Exhaust Manifolds. Can I use '04's on a '96 GT?

I'm putting a '04 SOHC Mustang engine in my '96 GT.

Can I use the '04 exhaust manifolds with my existing exhaust & emissions or do I need to use the '96 exhaust manifolds on the '04 motor?

Hmmmm..... I'm getting mixed answers on the manifolds. Some say I need to use the '04's and others say I need to use the '96's?????

What is different between the manifolds?

Are the EXHAUST ports different between PI & NPI heads?

Does anyone know if the '96 intermediate pipe will bolt up to '04 exhaust manifolds?

Sorry guys, but I'm getting opposite answers here & on modulardepot.

Someone over there says that either set of manifolds will bolt up, but my '96
H-pipe won't bolt up to the driver's side '04 exhaust manifold.

I want to keep my '96 H-pipe........ are you guys SURE the '04 exhaust manifolds will bolt up to it?

Hey Squares98,

You have the closest swap to mine... just to be clear..... you put a '04 GT engine into your '98 GT and used the stock exhaust manifolds from the '04 GT engine, right?

What did you have to change? Did you use the '98 valve covers? Did you use the '98 alternator with '04 bracket? Where did you put the second temp. sensor? Did you use the '98 timing chain cover? Did you use all your '98 accessories like water pump, starter, emissions? What else can you tell me to help make the swap? Which throttle body did you use?


I checked the casting numbers on the two driver's heads... they are different.

'96 '01
RF F6ZE RF XP3E
9431 CA 9431 DB

I also found a website that sells new stock exhaust manifolds..... both the driver's/passenger's side manifolds have different part numbers for '96 and '04.

What is the difference between '96 and '04 exhaust manifolds? I have about 50% saying the '04 manifolds will work with my '96 exhaust and 50% saying they won't.

It would be much easier to leave the stock '04 manifolds on the '04 engine (assuming they will fit/work). I'm afraid of breaking the metal EGR tube that goes to the driver's side exhaust manifold if I try to swap the '96 manifolds onto the '04 engine.