View Full Version : Header question
David_L
03-22-2022, 11:09 AM
I decided it was time to start looking at header options. Mike Forte let me know I can use standard 302 headers with the Boss 363. As I'm using EFI I need an O2 port. I will most likely go with the long pipe headers supplied from either FF or GAS-N and I will be using the Stainless side pipes from FF.
Note: I originally ordered the plain steel side pipes as I'm going to have them Ceramic coated in black. They were still on backorder as the first set arrived damaged. They are now shipping me the stainless side pipes for now extra charge, and they have no ETA on the plain steel pipes.
Options:
1. Use OEM mustang headers with the kit included J pipes:
This option appeared attractive the J pipe has an O2 port built in. It would also be fairly inexpensive to buy OEM headers. But drawbacks seem to be appearance and a loss of HP.
2. Use long pipe headers supplied from FF or GAS-N:
During my first forum searches I found there were no O2 ports in the headers, but it appears that this issue has been corrected in both FF and GAS-N. There are now collectors in the headers so the O2 sensor can be placed in engine compartment. The GAS-N headers are about $100 more.
I did see that the GAS-N headers might have more options like 1-3/4", 1-7/8" or Step-Header. With Step-Header the way to go?
My main questions are:
Which one will I have less fitment issues with? (Less Breeze wedge adapters)
Which one is made better? I'm guessing GAS-N as it's not made somewhere else..
This subject has maybe been beaten to death, but I'm willing to bet there will be guys still interested and any input would be great!
Update: I talked to Mike Forte and he said the 1 3/4 pipe size is more then enough for the 363 motor. That should also provide more room in the engine compartment as well. Please provide any thoughts you might have, but at this point I'm most likely going with GAS-N long pipe headers at 1 3/4 and O2 bung.
Jeff Kleiner
03-22-2022, 11:20 AM
My main questions are:
Which one will I have less fitment issues with? (Less Breeze wedge adapters)
In my experience Factory Five headers with Factory Five pipes have fewer fitment issues.
Which one is made better? I'm guessing GAS-N as it's not made somewhere else..
What's your definition of "made better"? If fit factors into that see above.
Jeff
For what it's worth, I believe that the new Gas-N and new FFR headers are very similar. I was using headers from GP Headers that are very good quality, but after my tuner questioned the slip joints, I swapped over to the new FFR headers. If you are going to use the FFR pipes, their headers should give you a pretty good fit. I think most of the fitment issues folks are having is with the Gas-N pipes as they have a slightly different flange orientation. I have Gas-N pipes and FFR headers and needed 1/2" of wedge to align the passenger pipe. With the GP Headers, the passenger side was fine, but the driver's side was way out of bed. The driver's side is perfect with the FFR headers and Gas-N pipes on my car. Remember, the final body position will determine what you need with respect to getting the pipes properly fitted.
My car now:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159346&d=1640742074
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159347&d=1640742074
A few more pictures for you:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164382&d=1647968129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164383&d=1647968129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164384&d=1647968129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164385&d=1647968129
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164386&d=1647968129
Keep in mind that you will want a slight angle toward the exit of the pips to ensure water doesn't pool and sit in the pipes.
Mike.Bray
03-22-2022, 12:07 PM
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164382&d=1647968129
That heat shield is a smart idea. Probably why I don't like it LOL
Ted G
03-22-2022, 12:14 PM
I just recieved my headers from Gas-N. They seem to be very high quality but I can't speak about fitment issues yet as I am just starting my build. Both sides have the O2 sensor bung. Also, Gas-N has a spike at the end of the four pipes into the collector that seems like it may help with air-flow but who knows. Gas-N also has the adjustable flange near the collector (technical name?) that would seem to help with the fitting of the side pipes. I also went with Gas-N side pipes but have yet to have them delivered.
I also like the massive mounting plate at the heads. I think it is 3/8" thick. I just wished they welded all the way around the pipes.
164388
That heat shield is a smart idea. Probably why I don't like it LOL
My wife demanded I install the heat shields after our first club drive. One of the guys had a scabbed up snake bite on his leg, and one of the passengers got a fresh one that day. That's all it took for my wife to give me the ultimatum: "Get shields or I don't ride in the car." For some, this may be an opportunity, but I still like my wife after 36 years of marriage, so shields were installed. My wife actually picked out the ones she liked and that's what we bought.
