BBK or MAC?

TwiLighTBluEGT · 07-31-2002, 02:19 PM

I need new headers for my car. Should I go with the BBK Jet-Hot coated equal length shorties? Or the MAC HTS coated equal length shorties? Which is a better quality header? Anyone know?

HiFlow5 0 · 07-31-2002, 02:32 PM

BBK!!! I've heard that the MAC hts coating flakes off after a while. Plus I'm not a fan of MAC headers. I really don't like there individual flanges. They warp over time and are a pain then the ... to reinstall.

Oh and TwiLighT, check your PM, I sent you something.

chris91LX · 07-31-2002, 03:39 PM

BBK's I had the shorties before I got the LT's and never had a problem matching up an h pipe with them. I used to swap the stocker with a Bassani o/r x pipe and never had a problem with fit. I've heard the Macs all have fitment probs with everything except the Mac h pipes, they make them in differen't dimensions. I also never met anyone who had Macs and liked them.

TwiLighTBluEGT · 07-31-2002, 03:46 PM

HiFlow50, this may be a stupid question. But what do you mean check my PM? What is PM? Private message? I am new to this board, but I will figure it out

VeNuM · 07-31-2002, 06:28 PM

BBK, take it from someone who has MAC headers.

Mike Wolking · 07-31-2002, 07:42 PM

I run the BBK full lengths and i am pleased with everything but the coating. There starting to rust lightly after having for just one year now. I've heard of poor workmanship in the Macs.

nunly94gt · 07-31-2002, 08:26 PM

My LT's started to flake(BBK) but they remain intact. I sold them but I miss them. They sounded mean as heck. Especially when I converted to 3" exhaust on my 88.

1hot5.0 · 07-31-2002, 11:41 PM

I have talked to a couple of guys, and they say they like there mac headers, the coating just flakes off after a while due to engine temps. If you are on a budget, go with the macs, if not, I say go with the bbk's.

94cobra2 · 08-01-2002, 07:32 AM

I have had my BBK shortys for 2 years and there still in perfect shape.

bigred90gt · 08-01-2002, 08:37 AM

I definately say BBK. I have the MAC equal shorties, and HiFlow50 is right, they warp. I bought them used, got a great deal, it took me all day to put them on. We had to use a pry-bar to line up the flanges with the heads. After all that I still had a leak. I bought an Bassani o/r X pipe, and had to cut it, bolt it to the header, and weld a sleeve onto it to cover the gap because it wouldn't fit.

From what I hear, BBK's fit great.

SCOTTLT79 · 08-01-2002, 09:51 AM

I'm actually in the market for headers as well. I have been looking at the BBKs, actually, pretty sure that I'm going to get them within the next week or so. I was curious about the "Jet-Hot" coating you guys are talking about. The ones I was looking at seemed to be the best that BBK had, and it said that they were polished ceramic and some guys were telling me that these were the best for the heat problems in the engine compartment.

Are these ones coated or not? And do you think that I should go with the equals or unequals?

And one more thing, where do you guys know the best prices on these, the best I found were at brothersperformance.com.

write back in this thread or PM me, I appreciate it guys.

Scott

SlowGT · 08-01-2002, 11:26 AM

Hooker SuperComps.

They were the only equal length shorty I could find to match my exhaust ports. MAC & BBK were both too small. All the weld at the flange was inside the tube, so I couldn't port match the header. The Hookers were welded about 90% around the outside of the tube. Was able to grind out an almost perfect match.

Flowtech makes a good =length for 87-93. Put a set on an 87 over 4 years ago. Sold the car locally, and the guy still has them on.

I'm not familiar with the pricing on the coated headers. Is the cost of the coating worth the few HP gain?

TwiLighTBluEGT · 08-01-2002, 11:54 AM

SCOTTLT79-

The cermanic coated ones are the Jet-Hot coated ones. The best price that I have seen for them so far was $300. for the equal length Jet-Hot coated shorties from Summit. Good Luck

SCOTTLT79 · 08-01-2002, 06:50 PM

Hey Twilight,
I just wanted to let you know that those headers on summit are $350 and they are $330 at brothersperformance.com. If you are buying more than headers, I would price the total purchase at both places and check shipping to get the best price. I think that brothers has the best prices on BBK, or so I've found so far. If anyone knows different, PLEASE

let me know

Scott

maverick0716 · 08-01-2002, 08:34 PM

The Jet Hot (ceramic) coated headers do not give you any horsepower increase however they do look a hell of a lot better than any other finish and it lasts too. They also do a great job of keeping underhood temps down.

