I have begun my performance upgrades on my '97 F150, which for the time being includes a Ford Motorsports (Powerdyne) supercharger and Ford Motorsports headers. I chose these particular headers because of price compared to JBA, etc. I received them yesterday and plan to install them this weekend. How do these headers compare to JBA or other more expensive brands? The quality does not look quite like I expected. Maybe the appearance does not matter compared to their performance. Should I have bit the bullet and sprung for JBA's? Thanks for the info.

 

A better question would be....."How are you going to get those boogers installed". There is absolutely no space to work with in an F150 engine compartment!

 

Ford Motorsports has some good headers. Just don't let the looks get to you. As long as it has a warranty and one important factor is THICK flanges. This prevent warpage and better sealing. Also did the headers come with paper gaskets? If it did my best suggestion is TRASH them and buy some good Felpro gaskets. I had JBA headers & they came with CHEAP paper ones that blew out after six months.
Congrats on the supercharger. I had a B&M 144 Powercharger in my 94' Chevy. You'll love the power. I do recommend getting some type of ceramic or Jett Hot coating on the headers. This will help reduce some heat in the engine compartment. Trust me, there is gonna be ALOT of heat generated from the supercharger and headers; since T.N. gets pretty hot in the summer. Best of luck.

1999 F250 LD supercab XLT
5.4L, 4R100 trans., 3.73 axle
Flowmaster exhaust, Poweraid, K&N
coming soon: Superchip

Prior vehicle:
1994 Chevy K1500
350 TBI, 3.73, 4L60E trans.
B&M supercharger, JBA headers, K&N filter, Flowmaster exhaust, MSD ignition, Jet chip, and lots of other "hits & misses" with other aftermarket parts.

 

kevin3636 here,
i put headmen headers on my 97 4.6.first take off the wheel guards on both sides.then put wd-40 on the studs,let it set for a while.if you don't brake the nuts Loose the whole stud will come out.thats ok but make sure you take off the nuts befor you put the studs bake in.after you get all the nut or stud out,they should come off.its takes some time to get them out.where they bolt on to the cats becareful not to bang that part around to much.i fu!! up one of my O2 sensers at $75 its not cheap.unbolt one engion mont and lift it by the tran.just an inch or so, dont push it to much their is some flex.this will make it a whole lot better when putting on the new header,it will let you get to the nuts way better.do it for both sides.get the truck as high as you can.it took me 5 hours to do mine.so thats what you are looking for word to.DO NOT OVER DO THE TIGHTNING ON THE STUDS WHEN YOU PUT THEM BACK IN.their is a way to tightning the bolts.look in the chiltons book under exhaust manafolds.you should like the headers.if you want to talk to me on the phone leave me your # or i will leave you my # on e-mail.my e-mail is Pchewychump1@msn.com
i can tell you better over the phone.well good luck if i don't hear from you.my name is kevin.....

 

Hey guys! I just had mine installed Tuesday and he didn't have to remove the wheel cover. He did though have it on a lift, so that helped in a major way. One suggestion I have is to get header locking bolts put on. Don't have to worry about them getting loose on you. The gaskets that came with my kit had been impregnated with wire mesh to prevent future blowouts.

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'98 EB Expy
5.4L 3.73 LS
Magnason/Eaton MP-90 Supercharger
JBA Jet Black Ceramic Headers
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts
Gibson Sweptside Catback
K&N Filter
IPD Rear Swaybar
Bilstein Shocks
Manik Grill and Rear Tail Guards
PIAA Foglights
Stull Billet Grill and Bumper Inserts
Ford Molded mud guards
Ford Hood Guard

Waiting for...
75mm Edelbrock TB, whenever they can package the right one!!!

"Its Sooo Big...Its Gotta to be Blown!"

 

So, how does it feel after the headers were added to the blower?

How much did you pay for the blower? How much for the install?

How much for the header install?

What about Jet Hot coatings? Have you considered it?

[This message has been edited by crash1 (edited 06-09-2000).]

 

Crash1,

She is very torquey now. Doesn't nearly feel as heavy as she really is, so get up and go is no longer an issue. I paid $3400 for blower. $200 for the header install. I suggest them for anyone that adds a supercharger to their truck.

As for the jet hot coating, I already have them ceramic coated. The JBA jet black coating is supposed to handle/withstand more heat than the normal silver ceramic coat, at least thats what JBA told me.

I don't have to have a heavy foot to get it going at a good clip anymore.


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'98 EB Expy
5.4L 3.73 LS
Magnason/Eaton MP-90 Supercharger
JBA Jet Black Ceramic Headers
Stage 8 Locking Header Bolts
Gibson Sweptside Catback
K&N Filter
IPD Rear Swaybar
Bilstein Shocks
Manik Grill and Rear Tail Guards
PIAA Foglights
Stull Billet Grill and Bumper Inserts
Ford Molded mud guards
Ford Hood Guard

Waiting for...
75mm Edelbrock TB, whenever they can package the right one!!!

"Its Sooo Big...Its Gotta to be Blown!"

 

I put Ford Motorsport headers on my 94 Bronco 351 adn 95 F150 302. The sets were mfctrd by Borla, if my info was correct. Locking nuts are a must! I felt little improvement, but then again, I wasn't supercharged! I wish I could blow the $ on a supercharger, but w/ a 6 mo old daughter, the wife would have me offed.



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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.

 

I have JBA's on my '98 5.4 for about a year now. They were a real pain to install! Took all day Sat and part of Sunday. Had to have my wife get some of the studs started (small hands)Also the silver ceramic coating is already comming off in some places (showing rust) No problems with gaskets but I check tightness of studs often. I also had my Superchip reflashed for the headers and other mods. (possible fuel mix issue: running lean) This may not have been necessary but I feel it did help. My truck runs very strong an literally jumps on acceleration. Overall, I'm satisfied and feel it's worth the money. Just my opinion for what it's worth!
Jim


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Pinckney Pirate
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http://pinckneypirate.homestead.com/index.html

98Lariat 5.4 4X4 SC SB Tow ORP
Superchipped!
K&N
WMS Velocity tube
Gibson exhaust
Edelbrock IAS
JBA Headers
Clear front corners
16X8 Centerline Billet Wheels 285 75 16 BFG AT's
Do it inna dirt!
jimmac@ismi.net



[This message has been edited by Jim Mc (edited 06-10-2000).]