So I hear that the long tube headers wont pass inspection here in California - so I guess my next best option would be shorty headers, right?

Does anybody know which short tube headers are going to produce the most hp gain? Or is it pretty much a waste or 300?

 

I hear the JBA shorties are your best bet. Shorties will not be as loud as LT, but will still change the tone to a deeper cooler sound. They also give most of thier gains in the low and and mid range. Where as the LT gives most of their gains up high, but still gain low as well.

If I were to get shorties (I have LT waiting to be installed though ) I'd get JBA.

BTW, you mis-spelled mustang under your username. It says "2006, Msutang GT"

 

Alright - thanks. That was exactly what I wanted to know Some of the shorties boast about a 15 hp gain (of course nothing about torque, but I hear that increases as well) - so for the money that seems like a pretty good price.
The JBA Cat4ward Shorty Headers from AmericanMuscle.com so far are what I've been leaning towards. They're a little more expensive than all the others - but I guess you get what you pay for, right?

And thanks for letting me know about that typo :P

 

One other quick thing - can the install be done myself?

If so, does anyone know of any good directions that I could follow D:

 

Unless you're a mechanic or solid DIY guy probably not. Either way the install itself is a PITA and probably needs a lift for ease of install.

As far as directions put bbk header install in google and youll find it.

 

I've also heard good things about the BBK shorty headers. They are equal length like the JBA, but cheaper because they are generally made from mild steel and are chrome or ceramic coated.

Don't forget to purchase some Stage 8 locking bolts for your install! They're about $50, but will keep your headers from leaking in the future.

 

Yeah, the BBK ones seem to be the other really popular one.

It sounds like I'm gonna need to get them installed - which makes me rethink this a little, maybe it would be best to wait and get a new mid-pipe while I'm at it?

 

The JBA headers are much different than the bbks in design and theoretically should have better gains. If you look at good pictures of them, the JBAs have very smooth bends in the pipes. The BBKs are very tight towards the motor and have sharp bends and shorter tubing. I am going to go with silver ceramic JBA shorties when I get a little more money saved up. To install the headers, you have to jack up the engine and remove the motor mounts, remove the steering shaft, move the steering rack, and then get a ton of bloody knuckles. I'm letting a shop do mine. Here is a dyno i found online for the JBA shorties.

 

Wow, I love the TQ gains!

I'm sure those are a little more than the average gains that should be expected, but those are still great numbers. I'll call the shop tomorrow and update you on the price of the install.

I see what you're saying about the JBA vs the BBK headers, the JBA headers seem much more smooth.

 

JBA is probably the best in the business at shorties.