Ordering long tube headers...what to buy..please help

dragstang86 · 04-21-2003, 06:46 PM

Im ordrering long tube headers and a shorty x-pipe for my car but and undecided about who to go with. I want a good looking header so i was thinking about the bbk chrome and there matching shorty x-pipe.

Will these fit with my C-4? Right now i have equal length shorties and an x-pipe on it.

Would I be better off with a 1 5/8 header or a 1 3/4 header, with the set up in my sig. I will be swapping out the unported cobra with the new RPM 2 asap. My car is very torquey right now with the c-4 3500 stall and the 373's and have lots of traction issues on the street because of it. I ran a 12.57 on slicks but only at 105 mph.

I want to make the right decision the first time......

thanks for your help.

NotchJohnson · 04-21-2003, 08:02 PM

The 1 5/8" will be ample for your setup, you dont wanna get crazy and lose low end with the 1 3/4". I also woulodnt worry about looks too much, unless you are gonna be real careful on the install. I have macs, and Ive heard bbk's are easier to install, but Im sure they are still a PITA. Mine got scratched up a bit now are rusting.

dragstang86 · 04-21-2003, 08:19 PM

did you have to loosen the motor mounts and jack up the engine to get them in there? I have a flaming river rack and steering shaft which gives more clearance so im hoping that will make things easier. I have also dont have any AC lines or anything to fool with because the ac and air pump are long gone. Any tips?

thanks for the help

Bob · 04-21-2003, 08:37 PM

I have the BBK 1 5/8 chrome longtubes on my '85. They've been on for a couple of years now and still look good, although I have to admit that I polish 'em whenever I do the rest of the car.

I had the trans and bell housing out when I put them on, so I just stuck 'em in from the bottom. You will have to jack the motor up to put 'em on, but that's no big deal. I've done it on a couple of other cars. I would recomend the BBK's, as I picked up a couple of tenths with them over the JBA shorties I had on the car before.

dragstang86 · 04-21-2003, 08:53 PM

thanks for the info... I will actually have the trans out that same day because im putting on a new flywheel (couple messed up teeth make starting noisy) and replacing the tailshaft seal. So will putting them in with the trans out make this a fairly easy job?

thanks for the help

Bob · 04-21-2003, 11:14 PM

Yep. With the tranny and bell housing out they'll go in without having to take the motor mounts loose. If I remember right, I think I pulled the starter off on the pass side too. It's tight, but it'll go back on with the headers in place, and I'm still running the bigger starter.

NotchJohnson · 04-22-2003, 01:01 AM

Yup, having the tranny out will make life ALOT easier for you. The started needed to be pulled on my car too, its was just in the way enough to tick me off. I also had to lift the hell out of the motor, until it touched the firewall. I have heard, like I said before, that the bbks are easier to install. I have a feeling it wil all go well for you and you should have any probs.

ChunkFunky · 04-22-2003, 07:28 AM

Chrome is nice but it tends to discolor when it gets real hot, like when it's on headers... I think that may have something to do with the qualilty of the chrome job too... if you go with ceramics, they'll look almost chrome and will keep the heat level down alot better.. might wanna look into that
-as

RED92LX50 · 04-22-2003, 08:44 AM

I have had the BBK LT Ceramics for about year and they look as great as they did when I took them out of the box. Driver side was cake (from underneath) - passenger side was much more fun (from above).

I had to fab brackets to reposition my smog lines and dipstick from the tubes.

Also, if your O2 sensors are old, get the Bosch replacements with the longer wires - then you won't have to splice/move the stock clips too much.

And, if your motor mounts are old, you may want to replace them - the LT's sit lower under the car and may scrape some driveways.

dragstang86 · 04-22-2003, 11:11 AM

Im gonna order them now....thanks for all the replies...hopefully ill even see a gain at the track over my equal length shorties

drudis · 04-22-2003, 11:07 PM

MAKE SURE YOU GET MATCHING HEADER/H-PIPE. They do make different ones for different companies (dont mix/match).

