Help on installing heagers

[08_stanger]

All,

I have a 2008 Mustang GT and I am looking to install headers soon. The questions I need help with are the following.

1. How hard is it to install headers on my car?

2. What type of header and brand should I use, (long, short, ETC.)

3. I don't want a header that I have to cut my exhaust or adjust anything, I want a header that will be a direct fit to my exhaust, something easy?

4. Do I get a ceramic header or just steel?

5. Cost, cost, cost?

Thanks Gentlemen, you guys are the best.

Mike

 

[ranger04]

Thew legal headers are the shorties, better performance out of the long tube. I like bassani headers as they do a step down method with thier tube sizes, this helps the torque curve in the mid range. I installed a step down header on my focus st from F1, it improved low to mid range torque over the same sized tubed cosworth. Of course the cosworth added a little in the top end. But when 95% of your driving is on the street, low to mid range comes in handy.

 

[ufnavy06]

I just had the MAC headers and prochambers put on my car. And I was told by my mechanic whos been doing this for over 20 years, headers suck nuts on the 3V. Took him a full day to get them on. Granted I have long tubes, so shortys may not be as bad. You have to remove some of the steering components to get access to the driver side and you can't exactly reach on some of the bolts. Make sure you get locking header bolts (Summit Racing has them) and a good gasket as well. The MAC headers are ceramic coated so I think you'd be ok with them.

 

[Emay]

Avoid shorties, theres no gains there..

Long tubes all the way, Kooks or ARH. with their matching catted X or offroad X.

I've installed both and the job can be done in less than 5 hours on the floor in your garage. Keys to the job are, you have to think outside the box with their directions.

Key things not mentioned within the directions, support the motor and remove the motor mounts on the side your installing. This gives you the room, that the other poster mentioned caused his installer problems.

On the passenger side, remove the motor mount and starter, do not waste your time trying to get around the install without pulling both out, you'll burn more time jerkin around with it than it's worth.

Lastly get a set of wratcheting wrenches to go the install, you can make do with the tried and true socket on wratch set up, but you'll save yourself from trying different positions in order to remove the stock manifold and install the new header bolts.

Outside of that, take your time.. When it feels like it's takin too long, remember your saving about 5 hours worth of labor that you would be paying someone else. That usually calms..

 

[08_stanger]

Guys thanks for all your info, I fell like I can do the job right now. I heard the job was hard and wasn't sure which headers to buy.

Again, thanks a lot.

Mike