On the fence over installing headers on x my 03 2.3L whippled 03 Cobra engine rebuild.

[mike69440]

I am truely undecided on whether to install headers during the installation of my stock cammed 4.6L rebuilt motor.
I figure the blower does a fairly decent job of evacuating the cylinders, so I question if I will need or even feel another 25 hp or so, plus I worry about header leaks, etc. Will shorty headers do even anything? Mid length or full length?
W,ith cast iron logs and a 4 lb lower, it made 600hp, cruised at +20 mpg, could rip the tires in 2nd gear to 80 mph, an would have lasted 250,000 miles had I no stupidly overreved and detonated the motor on bad gas.
I like the IDEA of headers but fear I will regret them. Cost of the headers is not an issue, as with a full motor rebuild, new T56 Magnum, twin disc clutch, etc., this is going to take $25,000.
I would appreciate any advice and anyone's experiences.

 

[01yellercobra]

If it's out, might as well. Shortys aren't worth anything. You'll want at least mid lengths. Mine dropped about 1-1.5psi after install. So they're working.

The blower doesn't evacuate the cylinders, it fills them. You need a more efficient exhaust system to evacuate the extra air being pumped in.

If you get quality headers and install them with good gaskets and fasteners they won't leak.

 

[Murderedsvt]

Do it

 

[slow98cobra]

For folks that have done it, are you able to pull the transmission if you have long tubes? Thought I read somewhere that can be tough with some brands.

Just thinking about future maintenance and something to consider for mid vs long tubes

 

[01yellercobra]

Depends on the header. I can't remember which allow it and which don't. The one time I needed to get the bellhousing off my engine with the Bassanis in place I had to remove one collector to get the clearance. Maybe tilting the engine or even dropping the K a couple inches would have made it so I didn't have to do that. I was able to get the trans itself out without touching the headers though.

 

[86GN_inPA]

For folks that have done it, are you able to pull the transmission if you have long tubes? Thought I read somewhere that can be tough with some brands.

Just thinking about future maintenance and something to consider for mid vs long tubes

That’s my trans right after I reinstalled. Headers didn’t come out and I had zero header trans clearance issues while working.

You will need some improvised heat shielding on your clutch cable with long tubes. Ask me how I know.

 

[HudsonFalcon]

LT’s start to shine above 600whp. Shorty’s or mids are negligible.
If the engine is out and price isn’t a factor I’d do Kooks or ARH.

 

[hotcobra03]

Go long tube..

The sound is unique..

If you watch a few videos of mustangs leaving the show..

The sound will stand out.

 

[PC03GT]

Headers for sure....if you need any videos to persuade you just ask

 

[CobraBob]

If it's out, might as well. Shortys aren't worth anything. You'll want at least mid lengths. Mine dropped about 1-1.5psi after install. So they're working.

The blower doesn't evacuate the cylinders, it fills them. You need a more efficient exhaust system to evacuate the extra air being pumped in.

If you get quality headers and install them with good gaskets and fasteners they won't leak.

THIS!

I haven't heard of anyone installing long tube headers and regretting it, except for maybe a ground clearance issue, but even that is rare. They work! They sound great! Do it!

 

[mike69440]

Recommendations on best mid length header?

 

[Recon]

Whatever you get, get remflex gaskets. We use them at the shop any time for header installs. They seal up to .06 of an inch. The material is used on bulldozers. Only flaw is they are a one time use. If you have to take the headers off then you’ll need to replace the gaskets.


Sent from somewhere in the twilight zone…

 

[03' White Snake]

Recommendations on best mid length header?

I run Bassani mid lengths. No issues with transmission work or anything. I also run the Remflex gaskets and never have had a leak. I’m making over 800hp thru them.

 

[DSG2003Mach1]

I’m not thrilled with my kooks ground clearance etc. if you go long tubes I’d go arh

 

[NateDogg]

Do it. even better since the motor is out.

The sound alone is worth it too me. I'm a fan of the American racing headers, they tuck up nicely and allow room for the trans to come down.

 

[hotcobra03]

For me ..I reused the steel oem gasket
I had them on and off many times..

The last head repair the longtube stayed connected to head as it was removed and installed...

If it isn't a show car ..buying used parts would save alot.

I had gotten a mid pipe with cats for if inspection was needed. And off road mid was installed for every day use

 

[sam92lx]

Yes. I bought headers for the sound alone. I don't like the sound stock manifolds give off, ESPECIALLY under WOT. I bought ARH because of the fitment. Kooks really hang low.

 

[mike69440]

Whatever you get, get remflex gaskets. We use them at the shop any time for header installs. They seal up to .06 of an inch. The material is used on bulldozers. Only flaw is they are a one time use. If you have to take the headers off then you’ll need to replace the gaskets.


Sent from somewhere in the twilight zone…

Ordered Remflex gaskets, thanks for advice.
Anyone try JBA mid lengths? I want at least 409 Stainless, prefer 300 series stainless. I have Stainlessworks exhaust.
Smaller high tire starter? 108 k on OEM, so I figure I should change it.
Are those cheap SVE starters any good?
Ford Performance?

 

[mike69440]

Cant seem to find Bassani mid lengths in Stainless steel?

 

[vr4]

with kooks my trans damn near falls out. havent pulled it with the ARHs yet but im sure its the same.

dont waste the time or money with shortys. long tube or nothing.