I went with Jet Hot coated 1-5/8".

93GTDIN · 04-23-2003, 03:35 PM

TO MY KNOWLEDGE:

BBK's nor MAC's will fit a C4 of an AOD.

THe only ones that fit to my knowlege are the FLowtech longtubes, Bassani longtubes, and of course, shorties. I found this out the hard way, just trying to save you some BS.

Oh, and dont buy the flowtech, the quality is dismal.

dragstang86 · 04-23-2003, 08:38 PM

damn.....i just ordered the bbk's with the matching x-pipe last night so they were shipped today and i just read your post about them not fitting c-4's or aod's. damn damn

thanks for the help

93GTDIN · 04-24-2003, 01:40 AM

well i'd say contact bbk to find out for sure before you send them back.

dino

ChunkFunky · 04-24-2003, 07:09 AM

They didnt ask you about the transmmission when you ordered it? I know when it comes ot H pipes it matters.. though shorties I dont think do, I would imagine long tubes would be slightly different as well... yeah worst case, call BBK and then return them to who you bought them from and tell them to ask next time and not assume.
-as

04-21-2003, 06:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
dragstang86 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: baltimore, md Posts: 220	Ordering long tube headers...what to buy..please help Im ordrering long tube headers and a shorty x-pipe for my car but and undecided about who to go with. I want a good looking header so i was thinking about the bbk chrome and there matching shorty x-pipe. Will these fit with my C-4? Right now i have equal length shorties and an x-pipe on it. Would I be better off with a 1 5/8 header or a 1 3/4 header, with the set up in my sig. I will be swapping out the unported cobra with the new RPM 2 asap. My car is very torquey right now with the c-4 3500 stall and the 373's and have lots of traction issues on the street because of it. I ran a 12.57 on slicks but only at 105 mph. I want to make the right decision the first time...... thanks for your help. __________________ 90 LX Hatchback 306, AFR 165's 58cc, E303, 1.6 roller rockers, 70mm throttle body, cobra intake, bbk fenderwell, bbk longtubes, x-pipe, flowmasters, pullies, msd 6a, crane ps-92, stock MAF sensor, electric fan, No AC, No air pump, flaming river quick ratio rack C-4, 3500 stall, 373's, aluminum driveshaft SSM Lift bars, , sub frame connectors, strut tower brace 12.57 @105.12mph w/ 1.686 60ft before bbk longtubes (with equal shorties) ----------------------------------------- 86 tube chassis coupe - the trailor queen

04-21-2003, 08:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
NotchJohnson Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Florida Keys Posts: 593	The 1 5/8" will be ample for your setup, you dont wanna get crazy and lose low end with the 1 3/4". I also woulodnt worry about looks too much, unless you are gonna be real careful on the install. I have macs, and Ive heard bbk's are easier to install, but Im sure they are still a PITA. Mine got scratched up a bit now are rusting. __________________ 89 notch-finally not stock!! ported gt40's, ported cobra intake, 65mm tb, 75mm maf, mac cai, lt's,prochamber, fms 1.6 rr, 125 shot.

04-21-2003, 08:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
dragstang86 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: baltimore, md Posts: 220	did you have to loosen the motor mounts and jack up the engine to get them in there? I have a flaming river rack and steering shaft which gives more clearance so im hoping that will make things easier. I have also dont have any AC lines or anything to fool with because the ac and air pump are long gone. Any tips? thanks for the help __________________ 90 LX Hatchback 306, AFR 165's 58cc, E303, 1.6 roller rockers, 70mm throttle body, cobra intake, bbk fenderwell, bbk longtubes, x-pipe, flowmasters, pullies, msd 6a, crane ps-92, stock MAF sensor, electric fan, No AC, No air pump, flaming river quick ratio rack C-4, 3500 stall, 373's, aluminum driveshaft SSM Lift bars, , sub frame connectors, strut tower brace 12.57 @105.12mph w/ 1.686 60ft before bbk longtubes (with equal shorties) ----------------------------------------- 86 tube chassis coupe - the trailor queen

