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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

equal length or regualr shorty headers?

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1993whtstang
  • Start date Start date Apr 11, 2012

1993whtstang

Member
Aug 2, 2011
146
5
18
Massachusetts
Apr 11, 2012
#1
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #1
Im looking at the BBK equal length ceramic coated headers for my 93 gt when I do my trickflow kit, has anyone used these? do the equal length headres fit ok? Do you suggest the regualr shorty headers over the equal length instead?

Thank you!
 

rangerboy101

Active Member
Oct 11, 2011
310
20
28
Inwood, WV
Apr 11, 2012
#2
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #2
I have the BBK equal lengths and I like them. They were on the car when I bought it but I haven't had any problems with fitment or anything.
 

jsw81

5 Year Member
Mar 19, 2007
307
71
68
IA
Apr 11, 2012
#3
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #3
Equal lengths are a huge pain in the ass to install/uninstall; I'll never do that again.

I have the BBK unequal's currently and they fit perfect and install easy. I doubt you would notice much of a power difference, although the equal lengths do look cool.
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
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Chengdu Province
Apr 11, 2012
#4
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #4
rangerboy101 said:
I have the BBK equal lengths and I like them. They were on the car when I bought it but I haven't had any problems with fitment or anything.
Click to expand...

I have had the exact opposite experience with mine. I've tried 2 different types of engine mounts, a modified set of engine mounts, adjusting the steering shaft, etc etc. I rub the steering shaft and tap the K member on the other side when the engine twists. Equal length is just not worth it, IMO. If you want to sacrifice clearance and convenience for extra performance, just go long tubes. Otherwise, unequal shorty headers are just fine.
 

Boosted92LX

It's only an inch or two. What's the big deal?
15 Year Member
Dec 19, 2010
5,721
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Apr 11, 2012
#5
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #5
NIKwoaC said:
I have had the exact opposite experience with mine. I've tried 2 different types of engine mounts, a modified set of engine mounts, adjusting the steering shaft, etc etc. I rub the steering shaft and tap the K member on the other side when the engine twists. Equal length is just not worth it, IMO. If you want to sacrifice clearance and convenience for extra performance, just go long tubes. Otherwise, unequal shorty headers are just fine.
Click to expand...

Seems like I read a comparison on shorty headers some years back and even the best equal length barely gained 10hp over stock headers, and the long tubes did twice what the equal lentgh shorties did... that sound about right?

EDIT: if you really want 'em to work well turn them backwards and blow thru a turbo with them...
 
Reactions: srtthis, hoopty5.0 and Bullitt347

wythors

Get off my lawn!!!
Founding Member
May 17, 2000
2,277
35
69
C Addle
Apr 11, 2012
#6
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #6
According to this test, the difference between equal vs. unequal is about 4 horsepower. Certainly not worth the hassles of installation and spark plug interference in my book.
 

Rick 91GT

Mustang Master
Nov 29, 1999
9,692
95
99
PA
Apr 11, 2012
#7
  • Apr 11, 2012
  • #7
Wythors is correct....not worth the clearance issues for the plugs or emissions equipment on a fox.
 

LarsD

Founding Member
Jul 2, 2002
2,680
119
123
Texas
Apr 12, 2012
#8
  • Apr 12, 2012
  • #8
Equal length? Yuk. I'd rather live with LT's.
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
943
214
Chengdu Province
Apr 12, 2012
#9
  • Apr 12, 2012
  • #9
wythors said:
According to this test, the difference between equal vs. unequal is about 4 horsepower. Certainly not worth the hassles of installation and spark plug interference in my book.
Click to expand...

Hmm, interesting test. That engine is starting to run out of air by 5500 RPM, and I'm not sure the headers are to blame. I'd like to see the same test done, but on an engine with a more capable top end.
 

hoopty5.0

mechanicus terribilis
15 Year Member
Dec 14, 2010
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Apr 12, 2012
#10
  • Apr 12, 2012
  • #10
SSeater said:
EDIT: if you really want 'em to work well turn them backwards and blow thru a turbo with them...
Click to expand...

I bought a used set of these a few days ago to do just that. Gonna give 'em a try - ONLY because they look cool. First hint of being a PITA and back to the Corral they go.
 
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