Looking for headers

rllndg17 · Dec 24, 2005

Well I've got some money to spend and I'm looking for some headers. I've got a magnaflow catted x-pipe and flowmaster 40 series mufflers. I'm not exactly sure what I should get so I'm looking for some suggestions. Money is not too much of an issue so any suggestion is welcome! Thanks.

Gabe

helty · Dec 24, 2005

if you plan on keeping your magnaflow X your only option is shorties, which dont produce a lot more power than stock manifolds on a N/A 4.6. they do however offer better gains on a Roots/Twin Screw Supercharged application.. i'd say get longtubes and a new shorty H-pipe to match it (IMO h-pipes sound better with Flows).

if money really isnt an option, then i would look into headers in this order:

1. Kooks $800+ and you need their X-pipe. or have an exhaust shop modify your X to fit. Do not need to remove them when changing clutch.

2. SLP $720 and you need to use their X-pipe, or one with a slip-fit design.

3. JBA $700ish. dont know much about these bc i think they are relatively new

4. BBK $500 for ceramic coated LT's. fit with a lot of aftermarket mid-pipes, good quality LT. probably best bang for your buck.

5. Hooker/Flowtech--not too sure about the prices. the Flowtechs are cheaper than the Hookers. both made by Holley. dont know enough about them to comment, but i have heard good things about both. Do not need to remove them when changing clutch.

6. Mac $300-$325. have heard of quality issues with them, but supposedly they have been taken care of.

rllndg17 · Dec 24, 2005

How much power should I expect with my setup w/ shorty headers??? also...how much are cams + instal...I'm thinking about those too...

Gabe

SLY GT · Dec 24, 2005

rllndg17 said:
How much power should I expect with my setup w/ shorty headers??? also...how much are cams + instal...I'm thinking about those too...

Gabe

There have been tests that net only 3-5 HP with shorties and a decrease in torque. For those who think Long Tubes are much better, Ken Belle did extensive testing and only saw 8-10 HP. It seems the 4.6 does not benefit much from headers in the HP dept. ,but they give a distinctive sound and are keeping with muscle car tradition. I don't think LT headers are worth the hassle for street cars as you will lose torque, clearance, emmisions issues and install hassles. Over at Modular Powerhouse Tim Barth makes over 600HP with shorties on a blown GT.

'03GTinFLA · Dec 24, 2005

SLY GT said:
There have been tests that net only 3-5 HP with shorties and a decrease in torque. For those who think Long Tubes are much better, Ken Belle did extensive testing and only saw 8-10 HP. It seems the 4.6 does not benefit much from headers in the HP dept. ,but they give a distinctive sound and are keeping with muscle car tradition. I don't think LT headers are worth the hassle for street cars as you will lose torque, clearance, emmisions issues and install hassles. Over at Modular Powerhouse Tim Barth makes over 600HP with shorties on a blown GT.

Uhh what? I guess your talking about S/C applications but for N/A, LT's are worth it. I've got them and I know the difference. Others here will say the same. Besides, rlindg19 didn't say anything about going with a supercharger.

The LT list above seems pretty accurate. I have Mac LT's, ceramic. They were about $400 and install was another $400. They have a slight, hardly noticable tic when going into 5th early and slowly accelerating. I'm hoping to get that fixed when I replace the clutch, b/c you have to remove one for that job. Definate SOTP difference. By my butt dyno I would say more torque across the band and increase in peak HP.
As far as cams go, Stage 1's from VT don't require spring changes and can be a do it yourself job. Stage 2's need springs and are a PITA. Moduar Powerhouse charges $1k for Stage 2 install, due to springs and I think about $3-500 for stage 1's. Check the website to be sure, you can click on labor rates.
I'm going Stage 2 after christmas. Listen to and idle clip and you'll be sold.

helty · Dec 24, 2005

SLY GT said:
There have been tests that net only 3-5 HP with shorties and a decrease in torque. For those who think Long Tubes are much better, Ken Belle did extensive testing and only saw 8-10 HP. It seems the 4.6 does not benefit much from headers in the HP dept. ,but they give a distinctive sound and are keeping with muscle car tradition. I don't think LT headers are worth the hassle for street cars as you will lose torque, clearance, emmisions issues and install hassles. Over at Modular Powerhouse Tim Barth makes over 600HP with shorties on a blown GT.

from what ive learned though talking to several knowledgable 4.6 mustang people, both in person and on forums, LT's ARE NOT a waste on the 4.6 at all. you dont gain much PEAK power over stock manifolds or shorties, but you will have more throughout the powerband.

