Shorty Headers Worth it?

[muzamill_717]

Hey guys, I was thinking that i wanna do headers on my 96 Mustang GT, but since I leave in California, I can't do LT Headers bc they aren't CARB Aproved. I was looking into the BBK Shorty Headers. But I wanted to know if they are worth it? I also plan to get an off road x-pipe in the future, but I'm not concerned about that, because I always can unbolt it and put the stock mid pipe. But anyways, are shortys worth it, do they change the tone, etc. Plus is there a difference between the titanium ceramic and polished sliver ceramic?

Sincerely, Muzamil.

 

[ttocs]

I think they are worth it myself. Between the two you will hear the difference, the performance bump would not be huge but it is a start.

I didn't know bbk did ceramic coated. I went with JBA's because of that and it has held up well but I am not sure which one it is. I don't think they are polished.

 

[96blak54]

If you remain stock camshafts, stock intake manifold, stock rpm level, their really isnt a gain to be had. Im personally a fan of shorties with a big modular engine like in a 96 Mustang gt, because long tubes SUCK to install or work around. The shorties retain stock mounting positions, stock exhaust

 

[Joeminnesota]

I am running the BBK Ceramic Shorty’s on my 04 GT. I have CMS Stage 2 cams and ported heads, so cannot compare to all stock parts, but am very happy with the headers. The car had BBK long tubes when I bought it and I ditched those when reinstalling my rebuild as they were horrible to reinstall and I determined I’d never be able to pull the manual trans once I had them bolted in - and they wouldn’t go in with the trans without dropping the K-member.

When I dyno’d the car the tuner said I maybe gave up 15-20HP for the header swap, but it’s so much nicer to work on and get to everything. He said to go buy an 05+ GT if I really wanted HP as the 4.6 2V is simply limited without turbo or SC or nitrous. I am very happy with the BBK shorty headers and am running their X-pipe w/high flow cats. Off-road X would be better, but tough to get one these days.

 

[whiplash473]

If I couldn't run long tubes, like you're saying, then I wouldn't even hesitate about getting shorties. It's just a sound improvement but it's a noticeable one.

EDIT: I had shorties before my long tubes and I liked the way my car sounded better with shorties. Granted, I have no input for a mod motor here but something I found interesting. Both pairs of headers were/are from BBK.

 

[ttocs]

After hearing how hard long tubes were to install and then how hard they made things after I never even gave them a thought.

 

[SnakeBit!]

have had them on two mustangs, and would do it again for sure.

 

[ju015dd]

Personally even with the pain of long tube's I'd run them again in a heartbeat.

 

[muzamill_717]

Is there a difference between titanium ceramic and polished sliver ceramic? Or they just cosmetic differences

 

[ttocs]

A titanium ceramic coating is a protective layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) or other titanium-based ceramic applied to a surface to provide durability, aesthetics, and protection:

• Benefits
  Titanium ceramic coatings can protect against scratches, UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings, and more. They can also create a self-cleaning surface that reacts with ultraviolet light from the sun.
  
  ​

 

[ttocs]

Polished silver ceramic is a high-gloss finish that's created by applying a ceramic coating with aluminum powder, then polishing it:

• Composition
  Polished silver ceramic contains aluminum powder, which gives it a high-gloss appearance when polished.
  
  
• Temperature tolerance
  Polished silver ceramic can withstand temperatures up to 1,200°F, but the aluminum can discolor if the temperature is exceeded.
  
  
• Applications
  Polished silver ceramic is often used to coat exhaust system components and tubular headers.
  
  
• Benefits
  Ceramic coating can increase the longevity of parts, and it won't "blue" like chrome.
  

Other ceramic coating options include:

• Matte black
  A ceramic-reinforced black paint that has the same chemical resistance and heat reducing properties as silver
  
  
• Clear ceramic
  A topcoat that's commonly used on the exterior finishes of high-end vehicles, or as an anti-graffiti coating
  

 

[muzamill_717]

Polished silver ceramic is a high-gloss finish that's created by applying a ceramic coating with aluminum powder, then polishing it:

• Composition
  Polished silver ceramic contains aluminum powder, which gives it a high-gloss appearance when polished.
  
  
• Temperature tolerance
  Polished silver ceramic can withstand temperatures up to 1,200°F, but the aluminum can discolor if the temperature is exceeded.
  
  
• Applications
  Polished silver ceramic is often used to coat exhaust system components and tubular headers.
  
  
• Benefits
  Ceramic coating can increase the longevity of parts, and it won't "blue" like chrome.

Other ceramic coating options include:

• Matte black
  A ceramic-reinforced black paint that has the same chemical resistance and heat reducing properties as silver
  
  
• Clear ceramic
  A topcoat that's commonly used on the exterior finishes of high-end vehicles, or as an anti-graffiti coating

Ok because I was confused, that the titanium where cheaper.

 

[Snorky]

Having gone stock manifolds to bassani mid length. Then back to stock manifolds, and then to on3 forward facing headers. I would run the bassani mid lengths again without question. Get most of the power gain offered by long tubes. Steering shaft threads between one of the primaries that loops around it. Each primary is hung individually then a collector is slipped on and a retaining bolt holds it together. So it's not a terrible install like true long tubes, and you can still pull the trans with the headers on. You also don't loose a boat load of ground clearance like the long tubes since the header collector ends at the very bottom of the firewall.

The one downside is you are stuck with only the bassani X pipe with or without cats. Unless you have a shop weld you up something. Which H pipes are pretty easy for any real fabricator to make. As for the install I would remove the sheet metal motor mount plate shield that goes between the motor mount and the engine.

If I ever ditch the turbo setup I will be going back to Bassani mid. Just food for thought. Even changing log manifolds to short headers is kind of a pain in the ass. In any scenario of doing shorties mid or long tubes. I would probably pop the 2 lower shock bolts. Drop my A arms yo yank the front springs. Lift them back up and slip thr bolts back in to hold it. Then have inner fender mounted engine holder. ~$70 I think at harbor freight. Attach. That the chains to the bolts that hold the alternator. Pump jack under the K. Remove the 2 motor mount nuts detach the steering shaft, zip out the 8 bolts for the K member and lower the K so it sort of just sags. It will open up all the room in the word to put those bolts in. Allow you to remove the shim plate if you're going mid or long tubes. Plus get a big wrench in there for the EGR nut.

 

[Snorky]

Ahh... I see bassani midlengths are also not carb approved.. but.. to be fair, neither is an off road X pipe.

 

[muzamill_717]

Ahh... I see bassani midlengths are also not carb approved.. but.. to be fair, neither is an off road X pipe.

Well off road x pipe is easier to take off and put back on

 

[SnakeBit!]

My cobra had the midlengths on it when i got it. had better ground clearance, but to get to stuff, like the starter, was about as bad as having LT's. also had some rattling from them hitting. I wound up taking them off and going with the shorty.

 

[muzamill_717]

I think came to a conclusion, that it’s not worth it. I called Exhaust Shops they charging 800-1000, saw videos on installing them by your self is quite hassle. For the amount of power boost for the amount of time and labor is not worth it. But I appreciate your guys opinions, thank you for sharing.