Transmission removal with longtubes

[HankyGT]

Hello,

New S197 owner (torch 06 gt 5spd 3:55s premium). I've actually put shorties on a few of these before but I plan on doing a set of LTs on mine. Previously coming from a 4v Cobra; you have to remove one of the headers to remove the transmission thanks to the one piece bell housing with LTs.

Do LTs on an S197 provide clearance to get the trans out while leaving the headers in? Any brands that allow removal and others that don't?

Tried a search but it seems the S197 cars owners are more of the 'take it to a shop crowd'...figured maybe a few here had personal experience

Thanks for the insight!

-Tom

 

[HankyGT]

103 views and no response?!

Holy **** you guys really DON'T work on your own cars

 

[GoneFord]

I read a thread that said to replace the clutch you had to remove your LT headers. I panicked as I do all my own work (except dyno tuning - my wife wouldn't let me install a dyno as she didn't want me tearing up the garage floor). I did my ARH install on my back in the drive way right after moving into a new house (garage was still stuffed with packing materials). It took nearly 12 hours to complete by my self and I darn sure didn't want to do that again (which would have to be done before another 8-12 hours to do a clutch since I have a KB SC that has to come off along with it's manifold so you can angle the transmission down to clear the fire wall).

So I hit the web before climbing under my car (ashamed to admit I read the post at work and the panic was instantaneous). I found a great clutch change article here with LTHs already installed:

S197 Clutch Install - Grabber Orange - Modified Mustangs and Fords Magazine

Here a picture from the article.



When I got home I jacked up my car and confirmed transmission removal would not be hampered by my long tube American Racing headers.

Still hoping my SPEC Stage 3+ clutch holds up... but it's good to know I don't have to remove the ARHs if it has to come out.