Recommend headers

[kowalczyk86]

Recommend headers

I am sending back my chrome BBK Shorty headers that I got for my Bday in exchange for something else. Should I just get BBK shorty ceramic or look at a different brand?

I am sending back to Summit, so that is where I will have to but from..

H-pipe is stock..

I want to stay around $250-$350..

Should I go with longtubes instead? What is the benefit? How does the install compare/mods required if I go long opposed to short?

I just want to do it right the first time and not have any problems or leaks.

Holding off on the buy until I get some good feedback (much appreciated btw)..

 

[83notcho]

I would get the Ford Racing shorties.

 

[Chasinpapa]

^ +1. Get the Ceramic coated. Had mine four years, no leaks and they look brand new

 

[wythors]

^ +1. Get the Ceramic coated. Had mine four years, no leaks and they look brand new

This.

I've been rocking FRPP headers since 99. Great product.

 

[kowalczyk86]

These?

Ford Racing M-9430-P51 - Ford Racing Hi-Flow Shorty Headers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Any problems with the install? Any recommendations/things to watch out for during install? Anything else I need to buy accessory wise?

 

[83notcho]

Yep, those are it.

 

[Flavadave4]

I have BBK ceramic coated shorties and am very pleased with them. Much better fit and finish than the MAC equal lengths i replaced.

 

[NIKwoaC]

Long tube headers are in every way superior performance-wise, but engine bay clearance, ground clearance, and removal/installation can be a concern.

Some may disagree with me, but I think equal length shorties are a waste of effort and money. The performance gain over standard shorties is moot, and if you want to make more power than a standard shorty can offer you should be looking at LTs anyway.

FWIW, my BBK equal length shorties have been nothing but a clearance nightmare, and I've experimented with different engine mounts and even shimming the mounts.

 

[2000xp8]

Bassani equal lengths. Although i dont know if summit sells them.

 

[ReefBlueHatch]

Do cars with stock H/C/I benefit from long tubes?

 

[NIKwoaC]

Do cars with stock H/C/I benefit from long tubes?

Probably, but it's not going to be near as much as a modified engine.

 

[wythors]

These?

Ford Racing M-9430-P51 - Ford Racing Hi-Flow Shorty Headers - Overview - SummitRacing.com

Any problems with the install? Any recommendations/things to watch out for during install? Anything else I need to buy accessory wise?

Those are them. They are a direct bolt-in. The driver's side will probably take you less than 45 minutes. The passenger's side will probably take more like an hour and a half, since you have to get all of the intake/emissions piping out of the way. The only accessory I would recommend is a set of Stage 8 locking header bolts. They will never back off or loosen up.

 

[kowalczyk86]

Those are them. They are a direct bolt-in. The driver's side will probably take you less than 45 minutes. The passenger's side will probably take more like an hour and a half, since you have to get all of the intake/emissions piping out of the way. The only accessory I would recommend is a set of Stage 8 locking header bolts. They will never back off or loosen up.

Do you have a direct link for the header bolts somewhere? Anyone other recommendations anyone? Not sure if I said above, but I went with the Ford racing ceramic shorties. I am not sure I am in any position to go longtube.

The only mods will be:

BBK cold air intake, American Thunder Exhaust, Ford Racing headers

I have changed the IAC Valve, will do the O2 sensors when they come in Friday, gas cap, spark plugs, and radiator. Everything else is stock. Anyone have any other recommendations for me?

 

[kowalczyk86]

I bought the header bolts. They were $55!!

 

[robo]

i've had a pair of those ford motorsport headers on my car since 1993. (back then they called it ford motorsport)

they have been great and still look decent.

 

[90lxcoupe]

shorties are a waste of time and money unless your going to flip them around and connect them to a turbo

 

[kowalczyk86]

shorties are a waste of time and money unless your going to flip them around and connect them to a turbo

If they add HP, how are they a waste?

 

[Sicarius428]

They don't really add much of anything to a stockish motor but sound. What are your other mods? I am sure we can find something in the 250-350 dollar budget that will net you better gains than headers. Unless you are pushing more than 300hp through the motor, the stockers are right at home. All in all, a full exhaust will net you a 2% gain in HP. From motor to tailpipes you can expect to pay about a grand on the cheap. For a grand, you are sure to find better bang for the buck than 2% more power. Long tubes are ideal as far as power but for a street car, they are a huge pain. The install is a pain, also consider your local smog laws if any. You will need a new mid-pipe for sure... Leave the long tubes for the classics and race cars. Speed bumps and pot holes will be your worse nightmare. Trust me, I have banged into more than a couple in my 70. Exhaust and cam should be one of the later mods you do. Both are perfectly suited for a slightly warmed over 5.0. If you are looking for underhood bling and noise, get the headers. Just my opinion on things. We will guide you whichever way you want to go. FMS unequal lenghts are the way to go. Either way, as we all have big plans for our stangs, I am sure it will be put to good use later on.
Kevin

 

[kowalczyk86]

They don't really add much of anything to a stockish motor but sound. What are your other mods? I am sure we can find something in the 250-350 dollar budget that will net you better gains than headers. Unless you are pushing more than 300hp through the motor, the stockers are right at home. All in all, a full exhaust will net you a 2% gain in HP. From motor to tailpipes you can expect to pay about a grand on the cheap. For a grand, you are sure to find better bang for the buck than 2% more power. Long tubes are ideal as far as power but for a street car, they are a huge pain. The install is a pain, also consider your local smog laws if any. You will need a new mid-pipe for sure... Leave the long tubes for the classics and race cars. Speed bumps and pot holes will be your worse nightmare. Trust me, I have banged into more than a couple in my 70. Exhaust and cam should be one of the later mods you do. Both are perfectly suited for a slightly warmed over 5.0. If you are looking for underhood bling and noise, get the headers. Just my opinion on things. We will guide you whichever way you want to go. FMS unequal lenghts are the way to go. Either way, as we all have big plans for our stangs, I am sure it will be put to good use later on.
Kevin

Kevin,

Thanks for all the good info..

My mods:
American Thunder Cats
BBK Cold Air Intake
(Soon to be) Ford Racing Headers

What do you recommend for my next mods? Everything else is stock.

I am trying to do a little bit at a time.

 

[ReefBlueHatch]

Probably, but it's not going to be near as much as a modified engine.

I'm eventually going to do a TFS top end kit and was thinking about doing long tubes, but I was wondering if it would be worth doing them soon on my stock motor. Sorry, I didn't mean to hijack the thread.