Mac header install nightmare

nick6690 · Apr 10, 2010

I picked up some Mac longtubes with 1 3/4 primaries and a 2.5 collector thinking i would slip them right in but its a freakin nightmare, im so frustrated. They are hitting on the k member on both sides and its just been a PITA to install these. Are you supposed to use these headers with a tubular K member? Any advice/help is greatly appreciated.

Tanus · Apr 10, 2010

have you took out the motor mount bolt and jacked up the motor a bit? I think for long tubes the drivers side goes in from the botton, pass side from the top

wildstang90 · Apr 10, 2010

I have BBK L/T on my 90 fox. When i got them I was told they would drop in but after a few posts I found out I needed to pull the motor. I just jacked it up about 3" and they went in fine well after i took apart the steering linkage.

nick6690 · Apr 10, 2010

i jacked up the motor and took the steering shaft off but the main problem is where it hits the k member. are these headers supposed to be for a tubular k member?

SScott · Apr 10, 2010

I wish I lived at Summits door step... Okay, done fantasizing now.

I had a set with the stock k-member but I laid them in with the heads off while doing a gasket change from too much boost. I know you don't want to go through all that mess. I would pull a motor mount and work on that side while jacking it up, should give you some room, may even have to pull the steering shaft?

I hope you get it going.

SScott · Apr 10, 2010

wow, I took a long time typing, I started when there were no responses. =)

wildstang90 · Apr 10, 2010

If you can get iether side in even with it jacked up I would check your part numbers you might have the wrong headers. When i put mine in the passanger side went right in with out jacking it up. I only had to lift it for the drivers side.

SScott · Apr 10, 2010

Here are the instructions on your headers, maybe it will help some:

http://www.macperformance.com/store/PDF/TF7134 Instructions.pdf

I didn't see anything about made for tubular k-member. If you had the AOD headers, it should still fit?

twogts4us · Apr 10, 2010

And I thought it was only the newer Mustangs that forced us to jack the motor up...never knew this, so I guess I won't be buying headers for my son's new 92 5.0 vert. Are shorties a problem too or just the long tubes?

montyd · Apr 10, 2010

sounds to me like the motor mounts are bad and that why your headers are hitting the k memeber. have seen the problem a couple times i will say the easiest install i have ever done with long tubes was with a tubular k but you dont have to have one to clear them

striker911 · Apr 10, 2010

K guys so this one is off topic but maybe someone knows the answer to this question. I have a 86 gt with 95 heads and was thinking about getting some long tubes. Only thing is are the heads the same angle on the 95 as they are on the 86?

nick6690 · Apr 11, 2010

i have the headers in place and everything i just cant get them to bolt up to the heads straight without them hitting the k member. i bought them off craigslist and the guy said he ran them on his fox for years without a problem but i cant seem to get them to line up right on mine.

Tanus · Apr 11, 2010

twogts4us said:
And I thought it was only the newer Mustangs that forced us to jack the motor up...never knew this, so I guess I won't be buying headers for my son's new 92 5.0 vert. Are shorties a problem too or just the long tubes?

shorties, at least my equal length ones, go in super easy

50foxbody · Apr 11, 2010

sorry nick wish i could help i know its iritating but i do wish you luck and if you figure out what the problem is please post

mikepotts · Apr 11, 2010

boy, this sounds alot like installing windsor headers on a 5.0! did you get them new? they didnt get mispacked by some chance did they? if you bought them used, they could have been for a windsor.

Mustanglvr2006 · Apr 11, 2010

twogts4us said:
Are shorties a problem too or just the long tubes?

The shorties were relatively easy to install, if my memory serves me correctly, the hardest part was getting to a few of the header bolts with the new shorties, other than that, it was an easy install. Just remember to check and re tighten the header bolts after a few days of driving the car.

ID89GT · Apr 11, 2010

I have BBk longtubes, the driver side goes in no problems at all, but the passenger side the engine has to be lifted a little bit then it will slide right in. I do both sides from the top.

nick6690 · Apr 11, 2010

ok i finally got them in today. i had to bolt them up with the motor jacked up but it was still a PITA and they still hit the k member. im definately getting bbk's next time i buy headers.

SScott · Apr 11, 2010

Glad you got it! I have BBK's (shorty, equal) and love em.

stykthyn · Apr 12, 2010

I have heard nothing but bad things about MAC headers. BBK all the way here.
BTW if the headers continue to rest on the K member vibrations and movement during operation will eventually wear a hole in them.

Mac header install nightmare

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I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.

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I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.

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