Mach 1 · 08-01-2002, 09:08 PM

testing, disregard

WheelsUp · 08-03-2002, 10:00 AM

I have never been a fan of mixing and matching parts especially exhaust components because there are too many little variables that can make things not line up right.
If you decide to go with the Brother's stuff buy the headers and the h-pipe from them,if you do the same with Mac do it. Yes I know Dr.Gas makes a killer X-pipe,and a few others out there,but mixing and matching parts I feel is not good.

SlowGT · 08-04-2002, 11:54 AM

No mix and match???

Does that mean that my engine would work better if I didn't have Hooker headers, pacesetter H-pipe & a flowmaster cat back? What about my heads...I've got CompCams springs, locks & retainers attached to my Milodon MegaFlo valves being pushed by my Crane Hi-Intensity roller rockers all one happy family on my World Product heads. Will my timing stay good even though I'm using a Cloyes chain on a Ford adjustable sprocket? Or how about brand-X C-clip eliminators on Moser axles in a Strange spool in a Ford 8.8 housing? Just some curious questions.

Mix and match (IMHO) is the only way to go. Very seldom does one manufacturer achieve the best in performance on every part. Headers need to be selected to match the exhaust ports. Unless you're using stock heads. Then the question might be.."How big will the exhaust ports be on my next set of heads?? Maybe I could get away with reusing them if a plan for future mods"

Come to the street, you might learn something

black86notch · 08-04-2002, 11:59 AM

does anyone know where I can get a set of long tube headers jet hot coated (ceramic)? How much am I looking at to get that done?

Thanks,
Tom
'86 notch

WheelsUp · 08-04-2002, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SlowGT
No mix and match???

Does that mean that my engine would work better if I didn't have Hooker headers, pacesetter H-pipe & a flowmaster cat back? What about my heads...I've got CompCams springs, locks & retainers attached to my Milodon MegaFlo valves being pushed by my Crane Hi-Intensity roller rockers all one happy family on my World Product heads. Will my timing stay good even though I'm using a Cloyes chain on a Ford adjustable sprocket? Or how about brand-X C-clip eliminators on Moser axles in a Strange spool in a Ford 8.8 housing? Just some curious questions.

Mix and match (IMHO) is the only way to go. Very seldom does one manufacturer achieve the best in performance on every part. Headers need to be selected to match the exhaust ports. Unless you're using stock heads. Then the question might be.."How big will the exhaust ports be on my next set of heads?? Maybe I could get away with reusing them if a plan for future mods"

Come to the street, you might learn something

See it is things like this is the reason why I do not post on these boards,see if you would read my post I said I would not mix and match parts,that is my opinion,but I understand,no problem.
You can do whatever you want to your car and I can do whatever I want to mine,he only ask opinions,it is just like you get guys "at the track" you best belive other than maybe an intake or this part the exhaust is custom from front to back.
Black to answer your question BBK or Brothers sells Long tubes with ceramic coating for 449 1 3/4 tubes,I have a set and I like them.

07-31-2002, 02:19 PM	#1
TwiLighTBluEGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 157	BBK or MAC? I need new headers for my car. Should I go with the BBK Jet-Hot coated equal length shorties? Or the MAC HTS coated equal length shorties? Which is a better quality header? Anyone know?

07-31-2002, 02:32 PM	#2
HiFlow5 0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Springfield, Ma, usa Posts: 706	BBK!!! I've heard that the MAC hts coating flakes off after a while. Plus I'm not a fan of MAC headers. I really don't like there individual flanges. They warp over time and are a pain then the ... to reinstall. Oh and TwiLighT, check your PM, I sent you something. __________________ NewEngland Auto www.baystategearheads.com -91 Mustang Coupe, ex 4cyl (sold) -99 F150, 3" lift, 35" Procomps, Magnaflow exhaust

07-31-2002, 03:39 PM	#3
chris91LX Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1998 Location: Suburban Chicago, Hanover Park Posts: 695	BBK's I had the shorties before I got the LT's and never had a problem matching up an h pipe with them. I used to swap the stocker with a Bassani o/r x pipe and never had a problem with fit. I've heard the Macs all have fitment probs with everything except the Mac h pipes, they make them in differen't dimensions. I also never met anyone who had Macs and liked them. __________________ My Ford Club http://www.midwestfords.org/ Best time N/A 12.9 @ 107 1.711 60' 125 shot - 12.04 @ 113 1.59 60'

07-31-2002, 03:46 PM	#4
TwiLighTBluEGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 157	HiFlow50, this may be a stupid question. But what do you mean check my PM? What is PM? Private message? I am new to this board, but I will figure it out Last edited by TwiLighTBluEGT; 07-31-2002 at 03:52 PM..