Ray from Long Island
03-22-2022, 02:45 PM
Hi Papa,
Two questions:
1) What color is your car? I love it & I will be having mine painted in the not so distant future...
2) Do the side pipe covers cut down the "touch burn factor time" that much? My wife feels like yours and she is my best friend
Thanks !
Ray
Hi Papa,
Two questions:
1) What color is your car? I love it & I will be having mine painted in the not so distant future...
2) Do the side pipe covers cut down the "touch burn factor time" that much? My wife feels like yours and she is my best friend
Thanks !
Ray
Ray,
The color is Lexus Spectra Blue Mica. With the shields, you can put your skin on them and not get burnt. They get warm, but not hot. The trick is not to hit the portion of the pipe that is after the shield as it will still burn you.
Dave
Ted G
03-22-2022, 08:17 PM
Hi Dave, love that color too. But where did you get those spats???? If you made them, you should sell me a set.
Hi Dave, love that color too. But where did you get those spats???? If you made them, you should sell me a set.
The spats are from one of our forum supporting vendors, Very Cool Parts (http://verycoolparts.com/). They don't have them all the time, and usually make them in batches, so give them a call.
Dave
David_L
03-22-2022, 11:36 PM
Guy's thanks for all the incredible information! This is exactly what I was hoping for. I posted the same question on my build thread but never received any responses. I think it's harder to find the thread end?
It sounds like the FFR headers are a great option. Nice pictures Papa! Thanks! The less fitment issues the better.
It also sounds like 8 heat shield will now be ordered! Lol. I know the ceramic coating will lower the temperature a couple hundred degrees so are heat shields still needed? And if so I'm guessing I should get them coated at the same time then install them?
runamuk
03-23-2022, 05:32 AM
For what it's worth, I believe that the new Gas-N and new FFR headers are very similar. I was using headers from GP Headers that are very good quality, but after my tuner questioned the slip joints, I swapped over to the new FFR headers. If you are going to use the FFR pipes, their headers should give you a pretty good fit. I think most of the fitment issues folks are having is with the Gas-N pipes as they have a slightly different flange orientation. I have Gas-N pipes and FFR headers and needed 1/2" of wedge to align the passenger pipe. With the GP Headers, the passenger side was fine, but the driver's side was way out of bed. The driver's side is perfect with the FFR headers and Gas-N pipes on my car. Remember, the final body position will determine what you need with respect to getting the pipes properly fitted.
My car now:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=159346&d=1640742074
Can I ask where you got these, they look awesome
Can I ask where you got these, they look awesome
I got mine from these guys:
https://steelshields.com/cobra
Russwood
03-23-2022, 12:46 PM
I got mine from these guys:
https://steelshields.com/cobra
I'm ordering myself a set today. Great find - I think those are fantastic looking.
swwebb
03-24-2022, 01:28 PM
Drummer Mike has some simpler heat shields (solid with no Cobra) that may be more reasonable. I bought mine a long time ago and don't remember the price.
See the thread https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36969-Side-Pipe-Heat-Shields
Steve
Ray from Long Island
03-24-2022, 01:48 PM
Thanks Dave! Beautiful car and safe(r) too !
Ray
David_L
03-24-2022, 11:51 PM
Drummer Mike has some simpler heat shields (solid with no Cobra) that may be more reasonable. I bought mine a long time ago and don't remember the price.
See the thread https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36969-Side-Pipe-Heat-Shields
Steve
Seems a lot of guys are liking these shields. I did send an email today to hopefullya current email.
David_L
03-25-2022, 02:43 PM
Drummer Mike has some simpler heat shields (solid with no Cobra) that may be more reasonable. I bought mine a long time ago and don't remember the price.
See the thread https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?36969-Side-Pipe-Heat-Shields
Steve
I was able to get in touch with Drummer Mike and I've already sent him a check for the unfinished shields. Once I get the shields and headers in I'm heading to a local shop in Arlington Texas to get the ceramic coating so they all match.
He sent me a picture of all 3 options he has. $315 plus $35 S/H for the unfinished one on the left:
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=164540&d=1648237167