Headers as a first mod wouldn't be all that great unless they were the Long tube headers.

Shorties are a great add on, but not so great as a core/standalone mod.

You'd be much happier with CAI/tune, gears, delete plates, pullies and then headers...

(-:

 

thank you ill have to look into those american racing ones!!
when do you plan on getting them.


to stealth GT

yea i was told that before, so ive decided that i will save my headers for later, but i still wanted to know what people are running and such because i will most likely get the other mods such as CAI, tune, and some gears soon, so i was just interested in what i should get

btw stealth gt how are your jba headers doing and how do u like them?

 

They're great!

They are a nice compliment to my other mods.

 

I can tell you as an undeniable truth that the American Racing headers are the best ones. I've installed TWO sets on my own car, they are very expensive and one set was damaged while working on the car. I even had a set of Mac Headers and Kooks headers laying around from project mustangs but bought new American Racing ones instead.

Furthermore the Saleen factory did back to back tests for their demo cars of different headers, they're the only ones I know of who have done such tests and publicly revealed the details. They independently came upon the opinion that ARH headers are also the best both in sound and horsepower.

Finally Ford itself uses American Racing on the Cobra Jet mustang, because not only do they sound the best will all exhaust systems but they make the most horsepower in their testing.

The Longtube headers are NOT a low gains mod. If you get the $1500 no cat version they're quite good (I got the catted version due to emissions testing).

The no cat version gives gains at $41 per horsepower, and makes your car sound amazing.

The C&L racer intake gives gains at $32 per horsepower.

A supercharger like the 500 hp Whipple gives gains at $35 per horsepower.

A tuner like the x-calibrator gives gains at $23 per horsepower.

4.10 gears give gains at $34 per horsepower equivalent (using a simple calculation of comparing the dyno chart to the change in position in the power band), however they also reduce your MPG.

 

since the topic is already headers.. i just need to know if theres a biiiiig difference between LT headers and shorties (as in HP gains) cuz there is a biig pricing difference between the two..so if it doesnt make that much of a difference im thinking of going for shorties..
and one more thing..1 3/4 or 1 5/8?

 

If doing radical cams or getting forced induction you'll benefit from the 1 3/4" if you’re staying relatively stock then you'll get more benefit from the 1 5/8". 1 3/4 on stock or almost stock motors result in more tq loss down low but think of your long term goals for the car and go from there. As far as long tubes vs. shorties go,,,, it is a very long debate and I personally again I like long tubes. Both will give you gains but long tubes will give you a higher top end gain over shorties, but then again long tubes in general benefit from cams or FI or both, were as shorties are good for relatively stock vehicles. depends on what you want in the long run.

almost forgot, I have Macs 1 3/4" LT headers as I plan on getting cams in the future and they sound great fit great and are ceramic coated. they cost around 450ish so they have a very attracive price. When you compare difference between American racing and Macs as far as performance gains to cost ratio I'll make up the 6ish HP difference on something else, Macs 450ish American racing 1500ish, for 1000 bucks I have a down payment on a supercharger or something else, just my thoughts though I'm not trying to knock anybody with them or anything as they are nice.

 

wow thanks guys you guys helped me out a lot, ill let u know what i get when i get mine done.

 

Just go Kooks.

 

I'm having American Racing LT's installed this week. IMO - the best choice, and yes a little pricier, but I got a good deal.

As for a first mod though - I'd go CAI/Tune. You'll be much happier. Check out Brenspeed, Tillman Speed, or Bama for a CAI/Tuner package deal. For under $600 you'll get both and pick up 25-30 HP. A set of gears would be my next choice if I were you, I went with 4.10's, some people like 3.73's or 3.90's more. Its a personal choice.

Good luck.

 

Honest, you really should do a CAI/tune combo first. It really wakes up the car, the throttle response is so much better. And you feel the power too, most give the car a good 20rwhp gain.