Can anyone tell me the tube diameter of the 1988 GT stock headers ? I have a chance to pick up a pair dirt cheap on Ebay for my stock 5.0 (1988 thunderbird) and I read not to go any larger than 1.5" header tubes, and 2 1/4" inch pipes.
Thanks for any help or info:bowdown:
It won't hurt anything to go bigger in my opinion.
i have a set in the garage ill mesure with pictures in the morning.
The stock Mustang headers are fine. Put them on and enjoy.
Im looking to get cheap exhaust parts since the aftermarket stuff is pricey. The Hedman 88380 1.5" headers fit my stock 5.0 but they are $176.....o/r h pipes and tails are expensive too. If anyone can hook me up that would be very appreciated :)
You can order tail pipe for a stang for $49 each, mid pipes are $16 and lers around $30. Get on a mustang forum and find a stock h pipe. this should give you most of everything you need for less then $200 for 2 1/4" exhaust
stock headers can be had for free-$20. Classifieds are your freind here.
Stock HO headers will do just fine at your level. You'll be able to hook up to that H-pipe you picked up a while back, without burning a hole in your pocket. Just remember that if you haven't picked any up yet, to get some oxygen sensors for the same, (or harness extensions) because as I'm sure you're aware, H-pipe and headers will move your o2 sensors down into the h-pipe, and the HO headers won't have a port for them anymore.
Get those stock HO headers and don't look back. The clearance issues with the aftermarket ones is a problem you don't want to deal with.
Do you know the tube diameter of the stock HO headers ? Im trying to stay around 1.5"
Once again, Gary, you're thinking too much. What we're trying to tell you is that at your level and with the equipment you're working with, it doesn't matter. 1 5/8" would probably be too much, but even then with an otherwise stock 5.0 SO, it doesn't matter. If your neurosis absolutely requires a tube diameter it's 1 3/8. Stock HO headers are perfect for a stock SO, THAT'S what matters. And incidentally, that's exactly what we've been trying to tell you. Your E6 heads are the limiting factor here, not the exhaust.
Im just going by what I read on coolcats.net. They recommended not going any larger than 1.5" headers, and 2 1/4" pipes. http://www.coolcats.net/modifying/50dualexhaust.html
Are there any dyno tests that show anything larger than 1.5 & 2.25 hurts performance on a SO???
Even if something larger isn't optimum it'll be far better than the asthmatic stock system, plus you'll have room to grow if you decide to HO without exhaust system limitations... The stock HO headers are 1.5" but are far from optimum, there's 20 Hp to be had with 1 5/8 headers & 2.5" exhaust(yes MM&FF verified this statement)...
Everytime i hear larger exhaust hurts bottom end i laugh on the inside. even if it did a bit, a stock h.o. has 300ftlbs. if you lost 5-10 you would never notice.
I used stock Stang headers at first because I had access to them and they were cheap with my SO engine. I then went to 1 5/8 headers on my SO engine and a good dual exhaust. NEVER had an issue at all. Get the bloody aftermarket headers and H-Pipe you have access to and install them, and call it a day. You are WAY over thinking it. Buy them and be done. My aftermarket 1 5/8 headers never had a clearance issue with good motor mounts. Just jump in and do it.
Which headers do you have? Is your motor mounts stock, or Chucks?
Long tubes are also worth the extra hassle. I have heard from others that these ones fit decent and the price is right, considering that they come with the proper h pipe. Once you have these on you can move forward not having to jerk around replacing what you install now.
http://www.amazon.com/OBX-Full-Header-86-93-Mustang/dp/B0053TUZWQ
I believe he has a column shift (like me) and those won't fit. If they did my Thunderbird would have long tubes. But he should be able to run any Mustang shorty header and clear the column shift linkage. The factory Mustang ones will clear the best.
The biggest problem with the aftermarket shorty headers is clearing the motor mount. I destroyed an expensive header trying to make it fit. I don't know if I need a different brand of header (mine was Motorcraft), or if Chucks mounts will fix the problem.
I never even considered that. I have not had a column mounted shift vehicle for so long. Even my f150 is a floor mount. Too bad as that is a really good price for long tubes and with an h pipe all stainless too. I know it is Chinese but they sell alot of headers and pipes for many late models so they seem to have something going for them. I know he seemed to be worried about losing low end torque with a 1-5/8" primary tube but the long tube header would make up for that and also be good if he ever gets some half decent heads in the future and starts to make some power. Just thought I would throw that in as it really helped my vert running LT;s when I did it way back in the day. Well there is always aftermarket shifters... lol :-)
Only issue I have with the BBK 1515 is a slight rub on the steering when in reverse, plenty of clearance around the stock mounts, dunno about Chuck's(will find out when I drop the 331 in place)... I have the factory floor shifter so can't comment on that...
Thank you. I have not got any response from Vinnie. I went back to look at his sig. I have my account set up so that I don't see the sig without looking at the person's profile. According to his sig, he has BBK. Not sure which BBK. BBK 1515 seems to be the cheapest BBK has to offer and a slight rub on the steering while in reverse would be just a minor issue that may be able to be resolved. Unless I hear of some without that rub issue, I will order these. They are unequal length so I assume they will not get in the way of the column shift. If it does, I am not afraid to change to floor shift. That may happen anyhow.
sorry, just saw this. I have BBK unequal length shorty headers, and ChuckW mounts. I have had the headers with the stock motor mounts and no issues at all.
No problem Vinnie. Those would most likely not clear the shift linkage. I do like the fact that they will give it a little more bottom end. Perhaps it is time to convert to floor shift. I wonder if the OP came to a decision?