Hey Guys-
I am going to install a MAC off-road H-Pipe to my stock headers and stock pipes. I was wondering if there is anything tricky about this (O2 Sensors, installation tips, etc.). I don't think this job is too hard, but any tips or advice would be great.
Get it up frist then get the bolts and nuts on but loosely. Then put a floor jack underneath the h pipe and raise it up some then tighten the nuts and bolts down good and lower the jack.
Getting the old pipe out will be the hard part. The collector nuts will likely be very rusty & need a shot of PB Blaster or WD 40.
The O2 sensors need a very small amout of anti-seize on the threads. Don't use too much or it will kill the O2 sensors.
Use LOTs of anti seize on the bolt threads, so that next time it will be easy to remove. You can bet your last dollar that there will be a "next time". It's the nature of owning a 5.0 Mustang. If it doesn't wear out first, you replace it with something better before it does.
Yup ... good advice above. I would highly suggest a floor jack be used on the center of your pipe to jack it up a little then tighten the bolts. Also, be prepared to figure out some sort of connection to your return line for the smog pump. A lot of people just use heater hose and clamps. I have a Bassani H-pipe and it came with a heater hose and clamps. ... no problems. Good luck.
I've removed/installed my H-Pipe 4 times now, it's easy. Takes 30-60 minutes and you're done. I don't even jack the h-pipe up i just hold it up with the inside of my forearm while i tighten the bolts.
Here’s some help for removing the air tube from the H pipe...
Try removing the bolts from the upper mounting bracket at the rear of the engine, and then loosen the clamp on the air tube by the cats. Then get a BIG pair of ViseGrip pliers (you really didn't hear me say that), clamp down hard on the tube about 1 1/2" from the clamp and pound away on the ViseGrips. It will come off if you keep at it.
In really stubborn cases, drill a 1/8" hole all the way thru the air tube 1 1/2" from the clamp, put a nail, pin punch or whatever in the hole, seat the ViseGrips up against the nail or pin punch and pound away on the ViseGrips. This is a better method, as you can do the same thing in reverse to put the old tube back on, with some clever means to cover or fill the hole (weld, braze, sheet metal screws, hose clamps and hi temp hose, etc.).
A replacement air tube cost me $44 plus the air valve didn't come with it - another $17, so reuse when and where possible if your money is limited.