just ordered a set of shorty headers for my 97 4.6. has anyone already installed a set and can tell me if there are any special tricks to make it easier.

 

Hi mickeys97lariet,
I believe it depends on the manufacturer and style (equal length, unequal length). I have heard in some cases where the motor had to be jacked up a couple of inches, and other cases where the starter had to be removed. With the JBA's, they slipped right in. Installation wasn't difficult, just time consuming. Hope this helps.
GDG

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Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages, Amsoil front to back, TPS Mod to 0.997
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system

 

I am also interested in tips/hassles on the 5.4L Bassani equal length monsters; someone that has actually done it. TIA

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2000 F-150 XL, RC, LB, 5.4L, 4R70W, 4.10LS,
Class III tow, Payload #3, & Convenience pkgs.,
4-wheel disc/ABS, Chestnut/Parchment 40/60,
Ford bedliner w/Paintsaver & gas/wheel/spare locks,
K&N F.I.P.K. w/Outwears pre-filter, Superchip,
Dynomax ultra-flow welded 3" cat-back w/ 3" Y-pipe,
Hellwig front & rear anti-sway bars, Rancho RS 9000s,
Pirelli Scorpion Zero 275/60/16s, Mobil 1, K&N oil filter.

 

Hello Max
I just installed the Bassani equal lenght headers in my 99 Lariat 5.4L
The installation took me 5 hours
If you are installing yourself first start with the passenger side , its alot easier just remember to cut about 1 inch of your upper shock mount and then do the drivers side , I had to lift the motor about 3 inches to get the headers in and to installed the EGR pipe back in was a pain it didn't quite fit after I installed the headers, I had to bent the EGR pipe and let me tell you that's some hard pipe to bent ( the pipe is made of stainless steel )
Good luck with your headers and don't forget an 8mm 12 point open wrench and a 1"1/4 wrench for the EGR pipe.

 

Svteam- Thanks for the tips. I was afraid all the extra equal length bends would be a hassle (lift motor 3").

 

Svteam ... WOW!
5 hour install time is very impressive, even more so considering you had to lift the engine. I must be getting old. The unequal length shorties I installed (JBA's) slipped right in and it took me a lot more than 5 hours!! LOL!!
GDG

------------------
Stock Package: 2001 SuperCrew XLT, Silver, 5.4L, 4x4, 3.55 LS, Tow Package, 265x70x17, Sliding Rear Window,
Modifications: Tuff Spray-on Liner, JBA Headers Jet Black Coated, Ravin Z55 SI/DO Sideswept Catback, K&N FIPK with fabricated cold-air box and ram-air, SuperChip, ASP Pullies, 1" Thick Sheepskin seat covers (nice "seat-of-the-pants" feel!), Nerf Bars, PIAA Superwhites, 65W (9006) Fog Lights, Dual 14" Perma-Cool Fans w/ stock shroud, Baumann Shift Kit on Stage 4 with Sonnex Bypass Clutch control Valve, Pillar mounted Autometer Ultra-Lite Water and Tranny Temperature Gages, Amsoil front to back, TPS Mod to 0.999, Custom ported TB.
Future mods - Roots Supercharger, modified sterio system