i was looking at getting the banks power kit and was told that on the 5.4 , headers leak like crazy i should stick with the manifolds. what are your opinions on this?

 

I wouldn't even look at the Banks pack to start with. Way overpriced and you can get better quality parts else where. It really depends how much you are willing to do. Long tubes give a slight gain and shorties will net hardly any. These manifolds are a pain to do anyways, so if currently it's not leaking and you're not trying to eek every last horse out of it I'd stick with the manifolds.

 

manifolds are leaking . i found a local repair shop that will install new studs for 250-375 , but was going to install headers instead of the stock manifolds.

 

It depends then if you want to alter the rest of your exhaust. Long tube will give you gain, but don't bolt directly up and should have a custom tune. Look at OBX headers for some good long tubes. If you just want to replace, shorties or manifolds are a toss up. Since you were looking for more power anyways, long tubes are probably your best bet.