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

Worst header install to date

  • Thread starter Thread starter N02-87FOX
  • Start date Start date Jun 24, 2010
N

N02-87FOX

New Member
Sep 3, 2007
7
0
0
Jun 24, 2010
#1
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #1
Just installed Mac Longtubes 1 5/8 in my 89 fox convertible. Just a heads up for anyone getting ready to do this. I got the headers and h pipe for about 400 and to make them fit was another about 300, so in total will be about 700 bucks to make them fit. Also the instructions wont tell you that you will need to remove the starter to install the passenger side, also wont tell you that the passenger side will rest on the k member so you will need to either shimmy your motor mounts or but new, I went with energy suspension ones it raise it enough to keep it from resting on the k member but kept it low enough to let the hood close. Now the driver side was a pain it caught on the steering shaft so I replaced it with one from flaming river to correct, you will have to cut to fit. It was a pain but I got her done and anyone going through the same problems have any questions just ask. Also the h-pipe fits but you will have to line up each side them connect the h in the h-pipe and to get it to slide in I used a 2x4 and a BFhttp://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=20H. So to save yourself the heartache with the headers order a new steering shaft and new motor mounts and you should be good!
Heres some pics of them installed.
















 

tannerc91gt

This last 25% is foreign territory at this point
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
4,392
2,967
234
Indiana
Jun 24, 2010
#2
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #2
Longtubes are a PITA. It's a well-known fact
 
J

Jack's95gt

Member
Aug 15, 2004
443
1
18
Huntingdon Valley, PA
Jun 24, 2010
#3
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #3
That chrome didn't waste any time turning blue. I also had to get the aluminum steering shaft with BBK LT. I hope the Macs leave plenty of clearance around the starter motor. Long tubes can heat soak a starter motor in stop and go traffic. The cure is fab up a heat shield and protect the starter.
 
H

Haus

Member
Jul 20, 2005
408
0
16
Jun 24, 2010
#4
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #4
Sounds like a PITA


those plug wires are a mess tho lol those are very long. what brand?
 

ID89GT

10 Year Member
May 26, 2008
1,659
18
49
Spokane Valley, WA
Jun 24, 2010
#5
  • Jun 24, 2010
  • #5
I love my BBK longtubes I can have them in the car ready to be bolted up in about 15 mins once the engine is raised a bit lol
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,015
1,613
194
NJ
Jun 25, 2010
#6
  • Jun 25, 2010
  • #6
From the looks of it you have a set with no solid flange.
You think you had trouble installing them the first time, just wait until you have to change the gaskets.
They may never go back on. Have several pry bars handy, the bolts probably won't line up.
Yet another lesson i learned the hard way.
 
N

N02-87FOX

New Member
Sep 3, 2007
7
0
0
Jun 25, 2010
#7
  • Jun 25, 2010
  • #7
well good news is they are copper gaskets so hopefully will never need to change. LoL.
 

stykthyn

I want to measure mine. It doesn't look that tall.
15 Year Member
Jul 6, 2006
5,232
2,652
223
gainesville
Jun 26, 2010
#8
  • Jun 26, 2010
  • #8
not a fan of individual flanges. a few people get away without issues, most need a blow torch and a pry bar to get them back in a second time. That was my biggest reason to go with BBK's.
 
E

ebk06

Member
Feb 23, 2007
113
12
18
Jun 26, 2010
#9
  • Jun 26, 2010
  • #9
My cheapo summit brand LTs went on fairly easy and have worked fine. The driver side was a little tricky but would have been easy with a lift to raise the car high in the air. Next time i install LTs im sure with a buddy helping it could be done in about 2 hours or less.
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,811
234
Dublin GA
Jun 26, 2010
#10
  • Jun 26, 2010
  • #10
All that money, sweat, busted knuckles and frustration for 5 HP more than a nice set of FRPP stainless steel shorties? Doesn't sound like it would be worth the trouble to me...
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,015
1,613
194
NJ
Jun 26, 2010
#11
  • Jun 26, 2010
  • #11
jrichker said:
All that money, sweat, busted knuckles and frustration for 5 HP more than a nice set of FRPP stainless steel shorties? Doesn't sound like it would be worth the trouble to me...
Click to expand...

I'm with you, i've never understood the draw of long tubes on non-race cars.
 

KamiKaziDK

Member
May 16, 2005
555
0
17
Mesa, Az
Jun 26, 2010
#12
  • Jun 26, 2010
  • #12
My buddies MACs weren't that hard to install, yeah you have to remove the starter and unbolt the steering shaft.....but that doesn't take long at all. Got his LTs used with a pro-chamber off ebay for around 220 bucks shipped too, swapping out a catalytic h-pipe is much easier for emissions now! lol
 

GreatWhite

Member
Feb 24, 2006
232
1
17
Fairfield, PA
Jun 28, 2010
#13
  • Jun 28, 2010
  • #13
2000xp8 said:
From the looks of it you have a set with no solid flange.
You think you had trouble installing them the first time, just wait until you have to change the gaskets.
They may never go back on. Have several pry bars handy, the bolts probably won't line up.
Yet another lesson i learned the hard way.
Click to expand...

Amen to that. It took me about an hour just trying to get my headers realigned when I did my intake install awhile back.

(Bolt busted off in the head and couldn't removed it to save my life, so had to swap a head. Headers were just more headaches on top of it.)

+1 for liking shorties over longtubes on non-racers, too...
 

90lxcoupe

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 7, 2003
3,596
350
134
Jun 28, 2010
#14
  • Jun 28, 2010
  • #14
your motor mounts were probably shot to begin with and ive seen a few cars, including my own that had mac longtubes withe the stock steering shaft
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Exhaust 1 3/4” Long Tubes on a Fox Body AOD – Easiest route?
  • 5.0 Mike
  • Mar 19, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
6
Views
1K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Mar 21, 2025
5.0 Mike
Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
330
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
S
Engine Stalls when downshifting/coasting
  • Scott_S
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
644
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 6, 2025
Mustang5L5
1
Engine Motor swap from a 2003 Explorer
  • 1996mustang new
  • Oct 9, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
517
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2025
squeak93
G
2001 Mustang GT noise after header and control arm (x2) install
  • gilmo5
  • Jan 8, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
3
Views
268
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 12, 2025
weendoggy
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?