So I just bought a set of BBK full-length ceramic headers and a matching catted x-pipe for my '96 Cobra. I know the job is going to be a pain; any suggestions, tips?

Appreciate it

 

Bring an energy drink or two...I don't know about the 96 swap but the header install on my 03 was a Be-otch!!!

 

Don't be stubborn, that's what did me in... Just set aside lots of time (like a couple of days, just in case) and take your time. The easiest methods are to do it w/ the k-member removed or w/ the engine partially out of the car. Also, I suggest getting locking header bolts (ARPs used w/ safety wire or Stage 8) since after putting the headers on, I don't think you want to go through the trouble of tightening the bolts/nuts every now and then.

 

I would def drop the k-member...it's much easier once thats down and you drop the motor slightly. Getting that thing back up is the pita. It will be worth if once your done though! Have fun!

 

thanks guys, i guess i have my work cut out for me.

hey redfire, how do those magnaflows sound with the bbk headers and midpipe? I might pick them up.

 

Like the other guys said drop the K member out. Dont disconect any of the lines from the rack & pinion or brake calipers just let them hang.

Support the trans and motor with a scissor jack because a hyd. jack will drift down. Watch all of the wiring and hoses and make sure you dont pinch or pull anything loose thats going to screw you later. The manifold will be a sumbitch to break loose. Keep trying.

A 3/8 flex head ratchet wrench (Gear Wrench) works really well to put the new bolts back in.

Now once you have done all this and you think the hard part is over WRONG The dipstick tube has to go back in before the K member can be put back. Straighten the bottom of the tube in small amounts until you can fish it up though the headers between cyls.6&7. Apply a little bead of silicone around the ferrell to help it slide in and seal afterwards.

Now you are done. Have your girlfriend finish putting the K member in and tiddy everything up. Kinda like the nurse doctor thing. Promise her a ride and enjoy.

 

The magnaflows sound tough and help keep noise down when your not at wot. Little to no resonation at speeds 70 and below.

Also like Tuff said above...the dipstick tube is also a pita. When you start taking stuff apart spray some type of lubricant on the base of the dipstick tube. My buddy broke his off trying to remove it. He had to wait until monday to get one at the local ford dealer and like Tuff said it has to go back in before the kmember can go in.

 

Yeah, without the k-member dropped, prepare to wrestle a bear!

 

Okay, so I got the headers and x-pipe on. Is it normal for there to be a lot of resonation at around 1,500-2000 rpms when accelerating? Inside the car, it seems like everything is shaking and vibrating in that rpm range, but once it gets above 2,000 the exhaust note is smooth and crisp. However, when the clutch is not engaged, the sound is smooth throughout the entire rpm range. Just want to make sure that's not unusual. Thanks in advance.

 

Congrats on the install. Unless you feel a drop in power, that resonance is probably normal, unless you hear ticking w/ it which means you have an exhaust leak somewhere.

 

Oh no there's definately an increase in power and I havent seen any signs of leaking. I guess I'm good to go. Thanks

 

How long did it take you start to finish?

 

A good seven to eight hours. I had never done this kind of install before, so I took my time and took a few breaks during the job.

 

Did you use a lift? Thats damn fast actually. It took my buddy and I about 10 hours on jackstands with some breaks. And thats with my buddy having about 6-7 of these already under his belt! We did run into a slight problem with the stage 8 locking header bolts. On my drivers side we couldn't get the bolt in because it was too long. So we had to cut the bolt. By the time we got all the tools to do it right it took a while. That was the only pita part besides getting the k member back up.

 

Ya i used my buddy's lift. I wasn't about to do it on floorjacks if I could help it. Also, he had done a few of these installs before, so between the two of us it was muuuuch easier.