Doing some winter shopping..need a few 2nd opinions

[89GtConvert5spd]

alright winter has arrived, the mustang is parked, and the parts pile in my house is growing..but there are a few items iv been doing research on and im looking for a few 2nd opinions, one is gears, iv got stock ones with posi, now someone told me to go 4:10, and then someone told me thats a little much...and that the gas milage will go down the tube...*not to big of a deal, but id like to stay out of the gas station every 90 miles*...so im kinda stuck between 3.73 and 3.55...another one iv been doing alot of forum and magazine research on is headers, now i know this topic has been beat to death..but i know im going with long tube because....well long tubes just kick ass...i was having a hard time finding ones that were tuned..now is tuned headers the way to go? had my eye on a set of bbk full length nickel chrome plated ones on summit...but theres just so many choices...and i cant seem to find tuned headers that are nickel chrome with good flanges and stuff like that...thanks-

 

[srothfuss]

and that the gas milage will go down the tube...*not to big of a deal, but id like to stay out of the gas station every 90 miles

I've got 3.73's and will tell you that the gas mileage doesn't go down. You'll still get great gas mileage out of your Mustang. 4.10's and the Highway will limit your ability to keep up with most traffic, but it's not horrible or anything. Really, you need to decide for yourself if you are going all the way or only 75% with the gears. There is no negative to having gears

had my eye on a set of bbk full length nickel chrome plated ones on summit...but theres just so many choices...and i cant seem to find tuned headers that are nickel chrome with good flanges and stuff like that...thanks-

If you get any header, make sure you get Ceramic coated ones. The ceramic coating will go a long ways with reducing underhood temperatures. Also be aware that L/T's and stock starters can cause Hot start issues. BBK L/T's are great.

 

[89GtConvert5spd]

thanks , yea iv been concerned about that hot start issue, there any LT out there that will avoid that??

 

[srothfuss]

No... the problem is the insulating air gap between the starter and header tubes is reduced in order to get the L/T's to pass between the body and engine. However, there are a few posibilites:

1) Mini/Hi-torque starter
2) Starter blanket (essentially header wrap for your starter)
3) Local header wrap around the primaries by the starter.

Note: #3 is just an idea at this point since I haven't seen anyone try it yet.

 

[89GtConvert5spd]

hmm so all i gotta do is wrap the starter?? and with the ceramic and the wrap it should elimintate the prob?

 

[srothfuss]

Yeah, that seems to solve all of the issues for heat soak. It's such a good excuse to switch to a mini starter though.....