2005-2007 mustang GT headers install questions...

mustseetang · 09-14-2006, 05:46 PM

Hav any of you guys installed headers on your car yet if so those of you who have done it your self can you help me figure out how to do it so that i don't have to go to a shop? I've intalled headers before on a 2005 GTO before but i can't seem to figure out how to do it on my car. It seems as if the motor mounts are in the way. Please help with details.

CrazyAl · 09-14-2006, 05:54 PM

Yeah, I installed my Dynatech longtubes. It was quite simple. Dynatech provides a VERY detailed set of directions with color photos for every step.

Anyway, I don't know if this applies to your brand or not, but for the Dynatechs you don't have to remove the motor mounts, but you do have to remove the aluminum brackets that go from the motor mounts to the engine block. You must support (and slightly raise) the engine using a bottle jack positioned underneath.

I'll be happy to help in more detail, but you need to let us know what you've already done, what brand headers you have, etc.

MusiccityGT · 09-14-2006, 06:15 PM

Exactly what CrazyAl said.

mustseetang · 09-14-2006, 06:29 PM

I got SLP long tubes with an off road x pipe. I know pretty much how to do it's just the getting into it for my self. I like to do things my self and this is one that will save me some money. Is there any way you could e-mail me those instuctions? My car is completly stock and all i did was order the long tubeb and x with a intake and programer. If you can send me those instructions send them to this e-mail address.... esalomon@southworthproducts.com

CrazyAl · 09-14-2006, 06:58 PM

I don't have a way to send you the Dynatech directions, but perhaps someone else can. We're talking a 20+ page printed manual with color photos everywhere. They detailed every little step. I don't have a scanner, and even if I did we'd be talking a HUGE file to send over.

Here's a quick rundown of how the install goes. Keep in mind, this is for Dynatechs, so YMMV.

1) Car on the ground. Pop the hood, remove the airbox, air intake, dipstick tube, battery, and the battery hold-down/tray assembly. Loosen the motor mount bolts.

2) Raise the car on jackstands or with a lift. Get under it and remove the O2 sensors and the factory H-pipe

3) Remove the starter

4) Use a bottle jack and a block of wood and support the engine with it, near the crank pulley

5) Remove the aluminum brackets that join the block to the motor mounts.

6) Remove the factory manifolds and the associated studs

7) Unbolt the power steering rack-and-pinion and slide it forwards towards the front bumper. You have to disconnect the universal joint at the steering shaft.

8) Install the headers by sliding them up from underneath

9) Re-install the steering rack/shaft, engine brackets. Lower engine and insert mounting bolts. Reinstall starter.

10) Install your new X/H-pipe and O2 sensors

11) Lower the car, tighten the motor mount bolts. Reinstall dipstick tube, intake, battery & tray.

that's it...

By the way, you will need a 5mm socket and a small ratchet to remove the factory manifold studs. This is an odd size. Make sure you've got one. You also will need a 13mm "gear wrench", preferably the flex-head type. Google for it if you don't know what that is. Both of these tools will save you a TON of time, cursing, and busted knuckles.

Regarding motor mounts:

The Dynatech directions say you don't need to remove or replace the motor mounts themselves. I did remove mine during the install just for some more elbow room. I'm 6'4" so I need all the space I can get. I have also heard that some header brands require you to install aftermarket motor mounts in place of the Ford ones due to clearance problems. However, I don't know if that is true or not. As I said, the Dynatechs DO work with the factory mounts...something to think about

flewbyu · 09-14-2006, 07:01 PM

When they did mine the other day I think he said they had to remove two of them to get everything fitted. As with crazyal they did have to prop up the motor a bit while working. They probably could have got around the mounts but he mentioned to me he did not want anything in his way or that would make it harder while working. I think I remember he mentioned he also had to get the power steering out the way as well, but I was so excited I dont remember much of anything he was saying at the time.

Good luck bro! You will be happy!

CrazyAl · 09-21-2006, 12:59 PM

Hey, in case someone is still looking for the Dynatech Directions, I did get around to scanning them.

You can download them here:

http://rapidshare.de/files/33742880/...anual.zip.html

JGT · 09-21-2006, 09:20 PM

Hey all,

How much does a header install usually cost from a good shop?

CrazyAl · 09-21-2006, 09:57 PM

If they know what they're doing it will be no more than 6 hours. I say no more than $400.

mustseetang · 10-02-2006, 05:55 PM

I just want to thank everyone for the help...I started on my car this past sat. and got them on. It was a breeze. It looked like it was impossible and i almost gave up...but i stuck to my gun and dug into it and it wasn't as hard as it looked. I now got to enjoy them over the weekend and i love them i got the SLP long tubes with off road x pype an everything fit good. Thanks again.