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440 truck headers

13K views 13 replies 10 participants last post by  txs 
#1 ·
Anybody bought big block headers for a 4X4 lately and been happy with them??

I bought some headers several years ago, with a high torque mini starter from Bouchlins. I can take the starter off without removing the headers. This I like ALOT. However I am very dissapointed with the tubes near the plug wires. I know that most headers will have to be tweaked, but I had to smash a couple of the tubes a bunch just to get the plugs screwed in, let alone plug wires. I have bought the plug wire covers from summit, but when driven most of the day 4 wheeling, I have plug wires getting so hot they crack, not melt, and then of course start misfiring.

Is there anybody who has headers that will fit without much bending of the tubes? I have looked a tti, but $700-800 is too much for me, but I wouldn't sweat $400-500 to bad it they were coated. Oh yeah, the truck is a 75 440,4sp,4X4, that I 4wheel and truck pull, and enjoy driving to town.

Michael
 
#2 ·
when i put a 440 in my 78 club cab, i used heddmen b&e bb headers. they fit great.then i put a 440 in a couple years ago,i bought dynamax bb truck headers. they suck,took forever to get in,then 4 of the plug wires wouldnt go on, so beat the s@#t out of them, then still melted boots. i found out from many the thorley tri-ys fit and perform great. when i tear in to the truck again, im changing to them.
 
#4 ·
I originally went with Hedman. After umpteen header flange (against the head) gaskets blowing out, I switched to Hooker Comps. Love 'em. The Hooker has a smallerl collector than the Hedman which yields slightly more torque.
 
G
#6 ·
I went with the Hedman's too. They were a whole lot cheaper than the Thorley's. They fit great. I didn't have to beat on anything and I don't have any problems with boots/wires melting. The only down side is that I didn't install a mini starter so, If my starter ever takes a dump, I'll have to pull off off one side (header) and jack the engine up to change the starter.
 
#7 ·
I have looked at the doug thorneys, and the hookers too. I had a old set of headmans on my last truck. I am running 3" exhaust currently. I was needing somebody to say what hits, what fits. Thank you much guys.

Right now I am running a setup that is for low end to about 5500. Will the tri-y's hurt performance much if I ever go higher rpm, differnt cam? I might later for more performance truck pulling.

Michael
 
#10 ·
None of the bb trucks I have had had manifolds on them. I always wanted some, until I saw some. Quite restrictive. I am running jacobs ignition, with their wires, but the headers are the problem. I am very interested in coated headers.

Michael
 
#13 ·
I don't thing even shorter plugs will be enough. I have just settled on the fact that I will get new headers soon. Thanks for the input guys. I believe I will be getting the thorneys. I want all the low end I can get. Its a stump puller now(for a gasser), but mores better. I just didn't want to redo them later if I start running a bigger cam/intake/carb later, for more radical performance. Thanks again.

Michael
 
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