GT Performance Mods 2005+ Mustang GT Performance and Technical Information

shorty header install, is it tough?

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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 10:14 PM
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From: Robins AFB
shorty header install, is it tough?

I'm going to put on a Pypes H pipe someday soon and I was wondering if I should attempt to install shorty headers. Is it a tough install? I'm asking because I will already have the stock x pipe off and will only have to unbolt the headers from the block. Will I have to lift the engine like a LT install? That is a dealbreaker for me, no unbolting from the motor mounts. Are all header bolts accessable?

I know that LT's offer much more power but I will happy with 10 HP from shorty's and be able to run a legal exhaust if I must replace the stock x pipe. Also, shorty's are cheaper and if I can do it myself then it just might be worth it. THANKS!!!
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 05:38 AM
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You will need to lift the motor, unbolting it from the motor mounts and raising it with a jack. You also will need to unbolt the steering shaft. This is to intall Ford Racing shorties..... if you search alittle, I made a post about the install a couple of months ago. I don't recall the title off-hand.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 06:58 AM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=61484 Heres my thread when I installed mine! shorties !
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 10:47 AM
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From: Robins AFB
Thanks mates!
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 07:17 PM
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Don't know about lifting the motor, I did not have to do it. As a matter of fact, I removed the battery box and was able to install the pass. side header from the top.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 07:31 PM
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Do you really get 10 HP out of shorty's? I thought it was more of a cosmetic mod!
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 07:41 PM
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Never had it dyno'ed afterwards...... I did mine mainly for cosmetic- guess which one is stock and which is FRPP ceramic!

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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 07:24 AM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
Originally Posted by GRAYPNY
Do you really get 10 HP out of shorty's? I thought it was more of a cosmetic mod!
Mustang Monthly did a article last year on BBK shortie headers! They installed a set on there 2005 test car and dynoed before and after, 8-10 HP top end increase but 12-15 in the lower RPM range 1800 to 4500 where most of your real world driving is done !......
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 11:12 AM
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A 12-15HP increase is pretty good, even if it's slightly lower than that. Would they change the exhaust note on a catted > X-Pipe > FRPP Stingers setup ?
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 06:11 PM
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If I really thought that I would get 10-12 HP I would do it. I'm trying not to do anything to my car that would not let it pass smog.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:01 PM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
Originally Posted by GRAYPNY
If I really thought that I would get 10-12 HP I would do it. I'm trying not to do anything to my car that would not let it pass smog.
Rich, I've never dynoed my car before or after any of my mods but after installing the Steeda Shorties I did notice more torque in the lower RPM range. The Steeda's and FRPP'S are unequal length shorties verses BBK and JBA witch are equal length shortie headers! in all truth I think after CAI and reflashing most bolt on mods show minimal HP - Torque increases, its the accumulated effect of these mods working together that really show HP and Torque gains!...
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:04 PM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
Originally Posted by habu
A 12-15HP increase is pretty good, even if it's slightly lower than that. Would they change the exhaust note on a catted > X-Pipe > FRPP Stingers setup ?
My shortie's seemed to lower my exhaust note some ! but most people claim no noticeable change in sound!
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:32 PM
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From: Robins AFB
Originally Posted by Sonic Thunder
Don't know about lifting the motor, I did not have to do it. As a matter of fact, I removed the battery box and was able to install the pass. side header from the top.
Wow this could change everything. Did the drivers side go on easily? Can you tell me more about how the install went? Thanks.

I think 10 HP is decient for the price, plus it looks good, doesn't sound insanly loud and can pass smog (i believe). Hope the equal length is a good fit for a H pipe!
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 10:01 PM
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10 hp? 5.0 magazine did a shorty comparo a while back the most they got iirc was 5 rwhp from the jba equals (?) the others got like 3 or 4 rwhp.
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 04:36 AM
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Driver side going on was something less than desirable, just bloodied a couple of knuckles and taught the kids some new words.
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 06:43 AM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
Originally Posted by sound wave
10 hp? 5.0 magazine did a shorty comparo a while back the most they got iirc was 5 rwhp from the jba equals (?) the others got like 3 or 4 rwhp.
My figures I stated were from Mustang Monthly, they also posted the dyno graphs from before and after each run on the BBK install! both Mags are owned by Prime Media !........when your talking about 4 or 5 HP dynos can very that much and depending atmospheric conditions and who has set up the run!
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 06:47 AM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
Originally Posted by Sonic Thunder
Driver side going on was something less than desirable, just bloodied a couple of knuckles and taught the kids some new words.
Driver side went on easer for me than the passenger side.......No mod job is complete without some skinned knuckles and profanity.......
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Old Jul 25, 2007 | 09:54 PM
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From: Robins AFB
Do you have to take the steering linkage apart to get the drivers side shorty on?
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Old Jul 26, 2007 | 04:41 AM
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yes, pulled it apart to get access, don't worry though. The linkage is real easy to take apart and reinstall, as in a 10 minute job with common tools.
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Old Jul 26, 2007 | 06:54 AM
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From: It's tough in the jungle !
Also make sure your wheels are straight, before dropping the steering shaft. you may even want make orientation marks to make sure everything lines back up correctly.. but it is easy.......
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