yourmom6990

I didn't see it in the instructions, but how many lbs should I torque the headers?

Siber Express

Since you can only torque 2 I did mine hand tight, heat cycled the car and retorqued them before I even got it off the Jack stands.

Matt's 95 Stang

DONT DO IT!!!....j/k. I just installed mine a few months ago and damn what a frustrating install. Like Siber said the bottom, rear, passenger side nut is the WORST to get tightened. Take your time and walk away a few times if you have to.

Matthew

Siber Express

Quite a few times LOL

yourmom6990

So I just finished installing the BBK shorty headers!! woohoo! To be honest, the install was a lot easier than I thought. Took about three hours by myself. The old manifolds came off in about ten minutes per side. But putting the new ones on was a bit tricky. If anyone is going to do this in the future, get a 1/2 ratcheting wrench with a flex head, saved me loads of time. And whatever you do.. DO NOT use the ratcheting wrench on the bottom rear passenger side nut when tightening back up. The distance between the header and the stud is way too close and the wrench gets stuck in between and will not come out. So make sure to use a box end on the nut to tighten it back up. It is a bit tedious so take your time. Also, I took the battery out as well as the plastic battery holder. Freed up a lot of room to give me space to work. I've also read some people saying they would reuse the stock gaskets.. personally, I think the supplied BBK ones are better. Not only because they are perfectly cut for the BBK headers, but also they are one piece where as the stock gaskets were three layers of metal and they looked like crap. Noticed a nice bump in mid range torque. Cleaned up the sound nicely as well. Thanks for everyones help.

JayBeStangs94

great informative thread for when I'll be installing mine!

How has your driving experience altered after installation?

Siber Express

I don't have to downshift as often and can even leave it in a higher gear exiting a corner. Driving in the mountains it did seem to do a lot better than it did before the headers.
The Powerband is just a lot smoother, no more jolt at 3000 RPM, it happens when you hit the throttle.

yourmom6990

Also, I soaked the headers bolts with some PB blaster the night before the install and they came off smooth as butter

I've noticed a decent bump in midrange power. It also takes less pedal when passing people on the highway in 6th gear.