So I am sure this has been talked about extensively but I couldn't find anything on it; so my 05 is NA and its has a a few bolt ons but my question is: I want to get a set of LT's and X pipe and I have read a few places that w/ the set up I have I may lose pwr so it isn't a good idea??? (specifically in the lower rpm range; something like lose low end hp but gain a tiny bit of low end torque???) Is this true??? Sorry for the stupid question...

 

The Long tube header will give gains in the higher rpm range, where the scavanging pulses are ideal. The opposite with stock, or a shorty header. Headers don't neccessarly MAKE power, the simply shift the power band slightly. Same with dealing with intake runner lengths.

So yes you will trade some low-end for top-end. Great for drag racing where you are at WOT all the time.

On the same dyno, I have 310hp and 323 TQ. My friend who has Kooks headers w/ Hi flow cattedX, is at 316 324. All I have is an O/R H on exhaust.

We both trap about the same in the 1/4. He wins solely on his 4.10's and better 60fts lol.

 

So I am not totally off base??? I am asking for opinions --> I want to learn as much as possible. For a NA motor then you are suggesting it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to go that route considering the cost??? Is the benefit more the sound? For that kind of money should I go a different route?

 

As long as you are aware of what you are getting, I don't see a reason not to get them.
Depending what your ultimate goals are, the LT's can come in handy later with further mods. I may get some myself later down the road.

 

I know exactly what I would be getting and I know the benefits in combination w/ a power adder of some sort or with new heads etc; I just have no idea what to expect w/ a bolt on motor??? I mean I will eventually down the road be getting a SC but right now I am considering a 1 5/8 sys which isn't necessarily the best for a SC. So I am looking at the benefits right now; I really want to know if the money is worth the results??? would you recommend it???

 

The power to cost ratio is not the greatest with a bolt-on GT. Hard to tell you which way to go. What mods do you have, every bolt-on?

 

Unfortunately performance wise not that much... I put most of my money into the suspension 1st. Intake / Tune, Cat back, Pulleys. Thats all I can think of off the top of my head.

 

All recommendations you've received are very accurate. I personally would look at shortys, especially if you are lowered or plan on lowering your car. Check out the numbers here and you may change your mind...
https://themustangsource.com/showthr...shorty+headers

 

I can't make a decision for you. The headers will be sweet, and you understand the slight tradeoff. If you can take care of the headers now, why not?
The question is to get catted or O/R

 

No I understand and appreciate all the help; I just want to make the most informed decision I can. I am looking for a descent (I know that is all relative; but the next big bump for a bolt on) bump in power

 

I got 15hp 15tq of peak gains from a simple O/R H and catback. Not sure what headers have to offer for me, but I'm sure its minimal at this point. You already have a catback, so I think an O/R mid-pipe would be next step.

However, it will be a waste to get one now and later get LT's and you will end up getting a new mid-pipe. I see you want to make the correct choice, the first time.

I'm at the same spot really, further bolt-ons get more expensive and less gains. An aluminum drivshaft is at that price point too, a bit of reduced drive train loss. Something I'm considering right now.

 

Not entirely, long tube headers in a moderate primary pipe diameter can improve the scavenging at fairly conservative engine speeds. The longer the primary pipe, the lower the point where resonant (rarefraction) tuning occurs.

Its been sometime since I've read over it, but Jim McFarland had some intersting info about the subject

http://www.n2performance.com/perform...tems/index.htm

This article didn't seem as in depth as one I read on this site previously, but it should offer some good pointers.

 

Good article. At this point my friend has the same bolt-ons with Kooks, and 5hp, equal peak TQ on me. My dyno shows better low-end.

 

Man I am SO SO torn on what to do..... I have some money to spend this christmas and as sales go this is a great time to do something. What to do? What to do?

I would welcome any and all suggestions for similar value b/t 1k - $1,500....

Think adding some delete plates would make any difference???

 

From my understanding, if you are adding anything that will allow your engine to breather better short of a CAI, then you will benefit from long tubes. Of couse some of this is due to the new high-flow cats / offroad midpipe. But a power adder such as turbo, sc, or cams will go hand in hand with your long tubes. Remember, more in air means your engine has to push more out.

Delete plates will take off some torque on the low end and put it on the high end. Will go nicely with a power adder/ cams

 

See If I go w/ LT's on a NA engine I have read that you should go 1 5/8 but if you have a Power Adder go 1 3/4... So will I be screwing myself if I go 1 5/8 now and Down the road I add a SC???

 

Any opinions on this Today????

 

Hey bud, I can offer some insight, as I have had my American Racing Longtube Headers for over 2 years now and couldn't be happier with them. 1st off, the power I got (with a custom dyno tune and my Airaid CAI) was great! I dyno'ed to 302 RWHP/323 RWTQ. Equating to 350/375 flywheel! THe car PULLS in 3 and 4th gear like it NEVER did before the install. But, the best part of the entire install....THE KILLER SOUND!!!! I have Borla Stingers, and use American Racing's catted H-Pipe, and the sound is SICK!!! The day I drove it home from the install (an install I was NOT going to do. Not for lack of tools, as I have a lift, but didn't want to deal with the steering shaft removal and lifting the motor), I didn't even have my radio on, it sounded SO EFFIN GOOD!!! I had 3 people who followed me through the course of driving home, tell me at red lights the car "sounds sweet"!

I was the 1st in my Mustang Club to get longtubes (in PA and Jersey) as we have emissions tests, and passing them are a MUST (another thing you have to check into is emissions tests in your state with Longtubes). As mine passed the 1st time easily, 6 others got them. The power I got when driving in 4th gear, up a hill, it will sit you back in the seat!! Now, with the power I listed, I plan on getting another custom dyno tune, but will have the MVT insert tube removed from my Airaid. This is the tube that they use to keep the MAF stock size to keep the computers happy for anyone who wants to keep the car stock, but use a CAI. When removed, more gains can get reached, as the MAF size is ALOT larger (close to the Saleen Extreme and C&L Racer). I'm hoping to get to 310 or 315 hp, but we'll see.

Oh, and another thing, about clearance? My car is stock ride height and I have NO PLANS on lowering. There is NO ISSUES with clearance. The headers I have, are perfect. They DON'T hang any lower than the chassis and I have NEVER scrapped going over speed bumps. Everything has been great. I got a few CELS (P0133) but the O2 sensor was bad. Replaced it and not a hitch after that. The power you get, and the sound you get is worth it IMHO! The reason I did it, was mainly for sound, as I wanted a car that sounded REALLY REALLY GOOD! The Borla Stingers by themselves were good, even great, but I wanted something a few notches higher, but not obnoxious. The Longtubes, with a catted H-Pipe (H will give a deeper sound, while an X will be a bit raspier. I know this as some of my friends have hi-flow X-Pipes and they do sound raspier than mine) and Borla Stingers is the PERFECT sounding exhaust in my eyes!!! I get compliments everywhere I go, even 4 years later!! Its a wonderful thing and I couldn't be happier. If you have any questions, let me know.

 

Man Now I don't know if I should go w/ an H or X.... I guess I should just suck it up and do it!!!!!

 

That is all personal preference. If you like a deep sounding exhaust, get an H-Pipe. If you like a raspy sound, go for the X-Pipe. Also, you have to figure if you want hi-flow cats or an off-road pipe. I drive my car at least 4,000 miles a year, to a high of 8,500 a year (what my special insurance allows for cheap rate), and driving without cats would get old REAL QUICK to me. Hi-Flow cats is the perfect medium for making it loud, but muffling enought to make it tolerable and enjoyable.