How Do You Install Long Tubes On A 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra?

silverstreaksvt · 09-19-2007

Hey all, I went to try and install a set of MAC longtubes on my 2003 Cobra yesturday and to my disappointment couldn't figure out how to get most of the bolts out of the headers. Has anyone done longtubes themselves on this year mustang and if so does anyone have any tips or easy ways of taking off the stock headers and installing the bolts in the new ones? The spring towers in front are in the worst position to work around.

**stlwagon** · 09-19-2007

If you disconnect the motor mounts and jack the engine a little do you think you might have better success?

silverstreaksvt · 09-19-2007

I'm not too sure. I was thinking about that, but I was hoping there was an easier way lol

JD04COBRA · 09-19-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by silverstreaksvt

I'm not too sure. I was thinking about that, but I was hoping there was an easier way lol

Sorry to rain on your parade but, I installed my Kooks full lenghts myself and I had to raise the motor about 3-4 inches and then I dropped the K-member out. It made things easier but, very time consuming. All the effort and time are worth it though. The sound you get is awesome. All the shops I checked with were charging somewhere between 500-1000 to put them on. I was not about to pay that. But there again I had the tools and more importantly the time to do it. Good luck!

harris2003svt · 09-21-2007

theres no other way around it you have to raise your motor out of the engine bay to get them to fit

2003turbocobra · 09-21-2007

just drop k member..did total job in 4 hours with a lift
while your at it go with a tubular k member , a arms and coil overs

04Venom · 09-23-2007

I don't have any experience in doing this, but I've asked around before. Everyeone says that you have to drop the k-member to do this.

silverstreaksvt · 09-26-2007

Thanks a ton guys for all the help. I'm gonna try it again next weekend. Is the K member hard to drop out? I took a quick peek at it the other day, but didn't size up how big of a job that is. Can't wait to get everything on the car.

silverstreaksvt · 10-02-2007

I dropped the K-member but I can't get it complete free because the steering shaft won't come loose. Anyone that has done this, any tips to get that to release so I can drop the K-member right out? Any help would be appreciated!

rich96cobra · 10-02-2007

everyone is right.....drop the k member

4 hours? Yeah right.....it took 5 to 6 hours with a mechanic. I would not recommend this without a professional. I can change oil, brakes, etc. But I hired a professional. We took our time, and if you do this for a living, 4 hours is possible. I would not put myself on a time line though. plan on it being a little more than 4 hours.

This is not a small job. If you know what you are doing and know exactly where, what, when....it is not that bad. We could probably do in 4 hours now that me and my mechanic figured it out. The mechanic cousin took 2 days cuz he tried it without dropping the k member!

To me....it is not worth it. 15-30 hp.....no spank you! I will save up for a supercharger.

One more thing, I purchase wire for the 02 sensors would not reach.

Good luck!

silverstreaksvt · 10-03-2007

thanks again all for the help. Got the headers in with a little tweaking to the header on the driver's side to get around the steering column, and all I have left is to install the x-pipe, and then it's all set. I put the K-member back up by myself with a jack and some patients last night hehehe. Afterwards I'm sure I'll need an alignment, but I can't wait to start her up. Thanks again!!

2003turbocobra · 10-07-2007

yes it only took 4 hours, had car on a lift and used tall jack stands to hold motor up. once k member is out its as easy as it gets. also ditched stock k member for the upr set up.