SW headers, N/A cars - dyno tune or nah?

I did a bunch of bolt on's and custom exhaust (not headers) and had my Marauder dyno tuned many years ago and it was well worth the money. Real seat of the pants improvement in performance.
 
Talked to Marty on the phone today...got some good info and think I may go with the no-cat headers (I am emissions exempt), factory H/muffs/res tips, and mail tune for now.

Just need to make sure my holiday bonus check isn't a 'jelly of the month club' membership before I pull the trigger.

8.jpg


Based on what I'm reading, a lot of the pros seem to like reusing the factory studs...mine are sorta rusty. Seeing conflicting info - some hating on the SW-supplied bolts, others saying it's fine. Some like the FRPP locking bolts, others hating them. Advice here is appreciated.

Will definitely be using factory gaskets.
 
Mine has the supplied bolts installed. Haven't had any backing out issues or anything like that. I also didn't install mine.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk
 
a_d_a_m said:
Talked to Marty on the phone today...got some good info and think I may go with the no-cat headers (I am emissions exempt), factory H/muffs/res tips, and mail tune for now.

Just need to make sure my holiday bonus check isn't a 'jelly of the month club' membership before I pull the trigger.

8.jpg


Based on what I'm reading, a lot of the pros seem to like reusing the factory studs...mine are sorta rusty. Seeing conflicting info - some hating on the SW-supplied bolts, others saying it's fine. Some like the FRPP locking bolts, others hating them. Advice here is appreciated.

Will definitely be using factory gaskets.
Click to expand...



I’ve done a few header installs and have had great luck just using new 8mm studs and factory lock nuts. They sell 10 packs for about $12 at all auto part stores, either Dorman or Help brand, that’s all I use. You could also splurge on Stainless studs online, I just didn’t bother because of easy to grab locally. Besides, mine isn’t driven in snow.

You will need to cut a couple down on the passenger side but that’s easy. So far I’ve yet to break an old stud. Been lucky.. When they snap in half it’s normally right at the face of the manifold. Plenty of meat to double nut it and remove. Helpful hint, try to tighten it till it cracks loose, then walk it on out.

And yes, factory gaskets.

On a side note, I went cat less for a year or so and couldn’t take the stank! Tbone tried as well and went back to cats! These engines wreak..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
crownvic97 said:
I used these, I highly recommend factory style studs, no reason to get overly fancy here.

https://www.amazon.com/Ford-4-6-5-4-Stainless-Manifold/dp/B000CQ21CM
Click to expand...

Black_Chrome said:
If you do snap off the EGR line I'd recommend replacing with this:
https://modd.me/product/flexible-stainless-egr-extension/
Click to expand...
Noted on both suggestions; thanks!

Unboxed the headers yesterday.

I am not a welder, but the EGR bung weld has me a bit annoyed. This may not be the proper term, but there is 'spatter' on the inside of the pipe (basically just looks like metal got hot and sprayed through open gaps into the inside of the pipe...yeah...like I said I'm not a welder so I don't know what this is called!). I can and will file it down, and it's not going to prevent the install from happening, but for the price, I don't feel like I should have to do basic finish work.

Otherwise they appear to be as good or better quality than the Kooks on my Vic (which doesn't have such spatter inside).

Ordering from Marty was insanely easy, and a pleasant experience. Thank you again, good sir.
 
I actually installed new OE gaskets about 30k miles ago when I lost compression on 8. I bet they'd be fine. But...cheap as they are, though, I think I'll skip reusing and buy new ones.
 
a_d_a_m said:
Noted on both suggestions; thanks!

Unboxed the headers yesterday.

I am not a welder, but the EGR bung weld has me a bit annoyed. This may not be the proper term, but there is 'spatter' on the inside of the pipe (basically just looks like metal got hot and sprayed through open gaps into the inside of the pipe...yeah...like I said I'm not a welder so I don't know what this is called!). I can and will file it down, and it's not going to prevent the install from happening, but for the price, I don't feel like I should have to do basic finish work.

Otherwise they appear to be as good or better quality than the Kooks on my Vic (which doesn't have such spatter inside).

Ordering from Marty was insanely easy, and a pleasant experience. Thank you again, good sir.
Click to expand...

Text me pictures of the “issue.” You have my number.

I think what’s worrying you is not a worry at all, but let’s get a look to be sure.

Thanks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top