Big Fat Question on Headers!!!

[DocVijay]

I just went to the Hedman Hedders website last night, and they had listed a set of headers for the 1996-1999 4.0L V6. Does anyone know about these? Are they for the OHV or SOHC, or do they use the same header? It says they are 50-state legal also. I sent Hedamn an e-mail, but they have not written back yet. If anyone has them or knows about them let me know. Thanks.

 

[DocVijay]

Hedders.

I found the headers for sale on a web site, but there it said it was only up till the `98 model year. What's going on? Anyone know about he HEdman Hedders for the `99 4.0?

 

[AaronE19]

Doc-
I put Hedman's on my '93 awhile back - they're okay. kind of cheesy construction, though (sloppy welds, cheap painted finish that melted off within five mintues or so, crappy gaskets), but you probably won't find a less expensive set anywhere. if you do a search on this topic you'll find two or three threads where the caveats and suggestions about installing this mod are discussed in pretty thorough detail. provided you follow those suggestions, the Hedman's aren't a bad deal.

as for the specific model year application, getting mine on was a chore because of how tight the fit was. I almost had to remove a frame crossmember to get the y-pipe in. so, all I can guess is that, since the motor hasn't changed since '91, either the issue is clearance, or that same part will, in fact, fit on a '99 and Hedman just doesn't know about it. they will be pretty slow in getting back to you, I had some questions when I ordered mine and they took a few days to answer them.

hope this helped-
Aaron

 

[DocVijay]

I'll wait and see if they reply.

Thanks for the response. I'll wait and see what they say. Like I said, their website said it was up till model year `99, but allt he ones I've seen for sale are only up to `98. Maybe Hedman will respond soon. About the quality, I'm sure they flow better than stock.

 

[AaronE19]

it's true, they flow much better than stock, and with the mods I see you've got (FIPK, chip, etc.), you'll probably get some nice gains from them. however, I implore you to read those threads I suggested. IMO, you'll be unhappy with your purchase if you don't. in a nutshell, you'll want to get some high-temp RTV silicone to seal the flange gaskets with (they're cardboard), new collector gaskets (aluminum or copper, from JCWhitney or somewhere), a new gasket for where the Y meets the cat (they don't supply one with the kit), and some insulating header tape and silicone sealant (especially with the FIPK, you don't want to be sucking hot air). altogether, an extra $50 or so, but really worth it, I promise.

Aaron

 

[DocVijay]

What about HTC.

Hedman also advertises their HTC (High Temp Coating I assume) on their website. Is this the cra that peels off, or something else? I know other manufacturers have some similar stuff, and it seems pretty durable.

 

[AaronE19]

mine didn't come coated with anything but black paint, I didn't have another option, so if you can get HTC it might be worth the extra $$. I don't know how durable or effective their coating is, but anything's better than paint. being of stubborn mind , I'd still go with the tape as well. when I put it on I noticed a world of difference - mainly throttle response. the engine compartment really gets hot when you have bare headers working away in there, mine really dogged on hot days especially (worse than usual ). I don't know, perhaps someone else on the board has had some experience w/Hedman's coating system - it'll sure look better than fiberglass mat, anyhow

 

[flyguy]

Just a quick shout... When I installed my headers I only saw a 4hp gain at the wheels.

nick

 

[AaronE19]

yeah, I'd have to say that installing headers didn't exactly cause my truck to suddenly grow big giant torque balls (forgive the expression) - first gear is still basically useless, but I did notice that she pretty much oozes horsepower as she winds thru second gear... it feels like she'll never stop accellerating unless I ask her to. also realized about a 4-5 mpg gain in the summer, but winter is truly awful. can't put a price on that wonderful sound, though

Aaron

 

[Jornum1]

I had spoken to someone from headman a few months back. They are in the process of developing them for the SOHC engine. I emailed them twice in the past two months and still havent gotten a reply. SO I dont know what the status is of them.