Ultra flow headers a worthwhile upgrade?

[rbrevard3]

In midst of total rebuild of my matching, previously untouched 302 and as I upgrade my exhaust, I am wondering if adding ultra flow headers would be a worthy upgrade. I see headers go into street cars all of the time, but not nearly as frequently into 4x4s. Is there a reason for that? Will it add horsepower? Fuel efficeincy? What exactly will this upgrade buy me, sotaspeak?

Thanks, from the rookiest of rookie gearheads.

Rob Moore

1970 Ford Bronco Sport

in midst of frame off restoration, transmission replacement, engine rebuild and overhaul, etc, etc, etc.

 

[S_bolt19]

They will add HP, & fuel economy through better breathing. They equalize the pressure each cyclinder has to push to get the exhaust out. The problems that I have heard is that they will leak after a few years, you are always tightening the headder bolts and they are a pain in the a$$ to work around inside the engine box. With a dremmel and a grinding stone, you can port and polish your exhaust manifolds and get a few extra hp and it doesn't cost you anything if you dont already own the dremmel.

 

[rbrevard3]

...but you see, there's also that "cool" factor that goes along with those headers. They're beautiful.

Anybody else out there have an opinion? Headers or no?

Thanks S-Bolt19

 

[rbrevard3]

I've also been told that the Bronco has a bit of trouble with heat dissapation and that headers can make the problem worse... that I need to go with shortys "no matter what" and that ceramic coating a must. Any opinions on those comments? Anyone else with headers having trouble keeping the temp down?