Ok i'm thinking about buying some JBA Headers for my truck and I was just wondering if headers really make a noticable difference in power and sound? I don't even want to fool with them if they aren't going to give me at least a 15hp increase.

So what do you guys think? Worth it or not?

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

K&N Drop In, Superchip, Dual 2.25" Exhaust,
K&N FIPK, TransGO Shift Kit, 4-Tokico Shocks (from Steeda) & Pirelli Scorpion Zeros!

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

Future Mods: JBA Headers!

 

realistically, probably not. Although the exhaust manifolds are not ideal they are computer designed and flow lot better than the exhaust manifolds of the 1960's. Even if he did put headers on, the majority of your exhaust restriction is still going be in the catalytic converters. So unless your exhaust manifolds are starting to get tired or are beginning to leak, I really doubt it would be worth the money of what a good set of headers cost.

------------------
Member: Never trust a person over 40 who drives a Chevy club
Flatheads ain't so bad!
Certified backyard mechanic I & II

 

BMW325
I had headers on my 90 Lariet & really can't say they made any diff. in power or sound. I think you have about the same setup. I'm not a salesman but I'd do a MAF conversion.

 

Well I already had the catalytic converter taken off. I only had the big one taken off, so the Pre-Converter (small one) is still on there. Mainly because the shop said that if I took that one off I would have to have a some kind of new pipe (y-pipe I think) made which would cost me $45 so I didn't fool with that.

I'm just looking for a little more get up and go. I would install a S/C but just can't see the price for it AND the MAF Conversion. If I didn't have to do the MAF conversion I'd probably try it. But thats just to much money all together.

I figure headers are about the last thing i could do without going to MAF.

I would like to do cam or heads but I think you have to have MAF for that, but correct me if I'm wrong!

 

What is a MAF conversion?

 

I had headers on my 94 Bronco 351 and 95 F150 302. You will notice a sound diffence. Headers are thinner and less sound resistant than cast manifolds, therefore you will hear a sound in the cab almost like an exhaust leak. In either truck, I didn't notice any appreciable gains in performance. These were both Motorsport headers (by Borla))

I think headers only really improve performance when there are a lot of other upgrades used in conjunction.

Good luck w/ your decision.

------------------

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.

 

I would have to agree with dlsipe on this one. I have a set of Summit Racing headers on my 93, I like them alot. Wish I had full length instead of shorties, As far as power difference, I think they're is at high speeds. Above 70mph or something. Mine is a bit louder, I don't have mufflers, and the preheater and cat are still intact.

 

An underdrive pulley will do more for power than a set of headers and is much cheaper. With stock heads and cam the headers are not going to do much, and then only at full throttle will there be any hp gains. You don't tow at full throttle. The pulley works a part throttle and full throttle.

------------------
97 4.6 F150, 1/8 = 10.885 @ 64.10 mph, 88 5.0 Mustang 1/8 = 7.191 @ 94.76 mph

 

Hey all,
Jardine makes headers, mufflers as well as high flow cats. So that would relieve any restriction there and still be legit.
Mike T. said JBA headers add aprox 15 HP depending on the other mods.
I would not add headers until my warrenty ran out though.
If you do get the headers go ahead and spend the extra money to get the headers jet hot coated, this helps keep the heat on the inside of the pipes not in your engine bay.
Good luck,
AHAB


------------------
2000 f150 5.4 4X4
Auto transmission
Supercab
Lariat 139" wb Flareside
Manual 4x4 shift on the floor.
3.55 Limited slip Axle
Class 3 tow group
4x4 Off Road group
17" pizza cutter wheels (arrrh, too narrow )
5 COATS ZANIO POLISH
( AWESOME PRODUCTS!)
Mods:
4-14-00 Superchip installed ( Thanks Mike T. for all your help!)
Ordered Jardine Exhaust: $200.00 delivered!!
From John Brooks @ Jardine 1-800 347-8664 ext. 224 (Thanks John)!!