07-31-2002, 06:28 PM	#5
VeNuM Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 464	BBK, take it from someone who has MAC headers. __________________ 1989 Black Mustang GT Hatchback, Underdrive Pulles, Electric Fan, Cold Air Intake, Headers, Offroad H-Pipe, Magnaflow catback, Steeda Tri-Ax, Fluidyne Aluminum Radiator, Timing at 14*, 3.73's Coming not so soon: 408w Ricer Hater's Club Member #59

07-31-2002, 07:42 PM	#6
Mike Wolking Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Northern Kentucky Posts: 49	I run the BBK full lengths and i am pleased with everything but the coating. There starting to rust lightly after having for just one year now. I've heard of poor workmanship in the Macs. __________________ 90 coupe, Cobra brakes, 17x9 cobras MM lowers, SVO uppers, 3.73s, BBK 1 3/4 full lengths, H pipe, flows, subframes, H&R springs, Tokico 5-ways, Pro 5.0. Subframes, K&N, Strut brace, CC plates,83K miles, New Paint.....FOR SALE!

07-31-2002, 08:26 PM	#7
nunly94gt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: biloxi, ms Posts: 7	My LT's started to flake(BBK) but they remain intact. I sold them but I miss them. They sounded mean as heck. Especially when I converted to 3" exhaust on my 88. __________________ 1994 GT cobra intake, 1" spacer, BBK CAI, 75mm MAF, 65mm Tbody, 24# injectors, off road hpipe, 2 chamber flows w/ dumps, mallory AFPR, tremec 3550, hays hd clutch, alluminum d/s, pro 5.0 short throw shifter. Waiting in th shadows....... 306ci, 10.2:1 compression, edelbrock performer rpm heads, 2.02/1.60 valves, X303 cam, scorpion 1.72 rockers.

07-31-2002, 11:41 PM	#8
1hot5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 172	I have talked to a couple of guys, and they say they like there mac headers, the coating just flakes off after a while due to engine temps. If you are on a budget, go with the macs, if not, I say go with the bbk's. __________________ 91 Mustang LX 5.0 Convertible AOD Mdifications: K&N filter, Mac Catback, BBK aluminum u/d pulleys.

08-01-2002, 07:32 AM	#9
94cobra2 Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: St. Joseph, MI Posts: 33	I have had my BBK shortys for 2 years and there still in perfect shape. __________________ 1994 mustang gt Zex 75-125 shot, BBK equel lentgh headers, off road x-pipe, flowmaster 2 chamber. bbk underdrives, FMS 3:73, MSD 6al ignition, BBK cold air induction, 70mm throttle body, C&L mass air, K&N cone. Pro 5.0. 96 corba rear buber, 1998 cobra wheels 17/8, BFG Comp TA ZR 275/40 rear,245/45 front Best ET 13.24@105.5

08-01-2002, 08:37 AM	#10
bigred90gt 2 Stangs in the Stable Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Baytown, TX Posts: 1,209	I definately say BBK. I have the MAC equal shorties, and HiFlow50 is right, they warp. I bought them used, got a great deal, it took me all day to put them on. We had to use a pry-bar to line up the flanges with the heads. After all that I still had a leak. I bought an Bassani o/r X pipe, and had to cut it, bolt it to the header, and weld a sleeve onto it to cover the gap because it wouldn't fit. From what I hear, BBK's fit great. __________________ '90 GT Under construction Best E.T. = Fast @ High Speeds - OK So I Lie. So What!!! 04 F-150 STX 4.2L 5 spd Rice Haters Club Member #128

