exhaust header

donnie84

New Member
Oct 2, 2004
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hey what do u all prefer, LT or shorty? I like the BBK brand for both, but am unsure as to what one to get. is the LT really hard to install? will their be a spot to hook up the EGR? do i need to get o2 extenders for the BBK LT? is the ease of intalling a shorty vs. a LT worht the few HP you lose? and anyway, does an LT make that much more HP than a shorty? i was planning on doing the exhaust myself thats why i didnt want the trouble of putting in LTs. the goal of the car is possibly to be s/c'ed with a new intake mani or so. thanks guys!
 
My thoughts...

1. LT's are a little harder to install, but not bad.

2. If you get 94/95 LT's, then there will be an EGR bung.

3. You can get by without O2 extenders by pulling the existing O2 wires out of the looms, but extenders are easier.

4. The LT will make better torque across the entire RPM range, but it will not be all that dramatic. And with an otherwise bone stock setup, you might actually see a slight decrease in low-end torque.

5. If you live in an exceptionally cool climate, and daily drive your Mustang in the winter, you might have some issues with O2 sensor cooling. And as a result you might have some issues passing emissions. Or not.

6. LT's will sound better, and they don't drone as much as shorties.

7. Remember you'll need a new mid-pipe to match the LT's.

8. On an otherwise bone stock car, LT's would not be my first modification unless I was doing a lot of mods in a short period of time anyway.

9. Make your plans first, before buying anything at all, and then work towards that goal. You'll save money and effort by not having to re-do anything, and by having parts that work together to make the best combo.
 
in all reality you will only gain a few hp from the lt's on a near stock setup but you will really appreciate the gains once you get the car breathing better. i would say if you are cost concerned just go with the bbk shortys with matching h or x and whatever catback you prefer. do opt however for the polished ceramic coating as it will cutdown on heat and look a lot better than the chrome that will change colors as soon as you start the car. I just got my BBK ceramic l/t's and shorty h with a bassani street competition catback in a few days ago and am gonna put it in tommorrow. install shouldnt be bad as the guy i know has a lift and all the appropriate tools. i will let you know how i like it and any problems we run into this weekend if you are interested.
 
If your gonna go forced induction the LT's won't make that much difference for for a Street Car.

If NA combo then I'd say go with the LT's.

Most headers for our cars have the EGR bung.

Later
Grady
 
thankls guys! i think i might go with the shortys, i just dont wanna deal with all the setback that might happen and i dont wanna have to get 02 extenders. the car will proly be n/a for awhile but i totally wanna go s/c. even if i dont get to it i na bit, im not losing that much with the shortys/ do u guys think it would wise to use header wrap if i dont get them ceramic? i dont mind if the chrome ones change color.
 
donnie84 said:
do u guys think it would wise to use header wrap if i dont get them ceramic? i dont mind if the chrome ones change color.
Header wrap will cause the primaries to rust out much faster than otherwise. I've never had heat problems with mine (and they are not ceramic coated).

Dave
 
Another thing to consider is if you're planning on changing your clutch any time soon, you might want to do it before installing your headers IF you are planning on going with LT's because you will have to take off the passenger side header to do it. If you have stock GT heads, intake, cam; you will probably be disappointed with LT's since you will loose alot of low end torque. When you open it up a bit i'd get the LT's then OR you can get some higher gears to compromise for the low end loss.
 
fiveo'cobra said:
Another thing to consider is if you're planning on changing your clutch any time soon, you might want to do it before installing your headers IF you are planning on going with LT's because you will have to take off the passenger side header to do it.
Not a big deal, but I just wanted to mention that this is not true. I've done it. :)

Dave
 
donnie84 said:
thanks guys! i guess i am going to go with BBK shorty headers that are chrome. what is the diff between equal lenght and standard?
The equal length ones have tubes going every which way :D. Seriously. The rear primaries have to loop around so they become as long as the front ones. I don't believe it'll give you enough benefit to justify the hassle (changing plugs on a 302 is a pain as it is, without having to deal with equal length shorties... :)).

Dave