454 Headers 1 Ton Reliable Headers

[chris401]

My brother has an 87. It is driven and used like an every day work truck. He is looking for a header that will do 10,000 miles a year without constant attention or gaskets. Any of your hands on or your customers advice would be appreciated.

[cjshaker]

Since it's an F-350, you're options will probably be pretty limited. The only headers I could find for my F-250 4wd were Hedmans. I got the ceramic coated ones and I'll admit the ceramic coating didn't last all that long before they started to flake and rust, but in the end they lasted 20 years of near daily use, even in winter salt weather. In fact, they're still on the truck now and usable even though the truck is not. I never had a header gasket blow out on me either.

For my "new" '70 F-350 I went with the Hedmans again. Again, they were about the only ones I could find. And again, I bought the ceramic coated ones. This truck won't be driven daily though or in winter months, so I suspect they should last pretty much the life of the truck. For the F-350 they offered two styles, a "regular" style and a HD style that is made with thicker steel. I chose the HD ones because this truck will pull heavy loads most of the time.

[chris401]

Its a Chevy 454 R30.

I have Headmans on my FE truck also. Bought them in 91 and like yours the white is getting faint. I am using copper gaskets this time and if they fit, some thick rocker washers from an air cooled engine. My flanges are not very strong.

[cjshaker]

Its a Chevy 454 R30.

In that case, there's probably 100 available headers to choose from. Unfortunately I can't recommend anything because I haven't owned a Chevy since....well, never

[TomP]

I can't imagine anyone other than the King of Saudi Arabia affording the gas to go 10,000 miles in a 454 Chevy truck. Those pigs are 3 to 5 miles per gallon. Almost to the point of needing to rate them in feet per gallon. But headers can help.

I'd use the cheapies, save the money for an extra couple blocks worth of gas. 

[chris401]

Close. It gets 8 on the interstate and 10 on the highway. I found a set of repoped 1970-1974 Corvette cast iron manifolds, we will see.

[My427stang]

I think any header will last a very long time and not leak.  3 things that help

- be 100% sure you have the correct gasket for whatever motor you are using
- tighten all the bolts evenly using antiseize on the threads, then immediately after firing it the first time, retighten all the bolts while hot (wear gloves)
- spend the money on ceramic coating, not so much for the gaskets, but for the rust and heat management.

I have used everything from Holley Flowtech, to Summit boxed brand, to FPA, Hooker, Blackjack, Cyclone, Hedman, you name it ...if people take the same care in tightening headers as they do for a head or intake manifold, generally gaskets work perfectly. 

Unfortunately, many guys come in and I can see they tightened the easy ones, said good enough on the hard ones to get to, etc, and then wonder why the gasket didn't seal.

[Qikbbstang]

I'm prejudice as hell, just presumed it was a 427 w/428 crank 454. Never entered my mind a Rat would be discussed here.

[chris401]

I'm prejudice as hell, just presumed it was a 427 w/428 crank 454. Never entered my mind a Rat would be discussed here.

Even after proof reading I lack relevant details. I am even worse in person at confusing people.

As for lazy people we have them here to. Usually the right bank spark plus are skipped or the rear on a Taurus or under the upper plenum.

[shady]

Trucks usually have long heavy exhaust systems. Lots of hangers to help keep the weight off of the headers goes a long was in helping to keep those header bolts from coming loose.

[Don Fotti]

Try Banks. They make high quality headers and those 454 engines are well known for burning out manifolds and headers.

[chris401]

Thanks