BBK headers and catted H-pipe

[roller4v]

Hey folks. Before I plop down over $700 bucks for a set of headers and an H-pipe I figured I'd see if someone here knows where I can get a better deal on these.

From Summit
BBK Cermamic coated Long Tubes - BBK-15160 for $369.88
BBk Catted H-pip - BBK-1509 for 339.88

Thanks for your help
Steve

[50 Proof]

Just something I figure I'd warn you about so that you can do some research on before buying. I've heard that the cats on BBK H-Pipes go out quickly. I picked up a used BBK h-pipe that had a replacement cat welded on. I never used the h-pipe though because the flanges were slightly screwed up and wouldn't seal properly(probably due to mis-use from the last owner of the h-pipe).

[anthonydalrymple]

Just in case..... Have you considered that the long tubes do not have a CARB exemption order number & you might run into smog registration issues in the future? Don't get me wrong; certain areas\shops might help by "overlooking" them as long as you blow clean out the tailpies.....

[roller4v]

50 Proof. Thanks for the heads up I'll see if I can look into it. Although I'm not sure where to look for information. Anyone else heard this?

anthonydalrymple.
In Texas I don't think they really look at Carb exemption numbers. I believe they just do a visual to make sure the obvious things are there and then run a sniffer test. But I'll check into it. Thanks for the heads up.


Steve

[50 Proof]

you can try doing a search on corral.net. I seem to remember people on that board talking about issues with the bbk cats

[anthonydalrymple]

I talked to a BBK rep durring a Brother's Performance sidewalk sale here a couple months ago. For what it is worth.... He mentioned that they were using "different cats" than before to fix the past problems. Only problem or question I'd have if were true; is how do you know if the catted x or h pipe you are buying has the improved cat's on it or it's the "old" system that's been sitting on the shelf for who knows how long?

[v8only]

just curious, what are your mods?? Are you ready for an exhaust upgrade yet? Are you running oem 83 stuff?

[roller4v]

Right now the car is 100% original with the original 83GT single exhaust.

I just can't take driving a 5.0 Mustang with single exhasut anymore! So i'm going to take the original stuff off and put it up the top of my garage. Save it in case I ever want to put it back on.

Eventuallly I may put in a roller motor or put some better heads, intake, and cam on the existing motor. Probably after its 25 years old and I don't have to worry about sniffer tests anymore.

Steve

http://www.geocities.com/sscheel@sbcglobal.net/831.JPG
http://www.geocities.com/sscheel@sbcglobal.net/83gt.JPG

[v8only]

imo, the bbk stuff is going to be overkill for your current application, unless you really plan on going further soon, I may suggest just an oem exhaust 86-93 with some flowmasters in back, or whatever muffler you like, you may lose some bottom end with all that exhaust.

[roller4v]

I thought about running an 86+ stock H-pipe but have you ever priced one?

http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/itemdy01.asp?T1=F2648+01&Category=Exhaust&subCategory=H%2DPipes&CatKey=74-01

$523!!!!

I figured I be ahead by just going with some long tubes and a aftermarket H-pipe. Everyone seem to claim the long tube headers have better low end torque characteristics than shorties.

I'm I off the mark there?


Steve

[Cobra Jet]

Converting the Mustang to true dual exhaust, by way of an H-pipe or X-pipe will gratly improve the vehicle's performance (even if still stock) and also the sound quality.

BBK makes very nice exhaust systems and IMO, is way better than any of the MAC products. If you want to spend more money, then you woudl go with JBA, Hooker or Kooks - but then you are talking some major $$.

As for buying an exhaust system - headers - no matter which brand, you can find USED and trust me - even though used, you can't go wrong at all. You can scoop up a set of used BBK shorties anywhere from $100-$120, and for BBK LT's, anwyehere from $100-$150 - all depending on who has them and how fast they want to sell them.

Same thing with the H or X pipes - you can buy used - and there is nothing wrong at all with buying used, as those pipes will last quite some time before they need to be replaced due to age or rot through.

Now, cat back, I'd buy that new. You can get really good prices for mufflers OR complete cat backs at:

performance-curve.com - I have yet been able to find ANYONE, including Summitt and/or Jegs that have prices as low as this company. My last exhaust system I purchased fro my Cobra was bought from performance-curve.com and the parts were brand new in the boxes and were the BEST prices I coudl find online anywhere. It was not even worth my time to call Summit or Jegs to price match.

I would buy the cat back brand new - and the H/X-pipe and headers USED - you will save yourself a TON of cash that you can use for other things, trust me. I have yet to spend cash for brand new headers or h/x-pipes, as I have ALWAYS bought them used via the Mustang forums or eBay.

BBK headers are the best due to the one piece flange to which the header tubes connect to, it's easier to mount them as well.

I hop ethe above was helpful, any other questions, just post 'em here. But, definitely order from performance-curve if you decide to buy a new cat back or just mufflers, they're prices are awesome.

