I want to do an exhaust upgrade and thinking about goin with shorty headers since I want to keep it emissions legal here in Oregon. I know long tubes is the way to go on a mod motor, but like I said before, emissions. So I just want to get some feedback if shorty headers are even worth it. How much horses will it yield? sound difference? I've heard that people dont really notice any difference and wanted to be sure before I dive in and do this. Also, how do the stock manifolds hold up as far as being restrictive?? Thanks for any help.

 

I went with the JBA shortys with a bozzanni off road x-pipe. The sound is great. I've heard the same headers with cats, still sounds great. Either way it's much better flow and sound than stock.

 

shorties are still a good upgrade. they flow better than the stock manifolds and they will give you a more aggressive tone.

 

ok I heard it is a pita to install and the shop wants like $700-800 dollars for the install. Think I can tackle this myself with some simple hand tools?

 

maybe, i have never done headers on a stang yet, but ive heard you can either drop the k-member and get to the headers from under the car, or leave it in and jack up the motor after loosening the motor mounts.

 

Donno.. what sorta work have you done? Can you swap out a water pump or intake manifold? How are you at fixing stuff like seized bolts?

 

i would do it, if they are equal length headers, they will perform better, but i dont think it really matters..... do it

 

Yeah I can swap that stuff out..I had a seized brake rotor that was stuck on the wheel hub and I couldnt get that thing off if my life depended on it. Had to use a gear puller to get it free.
So guys that have aftermarket headers.. is there a big difference in sound from stock to aftermarket?

 

The easiest way to put shorties on is just jackin out the motor, you can put them on in the jack and drop it right back in. It's like a 4 hour job if your up for it. It took about 6hrs to do my buddies longy headers.

 

was there a huge difference in sound when you upgraded to better shorty headers ??