Best headers but easy to install??

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Best headers but easy to install??

April 20, 2007, 11:05:17 PM

I was going to get a set of headers, but everyone on here seems to be having trouble getting to line up or the engine accept them. I'm not looking to " pull the pin, drop it in and walk then watch it blow up". so if everyone can save me time. whats the best headers with the least amount of issue to put on a 86 ls 5.0 cougar?

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #1 – April 20, 2007, 11:08:21 PM

I did Mac shorties. I got them used so I had to fight with them but after 2 bolts got ligned up, all went smooth. Those or factory shorties are a drop in. All depends on how much you wana spend on them and the quality you want

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #2 – April 20, 2007, 11:25:46 PM

I had a set of MAC Equals and those headers sucked as far as install and fit goes. I spend countless hours prying those tubes to get them to line up. They sounded great when they weren't leaking! I finally conceded to a set of factory H.O. headers and never looked back. BBK's seem to have a good following... they would be my choice if I were to buy a set.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #3 – April 21, 2007, 02:30:32 AM

I don't mind the price so much as the trouble of getting headers to hookup without saws all everything and tig welding shiznit together again. But if bbk is the recommend choice or factory h.o. set is better as when it comes to less backpressure or install time. because I live at an apartment complex that won't even let you change a battery if it's needed without haveing to tow or pull it off the property first b4 you fix anything.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #4 – April 21, 2007, 07:00:22 AM

If you dont plan on putting down more than 300HP then the factory HO headers are hands down the easiest to install because of the way the primary tubes are crimped to allow more room for the header bolts.

My JBA 1 5/8 headers barely have enough room to get an open end wrench on half the bolts... and forget about using a socket! It takes about an hour and a half just to tighten the bolts on one side.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #5 – April 21, 2007, 07:02:10 AM

I use BBK shorties,They literally went on in minutes.EASY.They are great.I have a set of factory Stang shorties in the garage.They are actually very good headers.They are a vast improvement over stock manifolds,and there's a power increase there.If you're interested in them,PM me.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #6 – April 21, 2007, 07:34:16 AM

BBK shorties,only issue is the colum shifter linkage and its minor.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #7 – April 21, 2007, 07:51:08 AM

Easiest and quickest, like everyone's already said is the stock Stang ones. They were the easiest part of my dual exhaust back in the day. Now I'm ready for some equal-length shorties, though, so I'll be prowling around for a cheap used set. Those stockers literally dropped right in & cleared everything perfectly.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #8 – April 21, 2007, 06:44:13 PM

My goal is to get 425hp at the rear wheel and at least 450 ft lbs. I know these engines are capable of 1100hp without nos. I have a friend who has a 96 LT1 camaro that capable of 500 hp on just the block itself. better then the ls1 which is lighter and faster but not more powerful. but will the H.O headers support this much power?

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #9 – April 21, 2007, 06:50:34 PM

There is NO way I'd try to apply that kind of power (500 or more)to a factory block.No way.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #10 – April 21, 2007, 07:02:59 PM

for a 302 or a LT1? the LT1 were design to accept such abuse there are a real racing/ mechanic gem.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #11 – April 21, 2007, 07:53:46 PM

he means a factory 5.0.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #12 – April 21, 2007, 09:36:45 PM

How exactly do you plan on making +500HP? Header fitment should be the least of your worries. 5.0 blocks aren't known for their stability at that power level.

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #13 – April 21, 2007, 09:46:29 PM

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=SUM%2DG9074&view=1&N=700+150+&FROM=MG
Anyone know if those will flow better over stock?

Best headers but easy to install??

Reply #14 – April 21, 2007, 10:21:46 PM

anything over 500hp is a waste. The chances of me using that on the street is stupid as best and I'm not into draging but more of road course type of stuff. But once made "grenade proof" and the right part combinations it can sustain high hp. Most dragers get 1100hp out of these engs. without problems. typically after years of use "over 150,000 miles the side walls of the 302 have finally cured and harded can handle more then people expect. just like all old blocks in junk yards born before then early 90's. :o