Got my headers

The H-Pipe really plays very little in terms of performance- nor does it reduce backpressure in any way- it was originally introduced to equalize the pressure between the two pipes, inducing a scavenging effect, but in reality, while it did improve some things a little, all it really, the only thing it really was effective at was to reduce noise- nothing more.

An X-pipe will increase HP if it is installed at the "area of confusion"- but that area is identified by painting a small strip on the exhaust pipes about 1/2 way between the engine and the axle- the area of confusion will cause increased heat and blister/burn the paint at that location- that's where the H or X pipe would be installed- and eliminates the air flow disturbance by sending alternating pulses in that location which acts as a "vacuum" if you will to push & scavenge the remaining and incoming air out.

With regards to headers, power gains, cats etc.....this is the most straight talk article I have seen in 40+ years....based upon real truth!!!!!!!

http://kennebell.net/KBWebsite/Common/pdfs/header_cat_xpipe_exhaust_tests.pdf

X or H also depends on what axle-back you're running, You do not want to run an X pipe with chambered mufflers.

I have Borla LT's with O/R X and Borla Stingers and and O/R X pipe.

On my setup an H pipe is a little deeper but has some trumpeting in the 2500-4000rpm area where the X just roars.

I've swapped between the X and H pipes at the track and there was zero difference ET or speed wise.

I will say it felt like the H had more low end torque but that didn't show on the time slip.

You wont need any sealer if your using the OE Motorcraft steel gaskets. It'll be burnt off anyway.


.

ghunt said:

All that shows me is the X pipe in fact does not make any more power or do anything at all.

Click to expand...

In that test you are right and in general a definite yes....because and specific to the "kits", I can almost guarantee you that because of the universal design for the X-pipe install, they are not exactly where they need to be properly located......personally, I have never run them on anything myself.

Cool

Thanks everybody for your input, I know with the MODS I already have. The torque curve should be beefy but not to crazy after I put them in. HP well if it's all at the top of the RPM Range then so be it I'm really after increasing the torque to compliment the 3.73 gears.
This will allow for a nice strong walk thru the gears I hope?

T Wayne

Definitely depends on the mufflers, I ran a catted x for about a year with my Mac mufflers and could stand it no longer. Found someone to fab up an H and am much happier. An x pipe and chambered muffs usually sound like crap in my experience. It sounds okay on the road sometimes but when you rev it, It sounds like it craps out at a certain RPM and sounds like your making pop corn or have loose metal in there. To the contrary, some mufflers like stingers, magnapacks, corsa's, pypes mid muffs etc sound great with an x. I recommend watching videos on Youtube. Even though it is just a video, if you listen with head phones or good speakers, you should be able to get a pretty good idea of what you like. Just my 2 cents.

Mac

stangus1 said:

Definitely depends on the mufflers, I ran a catted x for about a year with my Mac mufflers and could stand it no longer. Found someone to fab up an H and am much happier. An x pipe and chambered muffs usually sound like crap in my experience. It sounds okay on the road sometimes but when you rev it, It sounds like it craps out at a certain RPM and sounds like your making pop corn or have loose metal in there. To the contrary, some mufflers like stingers, magnapacks, corsa's, pypes mid muffs etc sound great with an x. I recommend watching videos on Youtube. Even though it is just a video, if you listen with head phones or good speakers, you should be able to get a pretty good idea of what you like. Just my 2 cents.

Click to expand...

Yes I have MAC mufflers so it's good to know a like situation. Thanks' for the info!

T Wayne

Mounts

My next question would be what is the best Motor Mounts because with every header that steering shaft seems to be the spot were the header may need a just a little extra room.

The 396 SS Chevelle had the same issue with the header install 3/16 of inch play to clear the steering shaft.

T Wayne

How many miles on your car? You might not need them.

My car had 70K, I just shifted the engine to the passenger side as much as I could (before the motor mounts were tightened down) and shimmed them up 1/4"...honestly I don't even think I needed to shim them, I just wanted to make sure. Lots of room around the steering shaft though.

I really honestly didn't want to get poly mounts so I'm glad it worked.

T.Wayne said:

My next question would be what is the best Motor Mounts because with every header that steering shaft seems to be the spot were the header may need a just a little extra room.

The 396 SS Chevelle had the same issue with the header install 3/16 of inch play to clear the steering shaft.

T Wayne

Click to expand...

I installed these prothane mounts, Got them off feebay for 110 shipped a couple years ago,

Prothane 05 10 Mustang "Bullet" 4 0L V6 4 6L V8 Motor Engine Mounts Billet Red | eBay

Miles

ghunt said:

How many miles on your car? You might not need them.

My car had 70K, I just shifted the engine to the passenger side as much as I could (before the motor mounts were tightened down) and shimmed them up 1/4"...honestly I don't even think I needed to shim them, I just wanted to make sure. Lots of room around the steering shaft though.

I really honestly didn't want to get poly mounts so I'm glad it worked.

Click to expand...

50,248 miles as of today.

T Wayne

drive_55_not said:

I installed these prothane mounts, Got them off feebay for 110 shipped a couple years ago,

Prothane 05 10 Mustang "Bullet" 4 0L V6 4 6L V8 Motor Engine Mounts Billet Red | eBay

Click to expand...

I want them for the adjustment and isolate the torque of the engine.
Did the mounts give that better connection feel to the drivetrain?

T Wayne