Advice on Long Tube Header Install

Argonaut · 12-30-2007, 03:49 PM

Please help me out with some advice: I received aset of JBA long tubes for Xmas. I have been searching for a TacoBill like how-to and have only found one on another forum (http://www.2005stang.com/gallery/alb...ks_Install.pdf). I'm pretty handy with a wrench but don't have an extensive tool collection, just the basics. I do have stands, floor jack, torque wrench, extensions.

Questions for those of you who have actually done a LT install yourself:
- Do you have/know of any how-to writeups?
- What do you think - should I do this or take it to a shop?
- Any other advice?
- Additional parts I think I need/want, please advise: safety loop, prothane mounts, O2 extensions (I will be catted H), adjustable UCA or LCAs (pinion angle)

Question for those who have paid a shop to do an install:
- What was the labor charge?

Thanks guys!

stangboy555 · 12-30-2007, 04:36 PM

I didnt realize header install was that simple on an S197, I might have to try that.

howarmat · 12-30-2007, 05:09 PM

If you have a lift it will take 4-6 hrs if you know what you are doing.......if you have only jackstands, its a 10+ hr job for the most part. Wouldnt call it easy by any means. I am paying my shop 400 for motor mount, header/midpipe install

stangboy555 · 12-30-2007, 05:15 PM

Simple as in steps... yeah there are a few small steps but is it really just...

1. Remove H-pipe
2. Remove Starter
3. Remove Motor Mounts
4. Remove Headers

$400 isnt that bad for all of that work.. for me this is my 3rd stang, I want to do the work and not just throw money into it. I'm no mechanic but I'm pretty handy and I got a few friends used to work on cars. I'm sure this can be done over the weekend and a case of beer.

howarmat · 12-30-2007, 05:20 PM

yes pretty much the steps, but its pretty tight clearance underneath without the lift. It will depend on your patience and experience really

06Redfire3V · 12-30-2007, 06:03 PM

Everybody in Oklahoma charges so much for working on my car.

A shop that was going to install LT'sw/ midpipe was going to charge me 60 an hr. w/ a minimum of 9 hrs. and an additional $150 bucksfor the midpipe [:'(]

I ended up not even purchasing LT's..[:@]

06Redfire3V · 12-30-2007, 06:03 PM

If you can have a shop do it for under $450 i say take it to a shop!

cooper · 12-30-2007, 06:46 PM

Took me 8 hours on my back with jack stands and some beer. I did have an air compressor which helped a lot. Otherwise it is a fairly easy/straight forward swap. I did the mac long tubes and mac pro chamber all at once.Be patient and it will be worth it. There is an enormous amount of room to perform this swap on these cars compared to the new edges.
Cooper

Argonaut · 12-31-2007, 09:02 AM

Thanks for the replys so far.

I know a ton of guys have installed headers - how about some more of you adding your 2cents. Thanks.

marcuskeeler · 12-31-2007, 10:45 AM

That write up seems to be pretty comprehensive and already answers pretty much all your questions [&:] Only you know whether you're competent enough to do it. Doesn't seem that tough if you have sufficient access under the car.