Installing Long Tube Headers, Advice/Opinions?

[Stems84Stang]

Im getting BBK Long Tube Ceramic's soon and I need some advice on the best way to install them. can I get away with just jacking my car up or do I have to raise the motor? what about the Starter? Thanks in Advance.

Later,...Robby

 

[vikingpower]

One of the headers goes in from the top and the other from the bottom. I jacked the engine up after loosening the motor mounts and tranny mount. Also, use some metal core gaskets, I blew out the ones BBK inlcuded with the headers. The bolts are a pain in the ass to get in, so I bought an ARP header stud kit today with some of my cam swap parts after messing around with those damn bolts for the last several years. You might wanna consider it as well; it costs $60.00 but its worth it.

 

[Glaze]

dont skimp on gaskets. although bbk got a good thick solid flange i found its best to use header gaskets with metal inserts or all copper as they will last so much longer than ones they provide as viking stated

 

[Marlboro_Man]

I just did the lt swap. You definatly need to raise the motor. Unbolt the motor/tranny mounts and with the car on jackstands use the jack with a nice peice of 2x6 wood and jack the engine up. I installed both headers from below the car, I would also highly recommend getting a mini starter before you begin the swap and install it at the same time, I didn't and now i wish i would have because there is about 1cm of clearance between the header and starter. Also you may want to get some o2 extensions, i was able to play with my wiring and make it work but it is tight. Make sure your o2 wires do NOT come anywhere near the headers. You will also need some new header gaskets. Also like"Vikingpower" said the factory bolts can be a pain in the a.s.s. so if money permits that stud kit would be a good idea.

If you need to or plan to replace the motor/tranny mounts this would be a good time to do so. If you have any questions during the install feel free to pm me or just post it up here. The whole deal should take one days hard work but the benefits are worth it. good luck.

 

[FastGT50Stang]

My Bassani long-tubes went in w/o having to raise the motor or unbolt the tranny or anything like that...and i have the larger diameter sized ones to 1 5/8" to 1 7/8" to a 3" collector...I'll tell you one thing though it's definitely a good amount of work.....

Stan

 

[Stems84Stang]

I am probably going to stay with 1 5/8" tubes with a 2 1/2" collector, I dont have 02 sensors so im good to go for them, I just need to make some plugs at work for the holes(I love being a machinist). I also plan on going with Copper Gaskets and Ford Racing Locking Header Bolt Kits.

 

[Stems84Stang]

I planned on staying with 1 5/8 tubes with a 2 1/2" Collector. I dont have o2 Sensors so i dont need extensions, i just need to make filler plugs at work for them. I plan on going with Copper Gaskets and Ford Racing Locking Headers Bolts

 

[lxwants12's]

yea i did my swap last year...and pretty much everything every1 said..and you will have to take the starter out..get the stud kit its worth its weight in gold..especially when it comes to frustration...if your doing it by yourself youll understand what i mean...bbk gaskets suck..i went through 3 different sets...had the bbks, then the copper ones, then the ones with the inserts..and now i have the percys seal4good and they have been perfect for the last 9 months...i used the locking header bolts..i think they were called stage 8 or something weird like that
ohh yeah def get the extensions as mentioned

 

[5LugFoxFanatic]

Where do you get O2 extensions at?

 

[vikingpower]

Where do you get O2 extensions at?

I got BBK ones from Summit, $20-$30, much better than my ****ty attempt to make my own!