Couple questions on BBK longtube install, 2004 GT

[Sonic04GT]

I have a set of BBK Ceramic Longtubes and a BBK O/R shorty H sitting in my room I've been waiting to drop off to the shop to install but want to make sure I have the right stuff first.

The LTs come with the "BBK Premium Gaskets" and a set of hardware for the headers and for the flanges at the midpipe. Are these good quality?

Or should I get OEM Ford gaskets and spend like $45 on Stage 8 locking header bolts? The #1 thing I am worried about is an exhaust leak because the one I have now, and the one I had on my old Mustang drove me crazy. I can't stand that hissing/whizzing sound when driving by buildings.

The BBK gaskets as you can see are an exact fit. What about copper gaskets? Mr. Gasket?

Give me your recommendations on this. The work will be professionally done.

Thanks alot

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http://www.amazon.com/Stage-8906-Ford-4-6L-Header/dp/B000NN6B9I ???

Did a make/model search on Mr. Gasket and it only came back with head gaskets.

 

[Tim2002GT]

I would think those gaskets would be fine, but if you are worried about it get some of the Bassani gaskets. Bassani Comp Header Gaskets - 4654 I've heard really good things about them. I used these on mine and have no leaks as of yet... Seal-4-Good - Header Flange Gaskets - Ford - Seal-4-Good Ford 4.6 2-Valve Round 1.625" - Percy's High Performance - Online Store

Personally, I would go ahead and fork up the money for some type of locking header bolts. You can get the Stage 8's like you said. I used these from Percy's also... Bolts & Fasteners - Black Oxide Fasteners - Header - Split Lock Ford 4.6L 5.4L / GM 8.1L Qty 16 8MM X 25MM 12 Point - Percy's High Performance - Online Store

 

[Deleted member 38176]

Out of curiosity, how much are they charging you for the install?

 

[Sonic04GT]

Are these the correct ones from Stage 8?

4.6 & 5.4 Liter Modular 8906 (16) 8mm-1.25x25mm bolts 6pt DHH

As for install, probably going to be around $450-500 Need a tune for driveability too

 

[Tim2002GT]

Yes, those are the correct bolts. The install price isn't too bad for LT's really. They are not a hard install, just a little time consuming.

Your driveability will not change by adding LT's. If anything, it will lean out the a/f a bit, which won't hurt you running NA. A tune is not necessary.

 

[Sonic04GT]

Yes, those are the correct bolts. The install price isn't too bad for LT's really. They are not a hard install, just a little time consuming.

Your driveability will not change by adding LT's. If anything, it will lean out the a/f a bit, which won't hurt you running NA. A tune is not necessary.

That's the only thing I was worried about was it running leaner. Worth getting a dyno tune at this point of bolt ons?

Gonna throw some Steeda UD pulleys on this week too

 

[Tim2002GT]

If you already have some sort of canned tune from a Predator or SCT handheld, you should be alright. If not, a tune will help a little. But on a bolt-on car, it won't add much.

Maybe put it on a dyno just to see the hp/tq and a/f numbers. As long as you a/f ration is in the 13:1 area you will be fine with a naturally aspirated car.

My NA a/f was right at 13:1 before the LT's, after it was slightly leaner. Around 13.3:1 or so.

 

[Sonic04GT]

If you already have some sort of canned tune from a Predator or SCT handheld, you should be alright. If not, a tune will help a little. But on a bolt-on car, it won't add much.

Maybe put it on a dyno just to see the hp/tq and a/f numbers. As long as you a/f ration is in the 13:1 area you will be fine with a naturally aspirated car.

My NA a/f was right at 13:1 before the LT's, after it was slightly leaner. Around 13.3:1 or so.

I have a Diablo but I have only installed the default tune and didn't really notice a difference at all. Mainly got it to adjust for gear ratio and tire size.

I would really like to know the numbers though, we'll see if it's worth the cost. Thanks alot for the help.

 

[Night Shifter]

definitely get the stage 8's

as for the gaskets that came with the kit, dump those paper ones and get a better gasket

 

[Sonic04GT]

definitely get the stage 8's

as for the gaskets that came with the kit, dump those paper ones and get a better gasket

Ordered them last night

Now I'm stuck on gaskets

 

[Dark04GT]

My local shop swears by the OEM ford gaskets and refuses to use anything else.

 

[Night Shifter]

i have the oem gaskets on mine as well...no issues

 

[Sonic04GT]

i have the oem gaskets on mine as well...no issues

Know anywhere I can get them online, or a part number?

Do I need gaskets for the flange where the headers meet the midpipe?

 

[Tim2002GT]

BBK's should have the ball/socket flange on the headers/midpipe connection.

Here's a link to a FRPP gasket... Ford Racing Header Gaskets - M-9448-A462

 

[Sonic04GT]

BBK's should have the ball/socket flange on the headers/midpipe connection.

Here's a link to a FRPP gasket... Ford Racing Header Gaskets - M-9448-A462

They do have the ball/socket. The midpipe on my '95 had the same type but came with some funky looking gaskets I never used. Not sure how well the ball/socket seals or if they make something like that.

Those are alot cheaper than I thought they would be.

What are these?
99-04 Mustang GT Exhaust Manifold Gasket Set MOTORCRAFT YC2Z-9448-A

 

[Tim2002GT]

That looks like the gasket that was on mine stock. I can't believe they cost that much though, geez. I'd just get either the FRPP ones or the Bassani's.

 

[Sonic04GT]

That looks like the gasket that was on mine stock. I can't believe they cost that much though, geez. I'd just get either the FRPP ones or the Bassani's.

Yeah no kidding. Thanks for the input.

 

[txredgt]

A word of warning with the BBK's. I like em and make the exhuast sound mean but after they install them and from here on out check out the driverside header for clearance issues. I don't know the exact name of the piece but it was the bracing underneath that is held in by bolts but I was hearing a clunking sound from the front driverside and couldn't figure out for the life of me what it was.. Got my gears and the shop did their routine look over and when it was on the lift they saw that my header was rubbing that thing pretty damn good! Polished that crappy piece of metal right up as well. I just hope it didn't damage the header too much and I won't be seeing a hole anytime soon. just a heads up to look for, might even think about removing it since its not a big piece.

 

[Night Shifter]

holy crap those gaskets used to be like $45 bucks....

you can get a set of better bbk gaskets PN - BBK-1401...they are the full lenght gaskets like the ones that came with your header but they are graphite and have steel around the exhaust ports for better reinforcement....i havnt heard anyone havingg problems with them yet... they run about 29.99 for the set

 

[SteedaGT9150]

def buy new gaskets.