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06-14-2003, 02:25 AM
Tommie and Ken Moss
BARTH HEADERS
Has anyone used the banks header system on a 460 ford. I would like to know what you think?
06-14-2003, 07:08 AM
bill h
If you are going to go to headers, consider Thorley headers, or a complete Gibson system. Just as good, lifetime warranty, and much less money.
06-14-2003, 09:02 PM
Tommie and Ken Moss
Bill h do you have any info on HP or torque on Gibson or Thorley? Do these systems have headers,muffler,tailpipe and high air flow air filtor system. And give this much HP.The $ for Banks installed is 2,500.00
06-14-2003, 11:08 PM
bill h
I can heartily recommend Thorleys on big block chevies. Presently, my Barth, pickup and 4Runner have them.

No experience with Fords.

I have some figures from a fellow in Colorado who did a hillclimb test before and after installing Thorleys on a P30. I believe pretty much the same should apply to either Banks or Thorleys on Fords. Will post or send on request.

As far as the Banks, there is nothing wrong with them. I have known a few people to prefer Thorleys, but I suspect the margin is close. Thorley uses a Try Wye design, while Banks are of equal length. There is a theoretical advantage to try wye in the low and mid range, but there is more profit in equal length, as they are easier to make. The drawback of Banks is the price. The advantage of Banks is you get a complete set up. I believe Gibson sells a complete set up, too, using Thorley headers. My budget mandates that I go cheap, so I buy Thorleys and do the hook up myself. It has been a piece of cake. No welding or bending. Just band type clamps. Don't know about Fords, though.

Thorleys are just over $300 at Summit. All I spent extra was the two band clamps. The K&N included with the Banks does more harm than good. On a P30, a length of dryer duct slipped over the snout and run under the bumper is all you need for cold air induction.

As far as power, I wouldn't believe anything Banks salesmen say. The ones I talk to over the phone and at RV shows know very little. And, don't ever give them your phone number. They will bother you to death.

That said, both will give good power increases in the mid range and a cooler doghouse. Neither will help mileage. If you do your own work, Thorley is the one. If you are going to pay to have it done, shop for price. You will like either one.

With Banks, you get to brag.

Do you have single or dual exhausts?
06-15-2003, 01:12 AM
Tommie and Ken Moss
I have been told there is not much difference between Banks and Gibson on Chev. but on Fords Banks rules.I will let you know in a few weeks.It's only money!
06-16-2003, 03:14 PM
Ed Chevalier
Ford's are notorious for restricted air flow through the heads. We drag race a methanol injected 460 powered pickup. The difference in money between the Bank$ $2000 setup and a $300 set of headers, can easily pay for a great set of Trick Flow or Edelbrock aluminum heads that will really help a Ford move a lot more air.