Ho'kay, I think I want to narrow things down a bit. I've got a set of stock Mustang type headers now. The question still remains of what sort of H-pipe to get.
I'm really going for "absolute easiest to fit" here . . . of course, being a cheap SOB, I might be willing to put up with a *little* bit of extra hassle if I can pick something up cheap . . but I digress.
I know that both the Mark VII LSC and the Mustang use somewhat different H-pipes if I'm going for stock, but that both can be made to work fairly easily, with the Mustang's being only slightly different than the Lincoln's on the driver's side pipe, if I'm not mistaken?
What about aftermarket? Again, I need this street-legal and able to pass New Jersey's relatively tough emissions regulations.
Are there any particular aftermarket H or X pipes that work particularly well or easily? Any that I should avoid?
I don't need huge pipes, the stock 2-1/4 inch (or is it 2 inch?) should be more than sufficient for my bone-stock S.O. motor.
Just get an H-Pipe from either a Mustang or Mark VII with cats.You shopuld be able to find one pretty cheap on E-bay,or by just checking around.I use an off road X-Pipe by Pypes,and it's a 2 piece unit.Very easy to install,and bolted right up to the factory Mustang headers I had (now using BBK shorties).As I stated,check E-Bay.There are alwys guys parting with parts because they are upgrading.Keep us posted on your progress.Good luck.
Ayep . . that's the reason I asked. Once or twice, while just casually looking, I'd come across slightly used Mustang H-pipes for pretty darn cheap. MAC was one name that I came across that comes to mind, can't recall the other I saw. I think that one had like 2k miles on it, and bidding was only around $50 at the time! Probably should've gone for it....
That's why I was wondering if any brand had a particularly troublesome reputation in terms of installation or other fitting issues, particularly to the stock H.O. type headers.
I've used an aftermarket X-Pipe (on the car now),a Mark VII unit,and one from a Mustang.I had no problems what-so-ever with any of them.As a matter of fact,the one I'm using now is for a 5 speed Mustang.Fits great,and being a 2 piece pipe,it's a breeze to install.
I've got a Flowtech 2.5" off-road pipe on the '88. It fits well but isn't any good for emissions though.
Luckily,here in Oklahoma,no emissions testing.WOO-HOO !!!
Anyone else out there running without any crossover pipe? I'm just straight back from Mark VII headers to glasspacks then out the side in front of the rear tires with 2¼" mandrel bent aluminized steel.
I've always had an H-Pipe (before the X-Pipe thing came around) since I was in high school in the mid-eighties.My '76 Grand Prix had one (not factory) with a 455 from a '71 GTO.I had read YEARS ago about their function and haved used them ever since.Mopars and Pontiac musclecars used them for good reason,to get every last horsepower they could.Everything I read said that the crossover adds a little power.Perhaps you won't feel it in the seat of your pants,but every little bit adds up.