What headers to buy?

[tddpop]

I didn't know if this belonged in talk or tech, so if it is posted in the wrong place I apologize.

To make a long story short I originally bought Bassini equal length headers and a Bassani X-Pipe. The headers were used and the collector studs just wouldn't line up with the stock h-pipe or Bassani X-Pipe. I also had to make the bolt holes larger in a few places where the header bolts to the heads to get all the bolts in. The X-pipe was like an inch too long for my Magnaflow cat-back, so I sold it and got a Magnaflow X-Pipe. The Bassani collector studs still would not line up with the Magnaflow X-Pipe and after about 2 hours of prying, banging and swearing I got all four studs to bolt up. However I have a obvious exhaust leak at the collectors and I have tightened them down as much as I can. I think maybe because the headers were used, they warped with the heat on the previous car and I need new headers.

My question is what headers to buy? Brand? Equal or shorty?

I have had very bad luck with BBK headers in the past with other fox bodies, with the same problems even when they were new, so I will not be buying that brand.

Sorry for the long post. Any input would be great. Thanks!:SNSign:

 

[JBeezy53]

In your case I would go with Ford Racing for the best fit.

 

[Roland69]

are the ford racing ones any good I have been pondering the idea of getting a set myself

 

[tddpop]

The Ford Racing ones are tops on my list in my head, I have heard nothing but good things about them. I just don't know if I should go with standard shorties like the Ford Racing ones or equal lengths of another brand. I only got the equal lengths in the first place because I got such a good deal on them used. Does anyone know whether there is really a significant performance difference between equals and shorties until you go to long tube headers? Thanks!

 

[Roland69]

I heard equal lenght were a PITA to install. I might get some Ford Racing

 

[tddpop]

I installed the Bassani equal lengths that are in my car now, and there is some extra steps involved. However besides the collector stud problem (which I think is due to the headers being used) there really just as straight forward as shorties. I have heard horror stories of people having to lift the engine out of the car to get the bolts to be accessible. I just unbolted the trans crossmember and engine mounts, and lifted the engine a few inches. I have installed BBK and MAC equal lengths in fox bodies and they were straight forward as well. Except they both rusted out quick, and chrome BBK headers never line up as far as the head to header bolts. After some research I think I am going to go with the FRPP shorties because all I hear about is them being a perfect fit, and my engine will be naturally aspirated. All in all I would estimate that there is at most an hour more install time with equals.

 

[Sicarius428]

If I were to do it again I would get the FMS headers.
Kevin

 

[Strype]

ANYTHING but HEADMAN!!! take my :Word: for it

 

[Rockin302]

Do the ford racing headers bolt right in or do I have to loosen parts of the exhaust system to install?

In my old mustang I remember I had to loosen some bolts downstream of the cats in order to put them in. Oh, I had the BBK shorty headers for that application.

 

[Daggar]

You "may" have to loosen some other bolts to get everything to line up correctly. It's usually a good idea anyway so that when you bolt the two pieces together, they have the freedom to match to each other for the best fit.

 

[Sicarius428]

Equal lengths are more of a hastle to install and mate up and supposidly fall short a little power from the unequal lenths. Save your effort and money and get the unequal lenths.
Kevin

 

[The Fox]

BBK all the way. Worked for me lol. Sorry, I know u dont like em.

 

[Roland69]

I always thought BBK and MAC were good from what other's said. But I think I might go with Ford Racing when I get new headers

 

[87Mustang351]

i jsut had my motor out and i have BBK shortie headers i only took a peak and i couldnt evwen come close to a line up so i jsut said frigg it for now ill start it straight from the headers and i find they work well

 

[LB0193]

I run BBK never had a problem

 

[Jughead]

I just installed had a set of SS Ford Racing shorties. They replaced a set of shorty Hedman's that rusted out rather quickly.

 

[5.0 Nostalgia]

I just took my 4 year old Ford shorties off my stock heads and installed them on my Trick Flow Twisted Wedge heads and they lined up like new. I would recommend them.

 

[90_Red_LX]

I put a set of ceramic macs on mine, no problems at all with it lining up. I heard bad things about them on the forums, but from my experience I would highly reccommend them Also I've heard the frpp headers are a great fit but thats from reading, not from experience.

 

[PhLoBuS]

Ford Racing headers sound the best to me, I have been looking around for quite some time. About to order some right now. I am just not sure which x-pipe to go for. I hear Magnaflow is not worth the money. I was thinking BBK but I am not sure.

 

[bentley429]

I run BBK never had a problem

Same here.