Easiest to install longtubes??

[dukejoh]

First I am a NOOB but have been lingering around the site for a while!!

I am thinking about upgrading the exhaust and have been looking on vendors sites for install instructions for longtubes, but was wondering if anyone has experience installing different brands?? I am leaning towards AR or Kooks but if any of the other brands are easier or just as simple to install I could be swayed. I have found some good deals on Borla set-ups but have not heard much about them.

Also, Ford will not cover the TSB on my tranny, so I am going to be installing a Ram Twin disc and flywheel soon. Will the tranny being removed help with the install of longtubes?? If so, I may do both mods at the same time.

As of now my car is completely stock daily driven (2 hour commute daily) with ~36,000 miles. Mods will be coming soon, since my Powertrain, extended warranty and bumper to bumper warranty seem to not mean anything these days!!!

Caleb

[2 Cam Sam]

Kooks and ARH are the best performing and highest quality on the market IMO. Made In USA too. Either one will be a great choice. Keep in mund that the Kooks are a mid-legnth header, and the ARH are true long tubes. Both will have about the same HP results though. I don't think it matters what brand you get, they will all have the same install obstacles like jacking up the motor. Also consider the different size tubes you can get like 1 7/8 or 1 3/4. If your going to keep it under 700 rwhp, the 1 3/4 will be plenty. If your looking for easier install, you might consider the Ford Racing 1 7/8 Shorty Headers that will bolt right to your stock mid pipe.

[dukejoh]

Well, I found a good deal on ebay and went with Borla longtubes with matching offroad x pipe. I plan on a CAI (prob ford racing), tune, 2.6" pulley and a 2008 style gt500 balancer, so it may be a month before I get it all installed.

First obstacle is replacing my clutch and flyweel. I will hopefully feel like tackling this in the next week or two.

I will try to take some pics and document my install process if I remember.
Caleb

[2 Cam Sam]

I would install the new Headers while you have the Trans+Bell Housing out. It should provide alot more room to slip them in from underneath and maybe you won't even have to jack the motor up either this way.

This is a good video http://videos.streetfire.net/video/D...P-1_638962.htm that shows how to install Kooks Headers on a GT500 among other mods. Go to the 14:00 minute point of the video for the header installation. The Borla Headers will be the same for installation process. I can only think it will be alot easier with the Trans. assembly out of the way.

[shlbysvt]

Originally Posted by 2 Cam Sam

I would install the new Headers while you have the Trans+Bell Housing out. It should provide alot more room to slip them in from underneath and maybe you won't even have to jack the motor up either this way.

This is a good video http://videos.streetfire.net/video/D...P-1_638962.htm that shows how to install Kooks Headers on a GT500 among other mods. Go to the 14:00 minute point of the video for the header installation. The Borla Headers will be the same for installation process. I can only think it will be alot easier with the Trans. assembly out of the way.

The install process is definitely easier with the tranny out of the way, but I installed Bassani's and I had to drop the driver side headers in order to accomodate installing the tranny. Not sure how the Borla's clear the trans bell housing. The individual tubes on the Bassani's did make installation easier as the engine did not have to be raised. I do love the sound and performance of my Bassani's with 3 inch, high flow cats and full exhaust. Jump on it and you will awake the dead.

[gtcpa]

Hey Caleb,

Your 2 hr commute each day doesn't take you by Birmingham does it ? I would love to hear the sound in person after you have that done to see if I need to go that route.

[et9secstang]

Easiest to install, just get a set of shorties.If you want to spend your money only one time and get the best bang for the buck get a set of american racing headers.

[dukejoh]

Originally Posted by gtcpa

Hey Caleb,

Your 2 hr commute each day doesn't take you by Birmingham does it ? I would love to hear the sound in person after you have that done to see if I need to go that route.

My commute takes me to Ft. Benning Ga, but my inlaws live in Jasper AL, so I travel through Birmingham several times a year. Looks like I will install all my parts next weekend.... waiting on a tune from VMP and a Shelby shifter to come in. I will leave stock mufflers at the moment to see if the sound is too loud/quite. I will probably be heading to Jasper within the next six weeks, so I will send you a PM and maybe we can meet up.

Caleb

[Vette Killer]

Originally Posted by shlbysvt

The install process is definitely easier with the tranny out of the way, but I installed Bassani's and I had to drop the driver side headers in order to accomodate installing the tranny. Not sure how the Borla's clear the trans bell housing. The individual tubes on the Bassani's did make installation easier as the engine did not have to be raised. I do love the sound and performance of my Bassani's with 3 inch, high flow cats and full exhaust. Jump on it and you will awake the dead.

+1

Unless the others are drastically different than the Bassani headers having the tranny out will only help for some of the prep work...my headers had to be removed again to do the TSB...

[dukejoh]

Borla claims that their headers allow access to change the starter and service the clutch while installed. I will let you know next week if this is so...

Caleb