Header(s) for my F-150... worth it?

[lil_Blue_Ford]

So my F-150 is about to get a major overhaul bodywise. Since I'm going to have the core support out and the rest of the front end tore apart, I started thinking about everything that I'm going to have relatively easy access to that I should probably consider doing something to while I'm in there. My first thoughts were to do the water pump and upgrade my alternator. My next thought was that I wonder if it would be worth putting a header on the truck. I know that you typically do not see the gains the manufacturers claim, but if it would be worth it, I'd do it.

The truck: 95 F-150 4x4, 5-speed with a 300 I-6 (4.9L). I'm currently running 3.45 gears and 31" tires and use the truck as a work truck (ladder rack, toolbox, haul a trailer, etc).

Summit has a set of Headman Street Hedders for around $200. If it would be a worthy investment to wring a little more out of my truck, I'll probably go for it.

 

[Schnot]

Supposedly from what I've read, a header on a 300 doesn't do a whole lot.

For $200 and if you got the coin, I'd say go for it anyway.


Sent from my iPhone.

 

[adsm08]

I would only do it if the existing manifold has an issue that requires it be removed/replaced.

A header on a 4.9 won't do a whole lot because the biggest restriction to flow sits in between the intake and exhaust manifolds on that engine. That head doesn't flow for crap.

Also, headers are made from much thinner material than the factory manifold, so they need special treatments (ceramic coatings and such) to make them live as long as a regular manifold. That can also be expensive.

 

[ZMan]

The 90s manifolds actually flow pretty well.

 

[RonD]

Stock exhaust manifolds are made for the best even power band.
Headers are made for either more low end power or high end power, you don't technically get more power, unless some engineer at the factory goofed up pretty bad, lol, you just shift the power band lower or higher, and narrower or wider as well.
So make sure what you are getting for the $200 is what you want.
And looks are important too

 

[4.0B2]

You can put lipstick on a pig....

 

[RonD]

And the pig looks better...............lol

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Thanks guys! Dunno if anyone noticed but I made the name of the headers a link in my post to the listing for them. But it sounds like I shouldn't bother with them anyway. I know that going with double platinum plugs and some premium ignition goodies plus shortening my exhaust (taking out that bend up and over the back axle and just kicking it out the side) it did seem like it perked up a little in performance. Not much but enough to satisfy me. I was just kinda wondering if I should take it farther or not. If the head is my restriction though, then opening up the intake or exhaust isn't going to be a help.