BBK LT Headers, QUESTION

[Blinkstang]

Hello, I currently have MAC LT Headers, and want to switch up to some BBK's. Just not liking the MAC's too much and thought the BBKs were of better quality and are at a good price.

But, I have a question. Would the Chrome BBK LT's be an ok choice? Or would they be comparable in quality to the MAC's i currently have. I know the Cermics would be ideal, but they are more money and out of my price range. Are the chrome ones just as thick? And are they better in quality then the MAC's. What exactly does the chrome do? My MAC's are pretty much bare, nothing on them what so ever. They are also making a deep sputtering sound under hard acceleration and tripping my CEL light, even with MIL's. Seems that they are not heating the front 02's properly, as I get two codes indicating 02 heater malfunction. I was hoping that the BBK's would correct this, being thicker and of better quality. But I want to be sure that the chrome ones would be better and not end up the same as the MAC's

What do you guys suggest??

Thanks!

NOTE:

Pretty much what I have now:

MAC

What I want to get:

BBK Chrome

(Also, install is not a problem).

 

[csledd]

I highly recommend the SLP creamic LT's.. never had a problem out of mine, and haven't seen anyone complain about them or their quality yet. The creamic coating helps with heat issues like you were saying. Also if you get a tune you can get a header delay put in for your front o2 sensors.. basically makes sure the o2 sensors are reading what they should be.

I dunno much about BBK, never owned any of their products. I'm sure someone will chime in though who has them.

 

[wei462]

I have the BBK ceramics and love them. The only thing I have heard about the chrome is that they will discolor with the heat. If you are not worried about that, then you are in there. Other than that, they would be a good choice. The only problem with the BBK's is that if you are planning to do a clutch, do it before the BBK's. The bellhousing will not be able to be removed with the headers still installed. I know there is a brand out there that will allow the tranny to be dropped without removing the headers, but I cant remember which ones.

 

[Blinkstang]

Thanks for the responses guys. I did not know about the heater delay with a tune, good info! So for the chrome headers how good are they with heat? Is there a huge difference between them and the ceramics?

 

[mity2]

i have BBK ceramic coted header and love it. It is pain in the (beep) to take out to drop trans with it, but after you do it time or two, u can drop k-member pretty fast enough to almost convince your self take off LT to do trans is not that bad

 

[csledd]

Thanks for the responses guys. I did not know about the heater delay with a tune, good info!

For some reason it's not talked about much on these forums, I never knew about it until I called the guy I wanted to tune my car and we were discussing what mods I had and he mentioned it

 

[Blinkstang]

For some reason it's not talked about much on these forums, I never knew about it until I called the guy I wanted to tune my car and we were discussing what mods I had and he mentioned it

Yeah, Im definetly getting my car dynotuned when I have the money for that and an xcal2.

So does anyone have the Chrome BBK LT's out there in Mustang Land?

 

[Waterdrake]

I've got the chrome BBK LTs. No discoloration yet, but then again they've only been on about 5 or 6 months. never had any idle problems when i got them. I've also never delt with MAC LTs, so not much to compare to there. Definately have no complaints though.

 

[nemo69]

A note on chrome and heat...if your ride is a daily driver, you don't have to worry about too much discoloration (eventually some due to time and repeated heating and cooling). However, if you have a lead foot like most of us and find red lights to be your own personal christmas tree at the drag strip...I would think seriously about spending the added money for the ceramics. Also, if you inted to have any track time, you'll want the ceramics. When you run the car hard for a long time your headers will glow from heat, that extreme heating and cooling is what will cause any discoloration in the chrome (and also risk craking the headers themselves).

 

[Stang|ess]

Does the hitemp paint work well?

I also heard the headers should be cleaned with alcohol before installing so fingerprints dont get burned into the headers. Any truth?

 

[Blinkstang]

I've got the chrome BBK LTs. No discoloration yet, but then again they've only been on about 5 or 6 months. never had any idle problems when i got them. I've also never delt with MAC LTs, so not much to compare to there. Definately have no complaints though.

Thanks for the response! Have they tripped the CEL light at all? I think Im gonna go with the chromes, they sound good, and are fairly priced.

A note on chrome and heat...if your ride is a daily driver, you don't have to worry about too much discoloration (eventually some due to time and repeated heating and cooling). However, if you have a lead foot like most of us and find red lights to be your own personal christmas tree at the drag strip...I would think seriously about spending the added money for the ceramics. Also, if you inted to have any track time, you'll want the ceramics. When you run the car hard for a long time your headers will glow from heat, that extreme heating and cooling is what will cause any discoloration in the chrome (and also risk craking the headers themselves).

Yeah, this is my daily driver. I don't drive it hard, only once in awhile. And haven't been to the track yet, but plan to once or twice. Ideally the ceramics would be sweet, but it sounds like the chromes are a good product as well. I just dont want them to be comparable to my MAC's in any way.

 

[GT_y2k]

fo real

The only problem with the BBK's is that if you are planning to do a clutch, do it before the BBK's. The bellhousing will not be able to be removed with the headers still installed. I know there is a brand out there that will allow the tranny to be dropped without removing the headers, but I cant remember which ones.

The brands that allow tranny/ clutch access is:

A.) HOOKERS

B.) KOOKS

Both are made by the same company.

 

[nemo69]

Sounds like the chrome ones will do just fine for your application. I trust BBK over MAC, but I think like most things, it comes down to personal preference. If you do get the chrome, make sure you do clean them first. Go to your local Chopper or custom bike shop, they will tell you the best way to clean the chrome to avoid any ugliness after heating them up.

If you do go with the BBK's, tell me what you think, I'm looking to switch to either shorties or long tubes....just can't decide....