Pipinui

Okay just a few quick questions.

1. what are headers and what do they do?

2. are they worth it?(seem kinda pricy to me)

I have a '06 f150 4.6L with a 40 series flowmaster dual exhaust and I just recently purchased a k&n air filter. I want to do some more upgrades and was just wondering what other options I have besides a CAI or tuner/chip. Thx for help

Mod (Ret.)

Headers "equalize" the exhaust pressure in all cylinders. If you look at a set of headers, you will note that each cylinders exhaust port has it's own tube, and each tube is the same length as the other cyniders within that side (head). By equalizing the exhaust pressures, the cylinders are better "scavanged" (cleaned of burnt gasses), which allows for a clean fill of gas entering the cylinder. The outcome of this is extra HP and torque.

There are "shorty" and "long" headers. The shortie headers are easy to install, but not as effective as the conventional long tube headers. I see shorty headers as a better replacement for stock headers if a stock exhaust manifold develops a crack, but not for much else for the money they may cost. You won't see large gains in HP or torque with shory headers. If you plan to install headers, go with the long tube style. They can be a slight PITA to install; be prepared for a trip to the welding shop/muffler shop to have the collectors welded to your exhaust system once the long tube headers are installed.

If it were my money, I'd go with a CIA and tuner next, then perhaps consider the headers if you have money burning a hole in your wallet.

ford4wd08

^^X2

m-winters

I have additional questions about headers. If you're looking online and they don't say shorty is it safe to say they're long. And I remember seeing things about header tape but I think that was for racing performance. I was told that the tape is for heat. In a vehicle going down city streets is heat still a factor, meaning would I still need header tape? What could happen if I don't have it?

ford4wd08

shorties look just like the stock manifold as far as length wise, but they have individual tubes from each cylinder, long tubes wil be long enough to go from the engine bay down to the flanges maybe even the cats, as far as tape you really wont need to worry bout that, more of a race car thing and wont provide much for the money in your situation

m-winters

Thank you for clearing that up.

ford4wd08

no problem

Mod (Ret.)

Header or exhaust tape is used to confine the heat of the exhaust to within the tube. This assists in exhaust flow, as well as helping keep under hood temps down.

As to your question on if an advertisement of headers is a shorty or not, when in doubt, call the manufacturer or parts distributor. Just about all shorty headers I've seen for sale advertise them as such, but a phone call will confirm.

SinCityFX4

And the price will be vastly different. Long tubes are $$$

tsho

I got quotes for almost 4 hundo for SS and a lil over 5 for ceramic...these are longtubes on 05 5.4, is this normal price, where are all the deals at if any?