Honestly, I can't confirm if the headers need to be loosened to change a clutch, but I did hear the same "rumor" that with Flowtech, you don't. I will keep looking to try to find out for sure.
Might be interested. Will they fit a 03 cobra. If so I will get a set. Also will they fit with stock cats or will I have to change them out with something.
According to Flowtech application chart, they fit 1996-2003 Cobra's with the 4V engine. Their p.n. is 12114-1flt. You will need to either buy their x-pipe or do a custom x-pipe. The Flowtech x-pipe does not come with cats and it's about $105 from Summit Racing.
$200 shipped for brand new painted Flowtech 4V long tube headers.
PM me for my Paypal id if you are interested. I will ship on Thursday if payment is received by Wednesday.