Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

Hey all, I bought a set of JBA Ceramic Long Tube headers and I plan on installing them myself. I just got done installing the CHE K member brace w/ TLs, Spohn adjustable lcas, and the watts link rear suspension so I think I can handle it.

I have a few questions though. How would one compare the long tube install to say installing what I have installed? Also, should I get the prothanes in there as well. Money is tight as I keep spending it all on my car so it would delay me to get the prothanes, and I have heard that they make the engine stiffer and squeak sometimes.

I also plan on taking the o/r h pipe that comes w/ the headers and my original to a muffler shop and asking them to cut the original cats off and put them on the new pipe. Is this feasible? I had an o/r h on there before w/ the stock manifolds and it was unbearably loud (side exhaust), so I need the cats on there for both noise and CA smog checks, but mostly noise.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

I don't have the JBA's, installed OBX LT's on mine. The prothenes will be my next purchase. I'm getting slight rub on my steering shaft on hard right turns. Have read where some have the steering shaft rub & others don't, brand doesn't seem to be a factor.
I'd have to suggest you install the headers & see if you have the problem first.
The install is time-consuming, about 6-8hrs.Not overly difficult. You'll have to remove the motor mounts & starter, jack the engine up a bit. I had to trim down 2 of the factory studs to install the headers as one primary runs close to where the manifold studs are.
Been a few write-ups on header installs, I'd do some reading before starting.

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

I wanted to buy those headers lol. You beat me to it, i couldn't get the funds together [:'(]

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

I have JBA L/T and I don't have prothenes. I don't have issue, but it only a hundered bucks and you will have the engine up so you might as will do it.

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

i would for the simple fact the old ones need to be removed anyway for the best install. So why not replace them while you have them out.

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

Sorry to ask but...What are Prothanes?

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

They are polyurethane motor mounts. http://www.lmperformance.com/5997/.html

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

The prothanes will definately give you a bit of harshness but it's all relative. I have a tubular k-member with integrated motor mounts (which gave the JBA LTs plenty of room) but I didn't think the change from stock was all that big a deal. Then again, I race the carfrequently.

As mentioned above, the install is time consuming but it's straightforward. Give yourself a long day or weekend to knock it out.

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

How about moving the cats over to the new pipe. Is that going to cause any issues with clearance? I know I don't want an o/r h pipe and buying a JBA catted h for 450 is out of the question...

RE: Installing Long Tubes/Do I need prothanes?
 

you will have to spend the 450.........look where the cats are and the size of them on them on header sets, and then look at the stock h pipe.......its worlds of difference