Kenne Belle's testing may be correct, but you cant apply that to a N/A 4.6. there testing was done for their products; a twin screw blower. for a Roots/Twin Screw supercharged application, LT's typically dont yeild any more power than shorties.

BUT......

for a Centrifugul Blower application, LT's will yeild better power than shorties. there is a well written article of LT's vs. Shorties vs. Mid-Length headers over on MD explaining how different header types affect and benefit different applications. i'll try to dig it up for you.

'03GTinFLA · Dec 24, 2005

Shorties on N/A are a waste, unless you live in a emmissions nazi state.
Long live lawless Florida.

rllndg17 · Dec 24, 2005

Hmmm...well I can't get rid of the x-pipe and shorty headers don't sound like their worth it...how much is a stage 1 cam install if I get it done somewhere and how much power comes out of that? I can do it myself if it's not too big of a problem...

Gabe

helty · Dec 24, 2005

rllndg17 said:
Hmmm...well I can't get rid of the x-pipe and shorty headers don't sound like their worth it...how much is a stage 1 cam install if I get it done somewhere and how much power comes out of that? I can do it myself if it's not too big of a problem...

Gabe

man, if you're looking for the best bang for your buck mod, i see you dont have gears yet. i would highly recommend those as your next mod. cams are a good mod as well, but you would probably need a dyno tune and would also be better off letting a shop do the install. i dont know what it wold cost but i imagine it would be up there. gains of about* 15-25hp with stage 1's im guessing.

jasonh_86 · Dec 24, 2005

Gears and VT Stage 1 cams would be a good deal, imo.. get it dyno tuned after the cam install, so you can make sure you're gettin the power and not running your car too lean or rich

hotmustang331 · Dec 24, 2005

BBK LTs are AWSOME! I know adrenln gained like 14RWHP with them(or maybe they were SLPs ) on a N/A GT. And loosing lowend torque is a myth...well lets just say that I can NOT feel any loss ANYWHERE. Infact It feels stronger from off idle-6200+. I can go around a corner in 4th gear @ 800RPMs and give it a touch of gas and it picks right up with 0 bog or lag of any sort. Vs stock, there is no comparison at ANY RPM except -1000. It will die a little easier now after the cams...but thats to be expected.

ANYWAYS, Lts ARE worth the hp and I reccomend BBK LTs. $500 for seremic coated, and HIGH quality. Tim @ MPH only uses those LTs on his cars...he told me himself BTW.

Stangsgrl · Dec 25, 2005

hotmustang331 said:
BBK LTs are AWSOME! I know adrenln gained like 14RWHP with them(or maybe they were SLPs ) on a N/A GT. And loosing lowend torque is a myth...well lets just say that I can NOT feel any loss ANYWHERE. Infact It feels stronger from off idle-6200+. I can go around a corner in 4th gear @ 800RPMs and give it a touch of gas and it picks right up with 0 bog or lag of any sort. Vs stock, there is no comparison at ANY RPM except -1000. It will die a little easier now after the cams...but thats to be expected.

ANYWAYS, Lts ARE worth the hp and I reccomend BBK LTs. $500 for seremic coated, and HIGH quality. Tim @ MPH only uses those LTs on his cars...he told me himself BTW.

another vote for LT's
crappy vid of my BBK LT's, BBK catted H-pipe and Flow 40 series mufflers setup: http://media.putfile.com/Exhaust2269
just incase you were wondering what it might sorta sound like (since u have a magnaflow midpipe)

tomustang · Dec 25, 2005

SLY GT said:
clearance, emmisions issues

they should be your 2 main concerns

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