Preparing for LT header install?
 

I was finally able to find a decently priced set of BBK long tube headers and Pypes shorty h pipe. I've been looking into the install for quite some time now, and was just looking for any more tips from people with experience with BBK LT headers.

I'll be using this article as a guide: http://www.mikefordmustang.com/writeups/ltsv8/long-tube-install-mustang-gt.php

I'll have an afternoon followed by 2 full days off in order to get them installed, along with a friend to lend a hand for at least one full day.

I've read up as much as I can find on BBK headers. They shouldn't have too many fitment issues compared to some of the other long tube header brands out there, and they are not slip fit. I've read articles on how the oil dip stick tube will need to be bent, and others saying it is not necessary. This may be a year model difference, but I'm putting these on a 2003 GT coupe. Hopefully that'll give me more room to work with.

The install itself looks like installing lowering springs (plenty of exp with that), but taking it a step further and dropping the k member.

TL;DR - Any tips and tricks for installing BBK long tube headers? Thanks!!

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I actually did them without dropping the K-member. If I had to do it again I would drop the K though so I would suggest doing that. I a late model 01 and I had to bend the oil dipstick. Another issue I personally ran into was the fact that the tube for the EGR did not line up. So I just went ahead and deleted the EGR while I was putting them on. That is something you may have to do.

What's the conciquence of deleting the EGR? Also, been quoted $450 install at a reputable shop. Would that be worth it?

It's not that hard if you drop the K member. I wouldn't even attempt it with the K still in the car, I like the skin on my arms.

If I end up needing to bend the oil dip stick, how can I manage to do that? Will one of those manual pipe benders work, by hand, or require specialized skills?

I bent mine in a vice wrapped in a rag. The install really isn't scary. People say 8 hours of headache it's pretty easy stuff though. Like undoing the sway bar bottom of strut etc is all pretty easy if you tear down one side and your buddy tears down the other at the same time you could have them done in 6. The roughest part was lining my k member back up but I was doing it on a 4 post lift and not jackstands which ate up some working room.

Some people are completely against it and some people are completely for it. The only thing you lose by removing it is a not even noticeable amount of fuel economy on the highway. Possibly a slight bit of torque at very low rpm's but nothing noticeable. Really it will just clean up the engine bay. But it's your call. I may have just got unlucky with my heads and they were drilled wrong to where I couldn't use my EGR

Drop the k member and its cake

I'm definitely dropping the k member to do the install. I'll probably do it this weekend, will let y'all know how it goes lol...

What luck I have.. Just developed an obvious exhaust leak around the driver side manifold. Can't tell if its the header itself or the connection to the mid pipe. At least I had already planned on changing it lol.