will it be OK

Topic: will it be OK (Read 1150 times) previous topic - next topic

will it be OK

June 23, 2006, 12:33:18 AM

In an 87 bird with the 5.0 is it possible to install headers and dual exhaust without any stock computer issues? If there is no issues do you guys think that new exhaust and a gear swap to 3.73 will wake up this car much? I would like to dump the cats etc as well. Thanks in advance.:D

will it be OK

Reply #1 – June 23, 2006, 12:54:01 AM

I had headers and h-pipe on my '87 sport and no comp issues. My h-pipe had cats but I had the stock gears. Aside from sounding alot better:D , I did notice some improvement from the exhaust upgrade. By the way, I also went with 2.5" pipe and flowmasters.

will it be OK

Reply #2 – June 23, 2006, 06:49:06 AM

As long as you reconnect the o2 sencer you can do anything you want. Anything that bolts on a mustang should bolt on a t-bird; till you get around the rear axel then you have to extent the pipe one foot.
Any gears you want 2

will it be OK

Reply #3 – June 23, 2006, 09:12:13 AM

The only thing you might have to watch out for is if you car is a column shift...in which case you will most likely have to do one of two things...modify the shift linkage slightly(someone posted a diagram up here before) or install a floor shifter. If you already have floor shift, you need not worry. The reason for this is because the HO style headers exit further away from the block than the SO log manifolds. But, the effort will be well worth the gain. I will be having 3.73's installed tomorrow and I can't wait.

I would actually recommend that you not go more than 3.55's if you plan to keep the SO 5.0 because it falls flat on it's face much earlier than the HO. I believe they were rated at 165hp@3200rpm or 3500rpm, which is rediculously low. If you plan on doing an HO swap, or significantly adding power another way, then installing 3.73's in antition for that would be fine.

Also, if you plan on ditching the cats, you might as well gut the air pump and it's related hoses...knock some weight off and free up some horsepower buy turning one less pulley(you'd be lucky if it amounted to 1rwhp though).

will it be OK

Reply #4 – June 23, 2006, 09:33:42 AM

I will be doing some relatively large changes to the engine, so i just want to get the gears and exhaust ready before i start on the engine. Can anyone recommend a header setup that is the least problematic with the column shifter, I have only really found one header that lists the tbird for an application... its a Hedman unit i checked out on summit racing. Has anyone else used this header. I would assume that the header would need to be drilled and tapped to accept the 02 sensors? Thanks guys!

will it be OK

Reply #5 – June 23, 2006, 11:44:04 AM

Quote from: 4mykid

I have only really found one header that lists the tbird for an application... its a Hedman unit i checked out on summit racing. Has anyone else used this header. I would assume that the header would need to be drilled and tapped to accept the 02 sensors? Thanks guys!

IMHO,, and i say this because i had a set of headmans,,, they dont mount easily. They fit like a glove but the holes that you need to install your bolts to the heads are tooooooooooooooooooooooooo close to the tubes. You cant even get a socket or a box in wrench on the bolt heads. I had to use vise grips and squeeze the tubes together a little in order to attempt using a thin wall socket which i had to make with my grinder.

Their factory paint does not hold up well either because in a short time there is color change and in no time at all, there is rust kicking in.

There are those who say i could have used allen head bolts. If you lay a straight edge along the header mount, you will find its not really straight so getting enough torque on the allen heads would be the trick.

will it be OK

Reply #6 – June 23, 2006, 12:19:45 PM

I used "special" header bolts from Autozone...takes 2 sets though...they only have enough for chevy's in one pack. It's a 7/16" head with an allen in the center and came with a nifty allen for a 3/8" ratchet...it's like a ball on the end so you can hit it at different angles...that in conjuction with a 7/16" wrench worked nicely for me. NO headers will fit without some form of modification.

will it be OK

Reply #7 – June 23, 2006, 12:28:08 PM

Thanks for the help guys ...greatly appreciated!