks a lot!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 724
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From: EL Sobrante, CA ,
which headers
Hey slickwillie
In my opinion I think the JBA headers are the best. I have a friend that has them on his 2000 F150 and he has had no problems with them. He is also using a Magnaflow duel in/duel out muffler and the whole setup works well, and sounds good. I will be adding a set of JBA headers to my truck very soon.
I hope this helps.
Larry.
In my opinion I think the JBA headers are the best. I have a friend that has them on his 2000 F150 and he has had no problems with them. He is also using a Magnaflow duel in/duel out muffler and the whole setup works well, and sounds good. I will be adding a set of JBA headers to my truck very soon.
I hope this helps.
Larry.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 119
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From: Houston, Texas, USA
Slick,
Your local muffler shop will not install these...at least in my area they wont. I've found a few shops that want any were from 150-400 to install, just have to look around. As far as the low end power I'm not sure on that maybe some of these other guys with them will take a min to tell u. Good luck.
Your local muffler shop will not install these...at least in my area they wont. I've found a few shops that want any were from 150-400 to install, just have to look around. As far as the low end power I'm not sure on that maybe some of these other guys with them will take a min to tell u. Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 165
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From: Lexington, SC USA
slickwillie,
I'm looking for the same info on headers you are. I think JBA, Gibson, Jardine, Borla, Pacesetter(JC Whitney), Hooker, Dynomax, and Edelbrock all make headers for new-style F150s. I would like to know the difference between all brands, but it seems most everyone on the site has JBA and Gibson. I called Jet Hot Coating and at the time, they stocked Hooker Headers that are Jet Hot coated for the same cost as uncoated JBA/Gibson.
I am also looking for answers about low end power. I'd also like to know what headers will do to fuel economy.
-Michael
I'm looking for the same info on headers you are. I think JBA, Gibson, Jardine, Borla, Pacesetter(JC Whitney), Hooker, Dynomax, and Edelbrock all make headers for new-style F150s. I would like to know the difference between all brands, but it seems most everyone on the site has JBA and Gibson. I called Jet Hot Coating and at the time, they stocked Hooker Headers that are Jet Hot coated for the same cost as uncoated JBA/Gibson.
I am also looking for answers about low end power. I'd also like to know what headers will do to fuel economy.
-Michael
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 344
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From: Mission, Texas
I'd stick to JBA or Gibson headers. Those are the most common headers folks are using without problems. I have some Gibson headers and no complains from me.
I wouldn't recommend Pacesetter or Dynomax because the quality is not as good as the others. Believe me, u dont want to do the job twice.
As for Borla, my pal had some on his 00 Chevy and he had header leaks everywhere, which I hear is common with Borla headers.
Hooker, Edelbrock and Jardine are good brands as well.
Ideally, headers should increase fuel mileage. However, you will probably be putting the pedal to the metal more frequently from the newfound power, hence, gulping more gas. As for low end power, I think i lost torque with the headers, but gained top end power. No dyno #'s or anything, but just going by the sotp feel.
Whatever brand of headers you do decide to get, make sure they're coated. Gives a few more hp, keeps underhood temps down, and makes the headers last longer. Also, if copper gaskets are available for your application, spend the extra few dollars on those because they help in keeping header leaks to a minimal.
Hope that helps.
I wouldn't recommend Pacesetter or Dynomax because the quality is not as good as the others. Believe me, u dont want to do the job twice.
As for Borla, my pal had some on his 00 Chevy and he had header leaks everywhere, which I hear is common with Borla headers.
Hooker, Edelbrock and Jardine are good brands as well.
Ideally, headers should increase fuel mileage. However, you will probably be putting the pedal to the metal more frequently from the newfound power, hence, gulping more gas.
As for low end power, I think i lost torque with the headers, but gained top end power. No dyno #'s or anything, but just going by the sotp feel. Whatever brand of headers you do decide to get, make sure they're coated. Gives a few more hp, keeps underhood temps down, and makes the headers last longer. Also, if copper gaskets are available for your application, spend the extra few dollars on those because they help in keeping header leaks to a minimal.
Hope that helps.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 994
Likes: 0
From: Sparks, Nevada
Hi Slickwillie
I see your doing some thinkin. Not sure if Thorley makes headers for these newer model trucks.....but check out their site
thorleyheaders.com
Its interesting....also they made a rep. with their tri-y headers, low speed torque. Of course there are other ways of making 4 N 1 headers produce low-speed torque.
Nothing wrong but alot of headers out their are intended primarily for racers and hot rodders, and are designed to produce power at relatively high engine speeds.
So take your time. Cat. back exhaust is involved. Good headers to avoid leaks, use thick warp resistant mounting flanges typically 3/8 to 5/8 thick and a ahost of other features + mounting bolts.
May help if their CARB approved. Smog/inspections in some areas are getting tough. These headers are involved, do they all meet OEM emissions standards, dont know. Also true-duels, even if both pipes had catalytic converters, maynot be legal. That was posted in TL mag. If you have mandatory smog checks where you live, they should be able to tell you about this. Hey, better safe than sorry.....
Not currently using headers, but thinking about it. After headers, then gotta take a look at the engine cam and it goes on and on so...
Good luck. OT
I see your doing some thinkin. Not sure if Thorley makes headers for these newer model trucks.....but check out their site
thorleyheaders.com
Its interesting....also they made a rep. with their tri-y headers, low speed torque. Of course there are other ways of making 4 N 1 headers produce low-speed torque.
Nothing wrong but alot of headers out their are intended primarily for racers and hot rodders, and are designed to produce power at relatively high engine speeds.
So take your time. Cat. back exhaust is involved. Good headers to avoid leaks, use thick warp resistant mounting flanges typically 3/8 to 5/8 thick and a ahost of other features + mounting bolts.
May help if their CARB approved. Smog/inspections in some areas are getting tough. These headers are involved, do they all meet OEM emissions standards, dont know. Also true-duels, even if both pipes had catalytic converters, maynot be legal. That was posted in TL mag. If you have mandatory smog checks where you live, they should be able to tell you about this. Hey, better safe than sorry.....
Not currently using headers, but thinking about it. After headers, then gotta take a look at the engine cam and it goes on and on so...
Good luck. OT