04-21-2003, 08:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
Bob "Old School Gearhead" Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Peru, Illinois Posts: 617	I have the BBK 1 5/8 chrome longtubes on my '85. They've been on for a couple of years now and still look good, although I have to admit that I polish 'em whenever I do the rest of the car. I had the trans and bell housing out when I put them on, so I just stuck 'em in from the bottom. You will have to jack the motor up to put 'em on, but that's no big deal. I've done it on a couple of other cars. I would recomend the BBK's, as I picked up a couple of tenths with them over the JBA shorties I had on the car before. __________________ 1985 Mustang GT '85 GT "Red302" 12.96@107.1 N/A ... Sprayin' for the 11's 2003 Torch Red Mach1 '68 Fastback ...331 Stroker "Restomod"

04-21-2003, 08:53 PM	#5 (permalink)
dragstang86 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: baltimore, md Posts: 220	thanks for the info... I will actually have the trans out that same day because im putting on a new flywheel (couple messed up teeth make starting noisy) and replacing the tailshaft seal. So will putting them in with the trans out make this a fairly easy job? thanks for the help __________________ 90 LX Hatchback 306, AFR 165's 58cc, E303, 1.6 roller rockers, 70mm throttle body, cobra intake, bbk fenderwell, bbk longtubes, x-pipe, flowmasters, pullies, msd 6a, crane ps-92, stock MAF sensor, electric fan, No AC, No air pump, flaming river quick ratio rack C-4, 3500 stall, 373's, aluminum driveshaft SSM Lift bars, , sub frame connectors, strut tower brace 12.57 @105.12mph w/ 1.686 60ft before bbk longtubes (with equal shorties) ----------------------------------------- 86 tube chassis coupe - the trailor queen

04-21-2003, 11:14 PM	#6 (permalink)
Bob "Old School Gearhead" Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Peru, Illinois Posts: 617	Yep. With the tranny and bell housing out they'll go in without having to take the motor mounts loose. If I remember right, I think I pulled the starter off on the pass side too. It's tight, but it'll go back on with the headers in place, and I'm still running the bigger starter. __________________ 1985 Mustang GT '85 GT "Red302" 12.96@107.1 N/A ... Sprayin' for the 11's 2003 Torch Red Mach1 '68 Fastback ...331 Stroker "Restomod"

04-22-2003, 01:01 AM	#7 (permalink)
NotchJohnson Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Florida Keys Posts: 593	Yup, having the tranny out will make life ALOT easier for you. The started needed to be pulled on my car too, its was just in the way enough to tick me off. I also had to lift the hell out of the motor, until it touched the firewall. I have heard, like I said before, that the bbks are easier to install. I have a feeling it wil all go well for you and you should have any probs. __________________ 89 notch-finally not stock!! ported gt40's, ported cobra intake, 65mm tb, 75mm maf, mac cai, lt's,prochamber, fms 1.6 rr, 125 shot.

04-22-2003, 07:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
ChunkFunky Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 465	Chrome is nice but it tends to discolor when it gets real hot, like when it's on headers... I think that may have something to do with the qualilty of the chrome job too... if you go with ceramics, they'll look almost chrome and will keep the heat level down alot better.. might wanna look into that -as __________________ '89 GT Convertible: TFS TW Heads, TFS Street Intake, TFS Stage 1 Cam, FMS 1.6 RRs, 24# Injectors, Pro-M 75mm MAF, No Name CAI, 3.73s, O/R H-Pipe, FlowMasters, AOD w/ Trans-Go Shift Kit

