Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Topic: Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar? (Read 2110 times) previous topic - next topic

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

June 07, 2006, 05:18:24 PM

Hi, looking to find some headers for a '94 Cougar with the 3.8. I'm likely purchasing a supercharger kit for about $400, and am getting plugs and wires with it too. Also, can I run a cold air intake into the SC? Are there any companies that make cheap headers for an application like mine? Do they bolt right in without too much hassle? And I assume I will have to reprogram the computer, how do I go about doing that? As of now, it's a bone stock cat with 39,000 miles on it. Just bought it, but it's lacking in the power department, want to spice it up a bit. Thanks a lot guys!

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #1 – June 07, 2006, 06:02:54 PM

Youre going to blow the 3.8L up.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #2 – June 07, 2006, 08:30:03 PM

Actually, we used to have a guy come to us for all the work on his mid '90's 3.8L cat...he had a Vortech s/c on it with shorty heads and full dual exhaust...can't remember what brand the exhaust was. It was a runner though...he didn't abuse it regularly or run crazy boost.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #3 – June 07, 2006, 11:49:16 PM

To answer your question, 94-95ish stang shorties should physically fit, but you will prolly have to run new pipes or modify yours. Also, if you do throw on a super, your head gaskets will more likely then not blow. So you should prolly find a 89-95 sc's tbird or 89-90 xr7 cat and go from there.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #4 – June 07, 2006, 11:59:33 PM

Why would the head gaskets blow, too much pressure built up? Also, I heard that since the exhaust manifolds are pretty free flowing as it, I could just have them ported for under $100 or so, and they would do the same as headers, literally. Another thing comes to mind, just trying to visualize what I'll need to move around down there, I know I'll need a new serpentine belt, possibly move the radiator hoses, and maybe need a new lower intake for the SC to bolt up onto. Are there any pics available of this kind of application?

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #5 – June 08, 2006, 01:05:18 AM

The head gaskets suck on those to begin with. Most people have them go out at less the 75,000 miles.

I am not familiar with the 88 up 3.8's too well, but I would asume they dont have the best headers to begin with.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #6 – June 08, 2006, 01:06:52 AM

also the newer sc'd 3.8's have everything you want already and are built for a super charger.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #7 – June 08, 2006, 07:36:33 AM

u can probley get those headers from a junkyard for like 20$ deffenatly less than 100, and their going to be lighter, which will help you go faster :D

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #8 – June 08, 2006, 06:18:04 PM

96-97 3.8L Tbird/Cougars came factory with headers.

Mustang ones do not fit.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #9 – June 14, 2006, 07:04:23 PM

ok heres what i heard reguarding this. i heard the reason you'll blow your motor is that the 3.8L Engine block and Heads were made of 2 different kinds of materials the guy told me cast iron and aluminum. so what happens is the metals expand at different rates so that can lead to a blown head gasket. but anyway good luck buddy

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #10 – June 14, 2006, 09:57:14 PM

Some Cometic head gaskets as well as having the heads milled(to get them back to "straight")and having the block "zero decked" should provide you with a long life of cylinder sealing. Probably more work than any person should put into a 3.8 though IMO.

Headers for a '94 3.8 Cougar?

Reply #11 – June 15, 2006, 02:53:58 AM

well just look at it this way if you happen to turn it into schrapnel theres plenty of people on the board who could probably get you one thats still in one piece. :D