Shorty Headers

[JSSuper455]

I'm still setting up my christmas present to myself/car.

I got to thinking that a good set of shorty headers would be a good upgrade since I still have the stock units. Then I found this thread:
http://forums.stangnet.com/showthread.php?t=587649

'04sleeper talked about the fact that on stock heads shorty units actually loose power.....

I do have a difference in my setup though, in that I'm running a O/R H-pipe instead of an X nor are my stock headers ported.

Would I see a benefit in the upgrade or should I wait until I decide to install aftermarket heads?

After reading a lot of the threads on header selection I think I'll opt for the FRPP 1 5/8 ceramic coated ones. Summit has them for $309 and for $50 more than the BBK ones it might be worth it. Also is that a decent price or would I be getting hosed?

Thanks!

 

[bill302]

let me tell you from experience, i lost no power after installing mine, you will feel the difference in sound and performance i did. when you remove the stock headers look at the diameter difference where exhaust enters header from heads. install any time there fairly easy to install and you will love em. if i bought another stang today the first thing i would do is install headers second install X-pipe. but if you plan on buying GT40p heads i don't think you can run these headers.

 

[blackcloud50]

FRPP ceramic ones are at www.thefordsource.com for $295

 

[2000xp8]

Use equal lengths so you don't need to replace them later.

Besides, if you are will to spend $300+, why not just bassani equals?
356, and free shipping. Probably the best headers, period.
http://www.proficientperformance.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PP&Category_Code=bassani_headers_ford_must_5-0

It's been proven that equals make more power.

 

[bill302]

Use equal lengths so you don't need to replace them later.

Besides, if you are will to spend $300+, why not just bassani equals?
356, and free shipping.
http://www.proficientperformance.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=PP&Category_Code=bassani_headers_ford_must_5-0

It's been proven that equals make more power.

TRUE, AND THERE A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT TO INSTALL THAN UNEQUAL LENGTH I BELIEVE ON DRIVER SIDE YOU WILL HAVE TO REMOVE MASTER CYLINDER AND STEERING SHAFT.PASSENGER SIDE IS NOT TO DIFFICULT UNTIL YOU REMOVE AND REINSTALL EGR VALVE TO EXHAUST MANIFOLD TUBE. I ONLY HAD TO REMOVE 1 BRAKE LINE FROM MASTER CYLINDER ON DRIVERS SIDE TO INSTALL UNEQUAL LENGTH. DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW MUCH YOU BENEFIT WITH EQUAL OVER UNEQUALHEADERS

 

[IntenseBlue]

You'll lose a small amount up top but gain more midrange.

 

[Busted07]

is it worth the little hp gain to deal with the spark plug removal headaches or have they sorted that out yet to where you can get all the plugs out without removing the headers? (as far as equal lengths)

 

[5spd GT]

My equal lengths didn't need anything removed except the old headers to get them to fit

 

[loudpedal99]

Neither my old LTs or the shorties needed anything removed, and I heard the sn95s are supposed to be harder.

 

[blackcloud50]

I'd get the unequal..u arent giving up much of anything by not going with the equals

 

[jerryD]

i have Flowtech equal shorties. no prob installing. didn't have to move or take anything out to put these in. i have no issues with access to the plugs or changing em(kinda a pain), but not horrible. no burnt plug leads, as i use 45* boots.

 

[JSSuper455]

Thanks guys, all good points.

What about heat from the equal length headers. Do they have heat issues in the engine compartment as to require some sort of heat extractor?

Also, FarBeyondDriven jogged my memory a bit. A buddy of mine has a 92 GT with a built 306, but also has unequal shorties. As I recall he had to remove the headers to change the plugs on his car because there wasn't enough clearance between the header and plug to get a plug socket in there. I'm hoping thats not the case anymore.

PS, thought you all would like to know. I picked up a 3G 130amp alt today from the local Autozone... Cost all of $12.99. The computer or "user" of said, dropped a 9 from the price as it was entered or something, so the computer screen and register spit out $12.99. Needless to say it caused an uproar of sorts and though the manager scouled a lot, they honored the price.

So now I think I'll take that extra $100 that I had budgeted and apply it toward a good electric fan setup too. So far I'm having a pretty good Christmas!

 

[2000xp8]

I've never heard of any header on a fox that needed to be removed to do the plugs. My equals certainly do not.

As far as the autozone alternator, if they are anything like the ones from pepboys, you'll be lucky if it doesn't burn your car to the ground.

I use ford and ford only.

 

[rock4451]

tomorrow i am installing my equal length shorty bbk headers. any pains i should prepare for? i have a 87(91 motor) coupe 5.0. currently i have stock headers

 

[Aryan15]

The standard hex bolts that came with the headers were a pain for me, so I went with allen caps. Much easier to install. The ball end on allen wrenches and socket adapters has a wide angle for those hard to reach ones. Good luck.