Cheap & reliable headers?

[tad]

Diagnosed a CEL and ticking noise the other day, turns out my exhaust manifold is cracked ('97 4.0 OHV). I don't need performance, I'm looking for reliability. What's best? I don't want to pay $500 apiece for the Ford manifolds, and I don't really want to spend $400 on a set of JBAs, but is there anything out there that's reliable for less money?

 

[shane96ranger]

This is the only set I know of that is cheaper in price. They are made by Pace Setter. While I don't have any experience with this kit, my friend had some Pace Setter headers on his 88 LX 5.0 Mustang. The black finish was gone within a year, but they did well otherwise. I also would recommend getting Felpro gaskets. His came with POS paper gaskets, which blow out and leave you with a leak.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/PSM-70-1172/?rtype=10

 

[adsm08]

Which manifold is cracked?

I have a Ford 6-cyl manifold, kinda newish (never used, but I've had it for a while). Can't remember what it's from, but I can find out easy enough. I'm pretty sure it is either a 4.0 or a 4.2. If we figure out it will work for you I'll sure sell it for a lot less than $500.

 

[2813josh]

Ive got a set off a 96 4.0 Ranger...I think it was a 96

actually I'm pretty sure it was a 94 but they're stilll good I believe and should be the same.

 

[shane96ranger]

Ive got a set off a 96 4.0 Ranger...I think it was a 96

actually I'm pretty sure it was a 94 but they're stilll good I believe and should be the same.

Does it have a hole in the drivers side manifold for EGR? I don't think 94 did, I think that started in 1995.

 

[tad]

Passenger side. I've seen the Dorman manifold replacements for $50 apiece, anyone have experience with those? Looks like they're cast-iron.

 

[tad]

From what I'm reading, the Pacesetter headers aren't made very well... sealing issues, welding issues. Anyone have experience with those too?

 

[hilljack]

ran the pacesetters on a 88 bronco 5.0 93 bronco and a 95 f150 5.0. as well as a 90 chevy 5.7 for several years never had a gasket leak or a weld fail did everything from wheel with them to towing max wight for 700 miles round trip in. also have a buddy running some now on a 93 383 for the last year on his bog truck and no problems. only thing i noticed was the paint comes off quick. and you will need to cut on of the down pipes in the Y then attach the exhaust to the truck and weld the Y back. for some reason ive never been able to just hook the factory exhaust up to any of the sets. prolly why i never had a weld brake though sense nothing was bound up.