04-22-2003, 08:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
RED92LX50 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 220	I have had the BBK LT Ceramics for about year and they look as great as they did when I took them out of the box. Driver side was cake (from underneath) - passenger side was much more fun (from above). I had to fab brackets to reposition my smog lines and dipstick from the tubes. Also, if your O2 sensors are old, get the Bosch replacements with the longer wires - then you won't have to splice/move the stock clips too much. And, if your motor mounts are old, you may want to replace them - the LT's sit lower under the car and may scrape some driveways. __________________ 1992 LX 5.0 Convertible Red/Blk Gears, Exhaust, bolt-ons... R.H.C. #51

04-22-2003, 11:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
dragstang86 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: baltimore, md Posts: 220	Im gonna order them now....thanks for all the replies...hopefully ill even see a gain at the track over my equal length shorties __________________ 90 LX Hatchback 306, AFR 165's 58cc, E303, 1.6 roller rockers, 70mm throttle body, cobra intake, bbk fenderwell, bbk longtubes, x-pipe, flowmasters, pullies, msd 6a, crane ps-92, stock MAF sensor, electric fan, No AC, No air pump, flaming river quick ratio rack C-4, 3500 stall, 373's, aluminum driveshaft SSM Lift bars, , sub frame connectors, strut tower brace 12.57 @105.12mph w/ 1.686 60ft before bbk longtubes (with equal shorties) ----------------------------------------- 86 tube chassis coupe - the trailor queen

04-22-2003, 11:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
drudis Moderator Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Livonia, MI, USA Posts: 1,194	MAKE SURE YOU GET MATCHING HEADER/H-PIPE. They do make different ones for different companies (dont mix/match). I went with Jet Hot coated 1-5/8". __________________ Darius Rudis, Moderator Corner Carvers Delight 1989 Mustang LX - Open Track Car http://www.dariusrudis.com

04-23-2003, 03:35 PM	#12 (permalink)
93GTDIN Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Live music capital of the world, TX Posts: 324	TO MY KNOWLEDGE: BBK's nor MAC's will fit a C4 of an AOD. THe only ones that fit to my knowlege are the FLowtech longtubes, Bassani longtubes, and of course, shorties. I found this out the hard way, just trying to save you some BS. Oh, and dont buy the flowtech, the quality is dismal. __________________ 96 Cobra - a bit too stock. 14.0 @ 101

04-23-2003, 08:38 PM	#13 (permalink)
dragstang86 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: baltimore, md Posts: 220	damn.....i just ordered the bbk's with the matching x-pipe last night so they were shipped today and i just read your post about them not fitting c-4's or aod's. damn damn thanks for the help __________________ 90 LX Hatchback 306, AFR 165's 58cc, E303, 1.6 roller rockers, 70mm throttle body, cobra intake, bbk fenderwell, bbk longtubes, x-pipe, flowmasters, pullies, msd 6a, crane ps-92, stock MAF sensor, electric fan, No AC, No air pump, flaming river quick ratio rack C-4, 3500 stall, 373's, aluminum driveshaft SSM Lift bars, , sub frame connectors, strut tower brace 12.57 @105.12mph w/ 1.686 60ft before bbk longtubes (with equal shorties) ----------------------------------------- 86 tube chassis coupe - the trailor queen

04-24-2003, 01:40 AM	#14 (permalink)
93GTDIN Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Live music capital of the world, TX Posts: 324	well i'd say contact bbk to find out for sure before you send them back. dino __________________ 96 Cobra - a bit too stock. 14.0 @ 101

04-24-2003, 07:09 AM	#15 (permalink)
ChunkFunky Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Tustin, CA Posts: 465	They didnt ask you about the transmmission when you ordered it? I know when it comes ot H pipes it matters.. though shorties I dont think do, I would imagine long tubes would be slightly different as well... yeah worst case, call BBK and then return them to who you bought them from and tell them to ask next time and not assume. -as __________________ '89 GT Convertible: TFS TW Heads, TFS Street Intake, TFS Stage 1 Cam, FMS 1.6 RRs, 24# Injectors, Pro-M 75mm MAF, No Name CAI, 3.73s, O/R H-Pipe, FlowMasters, AOD w/ Trans-Go Shift Kit

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