header question

[AudioPro]

Hello all. I bought a 1987 Grand marques a few months ago. I would like to do some performance upgrades. I am planning to go HO. But I want to start with the exhaust. I know I need shorty headers for a mustang. But I found nowhere if you can use tuned headers, like ones from pacesetter (summit PN “PSM-70-1068”). Or do I have to use non-tuned?

[Freshmeat]

Tuned? Non-tuned? Call your local Mustang guys and see if anyone has some old junk headers they're getting rid of and slap 'em in. The thing is, you'll also need the H-pipe, since the stock Mustang headers won't fit the stock Panther collector flange.

Stock Panther - 2" collector flange
Stock Mustang - 2.25" collector flange
Aftermarket Mustang (most) - 2.5" collector flange

So you need to make sure you get headers and H-pipe that match. I'm in the midst of installing stock Mustang headers and H-pipe on my Town Car for a dual 2.25" exhaust. It's a fairly common deal and the headers/H-pipe were free.

While you're at it, order new O2 sensors to make sure they're good during the exhaust swap. Be sure to specify you need the ones with the 16.5" wires, the others are 8.5 and they're too short for most aftermarket systems in a Panther.

[Nathan in MI]

The thing is, you'll also need the H-pipe, since the stock Mustang headers won't fit the stock Panther collector flange.

Not entirely true. I'm running Mustang headers on stock downpipes. They go on, just not quite like they should, which means they leak a bit. However, if you're looking for a temporary setup, they work. Of course the problem with doing it that way is that you have to mount the oxygen sensors in the downpipes. You can get an oxygen sensor repair flange (basically a nut), drill a hole in the pipe, and weld it on. Also, you have to egg out the bolt holes in the pipe flange since the header studs are a bit further apart, but that's no big deal.

Overall, it's not ideal, but it does work.

Attached is a picture of how the match is between the header and a stock downpipe. There isn't much overlap, and like I said, they leak a bit, but not horribly.

[gadget73]

Well, being fully honest here, adding headers in front of the stock exhaust is pretty much a waste of time. The manifolds aren't the big restriction, the problem is in the stock mufflers and over-axle pipes.

I also wouldn't get worried about using large headers on stock or un-ported HO heads. The ports on the side of the heads are not that large, and bolting a big header up to them will not provide any real gains over stock Mustang headers.

[AudioPro]

Sorry, I did not say. I am going to replace the hole exhaust system. no cats, h-pipe, and flowmaster muflers. I still do not know if tuned headers will fit.

[Grand Marquis GT]

I am sure equal lenth or "tuned" headers will fit, but be a total bitch to change the plugs.

I would go with a good Off-road H or X pipe, and it's pretty easy from there

[Freshmeat]

Again, don't waste your time on expensive headers.

[packman]

Mustang shorties, Mustang H-pipe (O/R in your case), and a 94-96 Impala catback exhaust. That is all you need to get a decent dual set up for your car.


Packman

[AudioPro]

Freshmeat, I wish there were some mustang guys around, but we have Q-tips everywhere. So I am forced to buy new.

Packman, Would not think using cat-back for a impala would work, thanks for the info

[gadget73]

The Impala tailpipes fit quite nicely. Its sort of neat, especially since getting large pipe mandrel bent like the stock tailpipes is pretty difficult most of the time.

[Mercmarquis]

When I get paid and feel like doing it, I'm gonna try a set of longtubes at summit that could work

[Freshmeat]

Freshmeat, I wish there were some mustang guys around, but we have Q-tips everywhere. So I am forced to buy new.

I have an extra set of (stock, stamped steel) Mustang headers laying around. If you'd guarantee you'll use them, I'll ship them to you free. If you'd trash them or let them rot and use new headers instead, I'm not sending them.

The offer is there. Let me know what you want to do.

If you take them, beware of brown widows.

[DuceAnAHalf]

When I get paid and feel like doing it, I'm gonna try a set of longtubes at summit that could work

so far we know mustang and torino long tubes wont fit without modification

[1987cp]

so far we know mustang and torino long tubes wont fit without modification

I was gonna say. Mr. Land Yacht has a set of Summit longtubes for Mustangs that he had a guy modify specifically to fit the Panther chassis, but there was still interference so he's back to his old factory 'Stang headers on a motor with near-400hp power potential until they make some more tweaks to the longtubes.

[AudioPro]

I have an extra set of (stock, stamped steel) Mustang headers laying around. If you'd guarantee you'll use them, I'll ship them to you free. If you'd trash them or let them rot and use new headers instead, I'm not sending them.

I guarntee I will use them. let me know what you need, thanks