Looking for some helpful tech info on headers

[talstang]

I am looking to add headers to my 2005.5premGT. A few questions: What headers are the best value for the buck? Is discoloration common (i put on about 3-5K mi / season)?

With headers should I run 'H', 'X' or stay stock? And Why?

If I put headers on would I have to have car retuned? WIll I run into issues?

Also thinking about 4:10, I understand I would have have to change mph with tuner. Anything else, though?

I currently have bassani cat back, C&L cai (larger flow unit, dyno'd with custom tune @ 91o (predator)

Any good information is appreciated...

Thanks fellow NYmustang crew!

talstang
Tom

 

[matt07gt]

First off....welcome to NYM

Answer a few q's first
Headers.....how much do you want to spend? There are lots of good headers out there for the s197's and they all range in price.

H or X pipe...do you want a deep grumble or something more raspy?

if you do headers you will need a retune...and the same for if you do 4.10's. I have 4.10's right now and I LOVE them!!!!!!! I have a xcal2 so I had to call my tuner and get a new tune. I could have just switched it on the handheld but my tuner just e-mailed me a updated tune instead.

 

[talstang]

Thanks for your interest in my questions, matt07gt. I kind of like the rumble of the bassani, but looking for a little bit more sound, not to obnoxious. As far as cost...? I guess I am looking for good performance & fit and a company that stands by their product, really. My only thought would be higher higher quality, less discolloration? Would that be tru?

What are a few mfg's that you would request. I can check them out online

As far as the retuning? If I install the headers, do you think I would be able to start the vehicle and drive it to have it then tre-tuned on the dyno? As far as the gears, I will have them installed so that 'back lash' can be checked. I am looking for 'no whining' and just trust myself per say to do that.

talstang

 

[deekum1627]

well i think the best headers for the buck is mac they fit like a glove and sounds great i love them. some of the most expensive ones are kooks and american racing headers

 

[mustangirl02]

headers do not REQUIRE a tune but if you want the most horsepower potential from your modifications a tune is nice. 05+ mustangs have had issues with long tube headers and the high flow cats from certain companies and not passing inspection in NYS. If you want more info on that PM me.

You will need to get a tuner to recalibrate your speedometer for the gears

 

[needforspeed]

I run Kooks LT catted H and flowmaster american thunders and love them - I did have an inspection issue though but they say the 08+ had more issues than 07 down. Make sure you instal O2 exstentions in and it will aleviate some of the issue.

As far as discoloration - you can always have them powdercoated or ceramic coated prior to install - I wish I had done that.

Here is a clip for sound

 

[talstang]

Thanks all for the support. I'm going to do some research...I'll probably have a few more questions,Im sure. I want to do some of the installation work other than the gears, I want to make sure #1 I happy with the sound and #2 I want to be able to drive away. At least until I can have it re-tuned.

talstang

 

[deekum1627]

i have clips of my car on youtube just look up my name

 

[PARALYZR]

I just purchased a pair of BBK silver ceramic headers and magnaflow stainless Direct X high flow cats & X pipe. I went with the magnaflow Direct X because its the only mid section that keeps the OEM design so you dont need O2 sensor extensions, more importantly I am adding a turbo so I needed an OEM fit and design. I'll let you know how the parts look when they come in and how they installed. Kyle, who is a member on here hooked me up, shoot him a PM. His car is listed for May MOTM