[EFI 4-EYE]

http://www.performanceautosport.com has brand new stock h-pipes. I was there the other day and they have one hanging on the wall. Less than $200 if I remember right. Their number is on the web site. The owner's name is Mark, SUPER cool guy. If you are interested, give him a call. Throw on a set of BBK shorties and a cat-back along with the stock h-pipe and you should have a much better setup, without going overkill

[slickshift]

I'd be surprised if you couldn't find an '86+ take-off exhaust for cheap
I know I saved the stock headers, off-road H, and Flow cat-back that were on the car when I got it
I kept it 'cause I figured it'd be a good upgrade for someone
(someone local, the shipping would prolly be more than I could ask for the set-up)
My point is, I can't be the only one

[Flash Gordan]

Guess I'll throw my .02 in. I picked up a set of stock headers and stock H pipe from somebody on one of the other forums for $60. Then found a deal on a used set of Force II flowmasters and pipes for $120. Throw in all the small stuff like hangers and such and I probably spent around $220 total for my exhaust. There are deals out there to be had. Just keep looking.

[roller4v]

Ok guys!!!! you've coninced me. I'll hold off for a couple more months and see if I can round up to good used stuff or at least some New but never installed stuff.

I'm itchin to buy something for the car before Christmas however, I'm thinkin' about some Convo Pro's. But I'll do another post about that!!!

Steve

[v8only]

used is the way to go, you shouldn't have a problem at all. Ebay is your friend for those shorty headers. the bbk's have a one piece flange, so warping is generally not an issue, just stay away from used mac headers.

You should be able to find a used 86-93 h pipe in the local classifieds for $50, that's the average price, and they're pretty abundant

[roller4v]

http://www.performanceautosport.com has brand new stock h-pipes. I was there the other day and they have one hanging on the wall. Less than $200 if I remember right. Their number is on the web site. The owner's name is Mark, SUPER cool guy. If you are interested, give him a call. Throw on a set of BBK shorties and a cat-back along with the stock h-pipe and you should have a much better setup, without going overkill

EFI 4-EYE

I called the place and ya they have them for $169!!! I'm having him quote me shipping and if its not an arm and a leg i'm going to get one from him! Thanks for the heads up!

Looks like it'l be shorties instead of long tubes.

Steve

[telco]

I agree with all the others on used stuff. I would however suggest you go with shorties until you are ready to build a hot motor. Longtubes can be a PITA, you will loose some ground clearence and most likely have to change to a mini starter. Shotries are avalailbale all over E-bay from 25.00 to 225. Summit had a catted H-pipe for shorties for around 250 but it is no longer listed on thier web site. Typically buying a H-pipe used that has to be shipped may not be worth it. The oversized box can get expensive so take into account shipping before buying from E-bay.

I assume you already know this but I'll throw it out there anyway. You need to change your transmission cross member to a double hump (86 and up) style.

[roller4v]

well i've been looking at Used shortie heades and noticed quite a few of them have dent purposely knocked into one of the drive side tubes to clear the stearing shaft.

Is this nessessary? I'd much rather find some brand of header that will not require this to fit.

Thanks
steve

[Cobra Jet]

Steve,

Don't buy any used shorty that has a "dent" knocked into it... that dent was made by the user, not by the manufacturer.

All of the BBK's (shorties) do NOT have any dents in them at all, they are perfectly rounded tubes.

In fact, with shorties, there should not be ANY need to make any dents in any of the tubes, as all aftermarket shorties are a DIRECT FIT on all 5.0 Mustangs. Shorties should not affect the steering shaft at all - IF going with well known name brands such as BBK, MAC, JBA, HOOKER, etc. If you go with some offshore brand, like the ones being advertised on eBay for $80 for a new set, I would stay away from them, as they are very cheap reproductions or copies and are NOT the "norm"...

If you went with longtubes, then *sometimes* one may have to make a dent or two on the driver or passenger side collector tubes, depending on the fit - as every vehicle is different, and LT's travel down past the steering shaft and trans tunnel...

In case you were wondering why I keep mentioning BBK, it's because they make a very nice header with a one piece or single flange where it bolts to the head. It's not prone to warping or becoming misconfigured after installed. The MAC headers do not have a one piece flange, they have multiple flanges, and it makes it hard to sinatll these sometimes, not only that, but after they are installed, there's a chance they can warp due to engine heat and if you remove them to replace gaskets, they are a royal PIA to reinstall once they are warped...

:)

Keep looking, there's always plenty of deals on used shorties on most of the Mustang forums and eBay...

[roller4v]

This is really great help folks. Thanks everyone for their input. It is MOST appreciated.

In my typical fassion I'm analyzing the hell out of this and I've got a spread sheet built with all my options wih cost today and future cost (if I ever do modify the engine). But it looks like Full Length headers have been eliminated.

I do have another question. I have a set of Stock 85GT headers. (the ones with the heat riser). I could easily use these until such time as I decided to go with aftermarket shorties. However, it looks like I'm going to buy a new factory 86+ h-pipe and I seem to recall trying to install a factory h-pipe with 85 GT headers on my old 85 and I could not get the factory 2 1/4 inch h-pipe to go on the 2 1/2 inch 85 Headers. It seems the flange on the h-pipe was not flaired enough to fit over the header flange.

Anybody else run into this?

Steve