JBA vs. BBK?
02-12-2008, 09:10 AM
#11
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 109
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
Thanks for the great info kcmarti. I'm really leaning toward the JBA short-tube headers, but the BBK's are even cheaper and therefore pretty tempting if they are a quality header. I wish I could find a dyno test of the JBA's like I did for the BBK's.
The long tubes no doubt do offer more HP potential, but they also cost more and require the purchase of a catted X/H pipe to remain legal. So by my research, they will be at a minimum twice the cost of short tube headers. So rather than $350.00 to $500.00, I would be paying $1,000.00 to $1,350.00. I just don't know if the extra power is worth over twice the cost.
The long tubes no doubt do offer more HP potential, but they also cost more and require the purchase of a catted X/H pipe to remain legal. So by my research, they will be at a minimum twice the cost of short tube headers. So rather than $350.00 to $500.00, I would be paying $1,000.00 to $1,350.00. I just don't know if the extra power is worth over twice the cost.
02-12-2008, 09:25 AM
#12
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 300
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
ORIGINAL: bkmagby
Thanks for the great info kcmarti. I'm really leaning toward the JBA short-tube headers, but the BBK's are even cheaper and therefore pretty tempting if they are a quality header. I wish I could find a dyno test of the JBA's like I did for the BBK's.
The long tubes no doubt do offer more HP potential, but they also cost more and require the purchase of a catted X/H pipe to remain legal. So by my research, they will be at a minimum twice the cost of short tube headers. So rather than $350.00 to $500.00, I would be paying $1,000.00 to $1,350.00. I just don't know if the extra power is worth over twice the cost.
Thanks for the great info kcmarti. I'm really leaning toward the JBA short-tube headers, but the BBK's are even cheaper and therefore pretty tempting if they are a quality header. I wish I could find a dyno test of the JBA's like I did for the BBK's.
The long tubes no doubt do offer more HP potential, but they also cost more and require the purchase of a catted X/H pipe to remain legal. So by my research, they will be at a minimum twice the cost of short tube headers. So rather than $350.00 to $500.00, I would be paying $1,000.00 to $1,350.00. I just don't know if the extra power is worth over twice the cost.
02-12-2008, 09:54 AM
#13
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 109
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
Thanks, those are really impressive gains! I wish I could find an independent test to back those numbers up. But I'm sure that JBA is a pretty trustworthy and reputable company.
02-12-2008, 10:15 AM
#14
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 109
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
To all of you that are running short tube headers, did any of you re-tune after you installed them? It seams that with short tube headers a tune is not required, this was also stated by GT-Bob in his recent write-up. Just wanted to get a consensus of what everyone one was doing that installed their short tube headers.
Also, for those of you that have installed short tube headers, how pleased are you with the results. Can you feel the difference? Was it worth all the time, effort and expense to buy and install them?
Thanks again.
Also, for those of you that have installed short tube headers, how pleased are you with the results. Can you feel the difference? Was it worth all the time, effort and expense to buy and install them?
Thanks again.
02-12-2008, 10:29 AM
#15
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 300
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
I added my tune well after the header install. In my opinion it is worth the expense. As far as time and effort, when working on the Mustang, isn't that a good thing??? One thing I will add about the JBA shorty's - they ironed out the drone that I was getting (in the 50 - 60 MPH range) after replacing the stock mufflers withthe JBA mufflers.
02-15-2008, 12:50 PM
#16
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 4,552
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
ORIGINAL: kcmarti
First, you do not need new motor mount for JBA shorties. Second, thosewho say there is little or no benefit from all shorties, do not know what they are talking about.While itis true that LTssupport, and will achieve,higher HP, it is in the upper RPM range and at the cost of low end torque. I did extensive research on the shorties before deciding on the 1 1/2" JBA ceramic coated header, shorties from BBK, MAC and Hooker. The BBK and MAC, while better than the stock manifold have unequal length tubes. The JBA and Hooker shorties are made with equal length tubes which greatly aid in exhaust scavenging. The Hooker's in particular, and the JBA's as well,are designed to improve low end torque and HP. Both are capable of supporting mid to upper 400 HP applications. I eventually choose the JBA shorties for two reasons, (1) they came with1 1/2" tubes (which enhance even further, their low end torque production), and (2) they were available with the (more expensive) silver ceramic coating, which I could not get from the Hookers). Installwas relatively easy -I did mine by myself, in the driveway,with only ramps anda hydraulic floorjack - took me about 6 hours and 4 beers.
