Topic: Best header?

[jwalls4x4]

      Here we go...  I know it's all relative, but I want some opinions.  I'm looking for power and torque.  I may go all stainless exhaust in the future.  Right now, my manifold is leaking and this part needs attn. first.  How about mechanical locking header bolts?  Thanks!  God bless!

[VA_YJ]

I'm running the Banks Torque Tube stainless header and it is a very well made unit.  The exhaust tubes run in a straight line coming out of the head, instead of making an abrupt bend as with the stock manifold.  I had a small burr on my head that I removed before installing.  The trick to preventing leaks is to prep the seating surface on the head to make sure it's smooth and flat, then torque the bolts/nuts evenly and in the proper sequence.  I use "never seize" on the fasteners.  You can recheck the torque after a few heat/cool cycles.

Make sure you have plenty of fuel pressure, as you don't want to run lean and damage your engine.  The 1995 factory manual calls for about 31 psi at idle (measured off the fuel rail fitting) and about 41 psi with the vacuum line removed from the fuel pressure regulator.

I'm very happy with the Banks header, and have noticed improvements across the RPM range.  I have some 19# Mustang injectors that I plan on adding to the mix.  Just one of the many great ideas that I've picked up from this forum.

[Jeffy]

      Here we go...  I know it's all relative, but I want some opinions.  I'm looking for power and torque.  I may go all stainless exhaust in the future.  Right now, my manifold is leaking and this part needs attn. first.  How about mechanical locking header bolts?  Thanks!  God bless!

There are only two choices if you want a stainless steel header, Banks and Borla.  Bother aren't cheap by any means.

[jwalls4x4]

Thanks guys .  I'm thinking Banks, but a Borola catback down the road is another option.  There's nothing wrong with a little mix match, huh?    Are there torque numbers for the Banks and Borola on the 2.5?

[Jeffy]

Thanks guys .  I'm thinking Banks, but a Borola catback down the road is another option.  There's nothing wrong with a little mix match, huh?    Are there torque numbers for the Banks and Borola on the 2.5?

Well, it's probably better to stick with one brand since they tune for the whole package.  If one tunes for more mids while the other is tuned for more highs then they will work against each other to some extend.

[VA_YJ]

I don't have any torque increase estimates for the different headers.  One more thing to consider when installing the header: make sure that wires (e.g., crank position sensor wire) are not near the header when you finsh, as they will get fried.  The aftermarket manifolds take up a lot more space under the hood.  Don't ask how I know this, but I will tell you that it was not mentioned in the instructions from Banks.