KillaF150's Build Thread

[KillaF150]

Figured I'd go ahead and get this thing started since I've got a new job and I'll have money comin in for mods. This will be a lengthy thread, since there's a LOT I want to do. Some of it is replacing/fixing parts and some is new/aftermarket stuff. I'm going to address the problems first then start the other stuff. Feel free to give me advice on what parts I should use/avoid, etc.

First on the list of fixes is the exhaust leak. Right now I'm running stock headers and they are well past needing replacement. My solution? LT's! I figured I'd save myself the trouble of trying to get header/pipe sealed perfectly would be a PITA so my fix was buy longtubes. I also know it will help the truck run better and breath easier, along with a mpg or 2. I've done some pricing and the cheapest set I've found were Flowtech full length from Summit.
(LINK). Thoughts? suggestions?

 

[buRRp]

Can't wait to see the progress of your build.

 

[KillaF150]

So am I

 

[RedRider]

Wish I could have long tube headers. I don't know that I'd go the cheap route though. Cheap headers can be a pain in the ass. The flanges will warp and you'll constantly be fighting exhaust leaks. Put a nice set of ceramic on to help keep the heat down under the hood.

 

[KillaF150]

Wish I could have long tube headers. I don't know that I'd go the cheap route though. Cheap headers can be a pain in the ass. The flanges will warp and you'll constantly be fighting exhaust leaks. Put a nice set of ceramic on to help keep the heat down under the hood.

Ceramics are about $300 everywhere I've looked and I'm really not wanting to dump that much money in a set since I'm not going to be running them for only a few years.

 

[Gearhead299]

I'm speaking from the experience of working on a friend's '70 chevy nova, but beware cheap headers, sometimes they're a great way to free up power but depending on the application sometimes they are a pain to install, he bought a cheap set over the summer and he could not get the driver side to fit right, it hit the steering box, the frame, the bell housing, it was a disaster, a month later we took it back apart and installed an expensive but high quality set of hooker headers that were actually even larger in diameter and they dropped right in with no clearance problems at all

your truck prob has more room than a nova but if it were me I would spend some extra money to get a set from a reputable company so I know they will fit right the first time

 

[nubuilder]

$300 for headers is still cheap. Plus with them being ceramic coated, your underhood temps will go down slightly.

 

[KillaF150]

I'm not real familiar with what brand(s) is good. I was hoping the motorheads would chime in here and give me their advice

 

[PenguinLTZ]

I used to have a truck just like yours with a built 302. Get 3/8" flanges. Don't skimp on the headers, or you will regret it. I did.

 

[RedRider]

Some good headers are JBA, Doug Thorley, Hookers, Headman, and Eagles.