First, you do not need new motor mount for JBA shorties. Second, thosewho say there is little or no benefit from all shorties, do not know what they are talking about.While itis true that LTssupport, and will achieve,higher HP, it is in the upper RPM range and at the cost of low end torque. I did extensive research on the shorties before deciding on the 1 1/2" JBA ceramic coated header, shorties from BBK, MAC and Hooker. The BBK and MAC, while better than the stock manifold have unequal length tubes. The JBA and Hooker shorties are made with equal length tubes which greatly aid in exhaust scavenging. The Hooker's in particular, and the JBA's as well,are designed to improve low end torque and HP. Both are capable of supporting mid to upper 400 HP applications. I eventually choose the JBA shorties for two reasons, (1) they came with1 1/2" tubes (which enhance even further, their low end torque production), and (2) they were available with the (more expensive) silver ceramic coating, which I could not get from the Hookers). Installwas relatively easy -I did mine by myself, in the driveway,with only ramps anda hydraulic floorjack - took me about 6 hours and 4 beers.
I choose the JBA for all the same reasons you mentioned above. But I didn't get the ceramic coated version and I wish I had.
02-15-2008, 01:12 PM
#17
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 109
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
Simon1, are you running Short Tube or Long Tube JBA's? Just asking since you mentioned the headers hitting the frame rail.
Also, for all of you who have installed headers, it would be of great help to all of us who will, if you could maybemake a list of "required" as well as "nice to have" tools for the job. There's nothing worse than having you car torn down in the middle of a project and realizing you are missing a specific tool or part to finish the job.
Also as I mentioned above, could you let us know if there were any tools that weren't absolutely required, but would have made the job allot easier. A list of these “required” and most importantly “nice to have” tools would be a great resource for anyone about to install a set of headers.
Thanks.
Also, for all of you who have installed headers, it would be of great help to all of us who will, if you could maybemake a list of "required" as well as "nice to have" tools for the job. There's nothing worse than having you car torn down in the middle of a project and realizing you are missing a specific tool or part to finish the job.
Also as I mentioned above, could you let us know if there were any tools that weren't absolutely required, but would have made the job allot easier. A list of these “required” and most importantly “nice to have” tools would be a great resource for anyone about to install a set of headers.
Thanks.
02-15-2008, 02:23 PM
#18
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Maryland
Posts: 94
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
I have the JBA LTs With catted H-pipe and they are a good 8 hour install. Your basic tools should be all you need, with the addition of a torque wrench.
Assortment of sockets, metric mainly, deep and regular depth.
Assortment of extensions
Torque wrench
Open end wrench on some header bolts.
Floor Jack
Jack stands
5/16 allen socket on motor mounts (if adding).
I think that was about it. Also keep an open mind and just take your time and it will be over in about 8 hours, by yourself.
Assortment of sockets, metric mainly, deep and regular depth.
Assortment of extensions
Torque wrench
Open end wrench on some header bolts.
Floor Jack
Jack stands
5/16 allen socket on motor mounts (if adding).
I think that was about it. Also keep an open mind and just take your time and it will be over in about 8 hours, by yourself.
02-15-2008, 02:32 PM
#19
5th Gear Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Redding, CA
Posts: 4,552
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
ORIGINAL: bkmagby
Simon1, are you running Short Tube or Long Tube JBA's? Just asking since you mentioned the headers hitting the frame rail.
Also, for all of you who have installed headers, it would be of great help to all of us who will, if you could maybemake a list of "required" as well as "nice to have" tools for the job. There's nothing worse than having you car torn down in the middle of a project and realizing you are missing a specific tool or part to finish the job.
Also as I mentioned above, could you let us know if there were any tools that weren't absolutely required, but would have made the job allot easier. A list of these “required” and most importantly “nice to have” tools would be a great resource for anyone about to install a set of headers.
Thanks.
Simon1, are you running Short Tube or Long Tube JBA's? Just asking since you mentioned the headers hitting the frame rail.
Also, for all of you who have installed headers, it would be of great help to all of us who will, if you could maybemake a list of "required" as well as "nice to have" tools for the job. There's nothing worse than having you car torn down in the middle of a project and realizing you are missing a specific tool or part to finish the job.
Also as I mentioned above, could you let us know if there were any tools that weren't absolutely required, but would have made the job allot easier. A list of these “required” and most importantly “nice to have” tools would be a great resource for anyone about to install a set of headers.
Thanks.
02-15-2008, 04:32 PM
#20
1st Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Houston
Posts: 109
RE: JBA vs. BBK?
Thanks for info guys.
OrangeGTCS, do you think a set of ratcheting box end wrenches would help were the open end wrenches are needed? Also, how did you go about jacking up the engine to remove the motor mounts? Did you place something like a 2x2 under the side rail of the oil pan and just lift the side of the motor enough to remove the motor mount?
Thanks again.
OrangeGTCS, do you think a set of ratcheting box end wrenches would help were the open end wrenches are needed? Also, how did you go about jacking up the engine to remove the motor mounts? Did you place something like a 2x2 under the side rail of the oil pan and just lift the side of the motor enough to remove the motor mount?
Thanks again.