Header Question
 

As most of you know, I have been debating putting a new exhaust system on my '94 Mustang GT. I have decided on a non-cat'd H-pipe system (I think from BBK). My new debate is this, if I'm going to do it right, should I instal headers too? I assume yes, so will someone educate me on headers. What is the performance difference between longtube and short tube? Equal length shorties and non-equal length shorties? If I go with headers, I will most likely match the header brand to the h-pipe brand, unless you guys don't think much of the BBK headers.

Thanks again,

Jamie

I would go for the headers also. That is one of the first mods that I did to my car. I have mac eaqual length shorties. They were a pain in the *** to install. I hear nothing but good about bbk's, ease of install and overall quality of workmanship, short and long tubes. I didnt notice much except the sound. It gave it a better tone. I have been thinking about long tubes myself.

the mustang is one of few cars that come from the factory with headers... not unlike the cold air induction it's a nice feature and lots of people get aftermarket CAI kits and headers but they dont realise they allready have them..... I dont think you will feel a difference with new shorties, they are basicaly just larger smoother tubes then the stock ones... they are certainly better, dont get me wrong.. the stock units are a kinked up mess....but I dont think they are different enough to make like 20 HP difference like most claim. Long tubes on a mustang are what standard headers are on any other car... well older ones at least. Long tubes as supposedly better for LOW END torque. Though I think you could spend 150 on something else to get you more HP then headers... you can allways get them later... maybe a set of pulleys would be a good investment... tough to say what's the best way to spend 150 bucks.
-as

Chunk,

Once again you provide me with much needed wisdom! I wish you lived closer so I could take you out for a drink!
I knew there were headers on my car, but I assumed that, like most factory components, they rob more power than they make. I really didn't want to spend the money on headers, and now I don't think I will. Like you say, they can always be added later. As you say, with a basically stock motor, I won't notice enough of a difference to make them worth it. So now, my project is limited down to an o/r H-pipe and a set of mufflers. I know I can find some good used BBK h-pipes for sale, so now to decide on a muffler. Do you have any preferences in this area?

Thanks, oh wise Mustang Gurus!

Jamie

Chunk,

Once again you provide me with much needed wisdom! I wish you lived closer so I could take you out for a drink!
I knew there were headers on my car, but I assumed that, like most factory components, they rob more power than they make. I really didn't want to spend the money on headers, and now I don't think I will. Like you say, they can always be added later. As you say, with a basically stock motor, I won't notice enough of a difference to make them worth it. So now, my project is limited down to an o/r H-pipe and a set of mufflers. I know I can find some good used BBK h-pipes for sale, so now to decide on a muffler. Do you have any preferences in this area?

Thanks, oh wise Mustang Gurus!

Jamie

The only problem with that theory is, if you want to go with long tubes, you will have to shell out the money for another h or x pipe. They are not compatible with both. But, if you dont mind buying the same thing twice, go with it man.

Caymon

He's right about the long tube issue... if you do get long tubes someday you'll need a new H pipe.. though if your H pipe isnt wasted by then you could sell it... the stock headers are pretty crappy dont get me wrong... BUT, the idea of the header it to keep the exhaust front inferfering with it self... like an old manifold would do... so granted they arent the best.. you've still got the basic function of the header. I'm going with some new heads and intake and cam this weekend.. I plan on keeping the stock headers until I get some runs in.. and then switching to a set of BBKs I bought.. I HOPE I will see a difference.. but I dont expect much.

I'm certainly not an expert on this stuff.. I like to think of my self as a jack of all trades, master of none...

I just find that people tend put money into places where it could be better spent. like the CAI kits.. man, I cant belive they cost 150 bucks for a chrommed aluminum TUBE... thats crazy.

a K&N style filter might be a nice add on... not going to gain ALOT of HP.. they claim 15 but I would guess 5 on a good day... but it's a lifetime of air filtering... never have to buy a new one again.. so it's not that bad for 40 bucks.. a paper one might cost 10-15 in a store.. so .. it pays for itself eventualy.