Hedman versus Flowtech Headers

[dustman_stx]

As some of you have noted, I recently purchased a set of Hedman headers to replace some Flowtech's. The Flowtechs were looking a little rough after several years of use, so I decided the new ones were the way to go. I thought I'd post a few observations about each. First, the Hedmans look really good and seem to be really well constructed. They seal using the beads from the tubes, and the bead is wider than that of the Flowtechs, giving more sealing area. The flange and tubing is thicker on the Hedmans as well. The bolt holes lined up perfectly to the heads on the Hedmans whereas the Flowtech had a couple of holes that had to be drilled. I do like the shape of the bends slightly better on the Flowtechs, specifically on the drivers side. The passenger side looks to be almost identical. The drivers side looks the same, but you'll notice that the headers sit slightly closer to the block, making them a small amount more difficult to install a couple of the lower bolts on. The Hedmans came with a good thick gasket. These gaskets match up perfectly to the header. I installed them with some spray copper sealer on them as advised. One important thing I did learn is that you can save yourself a TON of time and hassle installing headers if you'll install a mini starter. Hedman advises you'll have to get the truck at least 3 feet off of the ground and unbolt the passenger side of the engine and raise it to install the passenger side header. However, with a mini starter, you can remove it after unbolting the header. I don't think the factory size starter can be removed with the engine sitting down and headers in place (not bolted, but sitting in position). I installed the passenger side header from the top, and the drivers side from the bottom. After the passenger side is in place, you can maneuver it around and get enough room to slide the starter in. I didn't have to jack the truck up or raise the motor. I spent probably four hours on the uninstall of the old ones and install of the new ones. I definitely recommend that anyone looking to install headers bite the bullet and get a mini starter.

[stephen44]

Thanks for this - I am looking at these headers too.

My engine is out of the car - do you think I could install the headers first - and then put the engine in ?

do you think this would be easier ?

thanks - Stephen

[dustman_stx]

Thanks for this - I am looking at these headers too.

My engine is out of the car - do you think I could install the headers first - and then put the engine in ?

do you think this would be easier ?

thanks - Stephen

Not if "the car" is a 67-72 F100 2wd. I tried once to install the engine with headers already attached(this was a few years ago). I don't remember now exactly what happened, but it didn't work(I was using the factory style starter at this time). If using the factory starter, I think you'll have to place the header and starter into position as you lower the engine in. If using a mini starter like I am now, you can simply place the engine in and bolt it up, then install the headers. Keep in mind you'll still have to put the passenger side header in position, then bolt the starter up, then bolt the header up. If you bolt the header up, then try to install the starter, you can't get it into position. And if you bolt the starter up with the header not already sitting down in position, you can't get it to go in.

[Black69F250]

How much did the hedman headers cost? I have been looking for some myself.

[brandon.k]

Ive had Hedman headers on everything ive ever owned. Including a 428 with the factory starter and many other stock style starters. That is very much a pain in the a$$ after the first couple of starters. Ive always had good luck with them except for the ones i got when i put a small block in it. The passenger side hit the frame for some reason, luckily my buddy knew a guy that cut one tube and reshaped it for me. Thats the only prob ive had with them though.

[JEF199]

I've got a set of hedman headers and i think the passenger side is a two piece (or easily made two be) there is a cut all most through the flange and the tubes will slide out. I haven't put them on yet. But I wonder if it needs two be seperated for install or to remove the starter?

[dustman_stx]

I've got a set of hedman headers and i think the passenger side is a two piece (or easily made two be) there is a cut all most through the flange and the tubes will slide out. I haven't put them on yet. But I wonder if it needs two be seperated for install or to remove the starter?

These aren't. No two piece flange and no sliding tubes. You can see them at this link: http://www.jegs.com/i/Hedman/500/89810/10002/-1. Price is $336.99 at Jeg's.

[dustman_stx]

Ive had Hedman headers on everything ive ever owned. Including a 428 with the factory starter and many other stock style starters. That is very much a pain in the a$$ after the first couple of starters. Ive always had good luck with them except for the ones i got when i put a small block in it. The passenger side hit the frame for some reason, luckily my buddy knew a guy that cut one tube and reshaped it for me. Thats the only prob ive had with them though.

Part number 713-9506 at this link http://www.jegs.com/p/Powermaster/Power ... 6/10002/-1 is the starter I have. It would have been the best $238.00 you'd ever spent if you'd gotten it when you first installed headers on the FE.

[brandon.k]

Ive had Hedman headers on everything ive ever owned. Including a 428 with the factory starter and many other stock style starters. That is very much a pain in the a$$ after the first couple of starters. Ive always had good luck with them except for the ones i got when i put a small block in it. The passenger side hit the frame for some reason, luckily my buddy knew a guy that cut one tube and reshaped it for me. Thats the only prob ive had with them though.

Part number 713-9506 at this link http://www.jegs.com/p/Powermaster/Power ... 6/10002/-1 is the starter I have. It would have been the best $238.00 you'd ever spent if you'd gotten it when you first installed headers on the FE.

Your telling me! It has a 429 in it now with Hedman's on it. The stock style starter slides in and out with no probs., but i have a brand new mini-starter for it. just havnt put it on yet.

[cdeal28078]

Have hedmans on my 71 F100 460/c6 and very happy with them, especially for the price.
On the mini-starters, are they gear reduction? Do they spin the engine as fast as the stock starters do? I hate the way a Dodge sounds when it is cranking and would hate to loose the way my truck starts with just a bump of the starter.
I always figured one reason they start so easy is the full size starters.
My dad has a 93 F150 with around 70k on it and you have to crank it at least 5 turns of the engine before it stats it seems. It has the mini-starter on it. I always wondered if it had a full size would it start with just a bump of the key like mine usually does
clint

[brandon.k]

I dont have any idea. I was under the impression that a mini would spin it faster.

[dustman_stx]

Have hedmans on my 71 F100 460/c6 and very happy with them, especially for the price.
On the mini-starters, are they gear reduction? Do they spin the engine as fast as the stock starters do? I hate the way a Dodge sounds when it is cranking and would hate to loose the way my truck starts with just a bump of the starter.
I always figured one reason they start so easy is the full size starters.
My dad has a 93 F150 with around 70k on it and you have to crank it at least 5 turns of the engine before it stats it seems. It has the mini-starter on it. I always wondered if it had a full size would it start with just a bump of the key like mine usually does
clint

I have a 71, 360 with manifolds and a regular starter running stock compression of 8.4 or so to 1 and my 72 with a 390 at 10:1 with the headers and the mini starter. I can't tell that much difference between the way they start. Sounds different, but doesn't seem to spin much slower. The gear reduction would imply a slower spin, though. I think the additional cranking would be more of a tuning issue. But, after installing headers a couple of times, I most definitely would recommend the mini starter, even if it takes a couple extra spins. Also, keep in mind, that when using a factory style starter you will have to jack up the engine to replace it, whereas if you have the mini starter all you have to do is unbolt the header from the head and exhaust pipe.