About this guide
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.
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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.
- 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
Why we picked it
BBK describes it as a direct replacement and includes gaskets and hardware; it keeps the shorty layout rather than requiring a replacement mid-pipe.
BBK 35150 Polished Silver Ceramic Shorty Headers
The ceramic-coated counterpart to BBK 3515 for the 1997–2003 4.6L 2V F-150.
- 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
Why we picked it
It is a separate BBK part number with the same 1-5/8-inch shorty fitment and supplied installation hardware.
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.
- 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
Why we picked it
The manufacturer calls it a direct factory-manifold replacement and includes the installation hardware kit.
JBA 1677SJS Silver Ceramic Cat4Ward Shorty Headers
A silver-ceramic JBA 1677SJS kit for the same 1997–2003 4.6L 2V F-150 application.
- 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
Why we picked it
It is a separately identified, coated Cat4Ward kit rather than a generic 4.6L header.
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.
- 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
Why we picked it
Treat the finish designation as part of the exact part number when ordering.
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.
- 1997–2003 F-150 4.6L 2V
- painted mild steel
- 1-1/2-inch tubes and 2-1/2-inch collector
- Lower entry price than stainless or ceramic kits
- Painted finish needs more corrosion attention
- Confirm the exact cab, drive and emissions configuration
Why we picked it
It is the lower-cost factory-location option in this list.
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.
- 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
Why we picked it
The installation instructions distinguish this part number from the painted 91670FLT.
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.
- 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
Why we picked it
Its earlier cut-off is important: it is not a catch-all listing for every 1997–2003 truck.
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.
- 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
Why we picked it
It is not a bolt-on substitute for a shorty because the downstream exhaust connection changes.
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.
- 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
Why we picked it
Its separate part number makes the coating and included Y-pipe explicit.
What each one costs
Typical price, cheapest first. Tap a name to jump to that pick and its buy link.
Compare any three
| BBK 3515 1-5/8-Inch Chrome Shorty Headers | BBK 35150 Polished Silver Ceramic Shorty Headers | JBA 1677S Cat4Ward Natural Stainless Shorty Headers | |
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| Price | $430-$500 | $470-$540 | $640-$700 |
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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.