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This article covers the tenth-generation F-150 with the 4.6L earlier-valve engine, including the Heritage carryover only where a catalogue explicitly lists it. It is not a recommendation list for the later valve architecture: do not assume the shared displacement makes these systems interchangeable. The catalogue is dominated by shorties that retain the factory collector location; the BBK long-tube systems include their own catted Y-pipe. Finish variations are listed separately because the coating, part number, price and legal paperwork differ, not as imaginary extra brands.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BBK 3515 1-5/8-Inch Chrome Shorty Headers | $430-$500 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | BBK 35150 Polished Silver Ceramic Shorty Headers | $470-$540 | Amazon |
| 3 | JBA 1677S Cat4Ward Natural Stainless Shorty Headers | $640-$700 | Amazon |
| 4 | JBA 1677SJS Silver Ceramic Cat4Ward Shorty Headers | $760-$840 | Amazon |
| 5 | JBA 1677SJT Titanium Ceramic Cat4Ward Shorty Headers | $780-$860 | Amazon |
| 6 | Flowtech 91670FLT Painted Shorty Headers | $380-$470 | Amazon |
| 7 | Flowtech 91670-1FLT Ceramic-Coated Shorty Headers | $450-$540 | Amazon |
| 8 | PaceSetter 72C1326 Armor Coat Headers | $350-$500 | Amazon |
| 9 | BBK 35302 Titanium Ceramic Long-Tube Headers with Catted Y-Pipe | $1,400-$1,550 | Amazon |
| 10 | BBK 35303 Silver Ceramic Long-Tube Headers with Catted Y-Pipe | $1,450-$1,600 | Amazon |
The picks, in detail
BBK 3515 1-5/8-Inch Chrome Shorty Headers
A 1-5/8-inch tuned-length shorty for 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V trucks. BBK describes it as a direct replacement and includes gaskets and hardware; it keeps the shorty layout rather than requiring a replacement mid-pipe.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V fitment
- 1-5/8-inch primaries
- chrome finish; gaskets and hardware included
- Uses the factory-style collector location
- CARB EO D-245-16 lists this part number
- Chrome has less heat protection than ceramic
- Not for 2004–2008 4.6L 3V trucks
BBK 35150 Polished Silver Ceramic Shorty Headers
The ceramic-coated counterpart to BBK 3515 for the 1997–2003 4.6L 2V F-150. It is a separate BBK part number with the same 1-5/8-inch shorty fitment and supplied installation hardware.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V
- 1-5/8-inch tuned-length shorty
- polished silver ceramic coating
- Ceramic finish is the heat-management choice in the BBK shorty pair
- CARB EO D-245-16 identifies 35150
- Costs more than the chrome version
- Does not convert a 3V truck to 2V fitment
JBA 1677S Cat4Ward Natural Stainless Shorty Headers
JBA’s natural-stainless 1-1/2-inch Cat4Ward shorty specifically lists 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L applications. The manufacturer calls it a direct factory-manifold replacement and includes the installation hardware kit.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V
- 1-1/2-inch primary shorty
- natural stainless construction
- Exact truck-and-engine application is published by JBA
- Factory-manifold replacement layout
- Natural stainless is a premium-price option
- Not a long-tube system
JBA 1677SJS Silver Ceramic Cat4Ward Shorty Headers
A silver-ceramic JBA 1677SJS kit for the same 1997–2003 4.6L 2V F-150 application. It is a separately identified, coated Cat4Ward kit rather than a generic 4.6L header.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V
- 1-1/2-inch primaries
- silver ceramic coating
- Coated alternative to JBA’s natural-stainless kit
- Specific 1677SJS application listing
- Price is considerably above basic shorties
- No fitment claim for 4.6L 3V
JBA 1677SJT Titanium Ceramic Cat4Ward Shorty Headers
JBA’s titanium-ceramic version of its 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V 1-1/2-inch Cat4Ward header. Treat the finish designation as part of the exact part number when ordering.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V
- 1-1/2-inch primary shorty
- titanium ceramic coating
- Published as a distinct JBA part and finish
- Shorty routing retains the factory-style downstream layout
- Often special-order priced
- Fitment must be checked against drivetrain and emissions label
Flowtech 91670FLT Painted Shorty Headers
Flowtech’s painted mild-steel shorty is catalogued for 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L applications, with 1-1/2-inch tubes, 3/8-inch flanges and a 2-1/2-inch collector. It is the lower-cost factory-location option in this list.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V
- painted mild steel
- 1-1/2-inch tubes and 2-1/2-inch collector
- Direct-fit shorty catalogue listing
- Lower entry price than stainless or ceramic kits
- Painted finish needs more corrosion attention
- Confirm the exact cab, drive and emissions configuration
Flowtech 91670-1FLT Ceramic-Coated Shorty Headers
The ceramic-coated 91670-1FLT version of Flowtech’s 1997–2002 Expedition/F-150/F-250 non-HD shorty application. The installation instructions distinguish this part number from the painted 91670FLT.
- 1997–2002 F-150/Expedition application listing
- ceramic-coated shorty
- same factory-location concept as 91670FLT
- A clearly identified coated Flowtech alternative
- Shorty design avoids a long-tube mid-pipe conversion
- Year range is narrower in the instruction sheet
- Check the truck-specific listing before purchase
PaceSetter 72C1326 Armor Coat Headers
PaceSetter’s 72C1326 Armor Coat header is published for 1997–2001 F-150, F-250 and Expedition 4.6L applications. Its earlier cut-off is important: it is not a catch-all listing for every 1997–2003 truck.
- 1997–2001 F-150 4.6L application
- Armor Coat finish
- specific 72C1326 part number
- Exact early-truck fitment is stated
- Useful when the catalogue application matches the vehicle
- Do not extend its stated years to 2002–2003
- Availability can be uneven
BBK 35302 Titanium Ceramic Long-Tube Headers with Catted Y-Pipe
This is the full long-tube path: BBK 35302 is a 1-5/8-inch titanium-ceramic header set supplied with a high-flow catted Y-pipe for 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L or 5.4L V8 trucks. It is not a bolt-on substitute for a shorty because the downstream exhaust connection changes.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V/5.4L V8
- 1-5/8-inch long tubes
- high-flow catted Y-pipe included
- System includes the matching catted Y-pipe
- More complete route than buying bare long tubes
- Requires exhaust-system planning and installation work
- Emissions legality depends on the vehicle and jurisdiction
BBK 35303 Silver Ceramic Long-Tube Headers with Catted Y-Pipe
BBK 35303 is the polished-silver ceramic version of the 1997–2003 4.6L/5.4L F-150 long-tube and catted-Y system. Its separate part number makes the coating and included Y-pipe explicit.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V/5.4L V8
- polished silver ceramic long tubes
- high-flow catted Y-pipe included
- Complete matched header-and-Y-pipe system
- Ceramic-coated alternative to 35302
- High purchase and installation cost
- Do not assume a high-flow catalyst is legal everywhere
Buying tips
- Read the eighth VIN character and under-hood emissions label before shopping: this article covers the 1997–2003 4.6L 2V F-150, not the later 4.6L 3V truck.
- Shorties normally retain the factory collector position; long tubes change the downstream connection, so buy the matching Y-pipe and plan the rest of the exhaust together.
- A CARB executive order is part-number and application specific. It does not make every header, finish or long-tube conversion legal in California or other emissions-controlled areas.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.