08-01-2002, 09:51 AM	#11
SCOTTLT79 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Raynham, Ma, USA Posts: 189	I'm actually in the market for headers as well. I have been looking at the BBKs, actually, pretty sure that I'm going to get them within the next week or so. I was curious about the "Jet-Hot" coating you guys are talking about. The ones I was looking at seemed to be the best that BBK had, and it said that they were polished ceramic and some guys were telling me that these were the best for the heat problems in the engine compartment. Are these ones coated or not? And do you think that I should go with the equals or unequals? And one more thing, where do you guys know the best prices on these, the best I found were at brothersperformance.com. write back in this thread or PM me, I appreciate it guys. Scott __________________ 95 Red Mustang GT Pro 5.0, MAC fenderwall cold air induction kit, BBK Off-Road H-pipe with Magnaflow cat-back system Mostly stock(looking to modify) Rice Haters Club Member #63

08-01-2002, 11:26 AM	#12
SlowGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Columbia Co, PA Posts: 303	Hooker SuperComps. They were the only equal length shorty I could find to match my exhaust ports. MAC & BBK were both too small. All the weld at the flange was inside the tube, so I couldn't port match the header. The Hookers were welded about 90% around the outside of the tube. Was able to grind out an almost perfect match. Flowtech makes a good =length for 87-93. Put a set on an 87 over 4 years ago. Sold the car locally, and the guy still has them on. I'm not familiar with the pricing on the coated headers. Is the cost of the coating worth the few HP gain? __________________ Old Slow GT New Slow GT--> under construction Latest Addition: 95 Cobra R, #73, bone stock, ~6100 miles.

08-01-2002, 11:54 AM	#13
TwiLighTBluEGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 157	SCOTTLT79- The cermanic coated ones are the Jet-Hot coated ones. The best price that I have seen for them so far was $300. for the equal length Jet-Hot coated shorties from Summit. Good Luck

08-01-2002, 06:50 PM	#14
SCOTTLT79 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Raynham, Ma, USA Posts: 189	Hey Twilight, I just wanted to let you know that those headers on summit are $350 and they are $330 at brothersperformance.com. If you are buying more than headers, I would price the total purchase at both places and check shipping to get the best price. I think that brothers has the best prices on BBK, or so I've found so far. If anyone knows different, PLEASE let me know Scott __________________ 95 Red Mustang GT Pro 5.0, MAC fenderwall cold air induction kit, BBK Off-Road H-pipe with Magnaflow cat-back system Mostly stock(looking to modify) Rice Haters Club Member #63

08-01-2002, 08:34 PM	#15
maverick0716 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Chilliwack Posts: 4	The Jet Hot (ceramic) coated headers do not give you any horsepower increase however they do look a hell of a lot better than any other finish and it lasts too. They also do a great job of keeping underhood temps down.

08-01-2002, 09:08 PM	#16
Mach 1 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Location: Georgia Posts: 3,866	testing, disregard __________________ 2002 GT 1993 GT (SOLD) '93 Mustang GT RHC member #142

08-03-2002, 10:00 AM	#17
WheelsUp Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: At The Track Posts: 20	Just an opinion I have never been a fan of mixing and matching parts especially exhaust components because there are too many little variables that can make things not line up right. If you decide to go with the Brother's stuff buy the headers and the h-pipe from them,if you do the same with Mac do it. Yes I know Dr.Gas makes a killer X-pipe,and a few others out there,but mixing and matching parts I feel is not good. __________________ Come to the Track you might learn something

08-04-2002, 11:54 AM	#18
SlowGT Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: Columbia Co, PA Posts: 303	No mix and match??? Does that mean that my engine would work better if I didn't have Hooker headers, pacesetter H-pipe & a flowmaster cat back? What about my heads...I've got CompCams springs, locks & retainers attached to my Milodon MegaFlo valves being pushed by my Crane Hi-Intensity roller rockers all one happy family on my World Product heads. Will my timing stay good even though I'm using a Cloyes chain on a Ford adjustable sprocket? Or how about brand-X C-clip eliminators on Moser axles in a Strange spool in a Ford 8.8 housing? Just some curious questions. Mix and match (IMHO) is the only way to go. Very seldom does one manufacturer achieve the best in performance on every part. Headers need to be selected to match the exhaust ports. Unless you're using stock heads. Then the question might be.."How big will the exhaust ports be on my next set of heads?? Maybe I could get away with reusing them if a plan for future mods" Come to the street, you might learn something __________________ Old Slow GT New Slow GT--> under construction Latest Addition: 95 Cobra R, #73, bone stock, ~6100 miles.

08-04-2002, 11:59 AM	#19
black86notch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: North Jersey Posts: 4	does anyone know where I can get a set of long tube headers jet hot coated (ceramic)? How much am I looking at to get that done? Thanks, Tom '86 notch