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  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Shorty Headers

  • Thread starter Thread starter JSSuper455
  • Start date Start date Dec 21, 2005

JSSuper455

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2002
197
0
16
UT
Dec 21, 2005
#1
  • Dec 21, 2005
  • #1
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

Active Member
Nov 2, 2005
2,131
1
46
alabama,gadsden
Dec 22, 2005
#2
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #2
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.
 
B

blackcloud50

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
388
0
0
Dec 22, 2005
#3
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #3
FRPP ceramic ones are at www.thefordsource.com for $295
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,034
1,625
194
NJ
Dec 22, 2005
#4
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #4
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

Active Member
Nov 2, 2005
2,131
1
46
alabama,gadsden
Dec 22, 2005
#5
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #5
2000xp8 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
I

IntenseBlue

Member
Jul 10, 2005
946
0
16
Dec 22, 2005
#6
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #6
You'll lose a small amount up top but gain more midrange.
 

Busted07

I need my gorilla to be about an inch longer.
Nov 15, 2005
0
3
0
Dec 22, 2005
#7
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #7
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

"the 5.0 owns all"
Founding Member
Aug 7, 2002
9,516
6
99
Arkansas
Dec 22, 2005
#8
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #8
My equal lengths didn't need anything removed except the old headers to get them to fit
 

loudpedal99

New Member
Aug 30, 2005
160
0
0
ND
Dec 22, 2005
#9
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #9
Neither my old LTs or the shorties needed anything removed, and I heard the sn95s are supposed to be harder.
 
B

blackcloud50

New Member
Mar 30, 2005
388
0
0
Dec 22, 2005
#10
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #10
I'd get the unequal..u arent giving up much of anything by not going with the equals
 
J

jerryD

Founding Member
Mar 16, 2000
1,061
0
37
Gladstone, MO
Dec 22, 2005
#11
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #11
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

Founding Member
Aug 1, 2002
197
0
16
UT
Dec 22, 2005
#12
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #12
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

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,034
1,625
194
NJ
Dec 22, 2005
#13
  • Dec 22, 2005
  • #13
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

20+ Year Stangneter
Nov 30, 2004
12
2
29
New Baden, IL
Mar 26, 2007
#14
  • Mar 26, 2007
  • #14
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

Member
Sep 22, 2003
236
0
17
CA
Mar 26, 2007
#15
  • Mar 26, 2007
  • #15
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.
 
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