Headers

I have a '91 LX with the 302 in it. I've had it almost a year now. I know that the headers are factory (because the spark plugs I replaced were). But, I was curious if anyone had any information on specifications of the factory headers. I'm doing a few mods here and there for performance upgrades. This was one area I was going to consider for improvements. Would this be a recommended improvement. I have a flowmaster exhaust already. Any help would be appreciated.

i dont know the specs for the stock headers, but im pretty sure that in all the mustang mags and books that ive read tested new headers and got at least ten horses and ten lb. ft. to wheels. so i would definitely suggest improving them... if youve got the cash. BBK has some good products. im pretty sure the site is www.bbkracing.com

all the stock headers are just a step above cast manifolds, and thats about all there is to them, have you actually looked at the ugly bends in those, makes me cringe

Ok, I'm a few weeks away from making my purchase of some headers. I'm looking around and I see about three different categories:

1. Shorty, unequal length (least $$$)
2. Shorty, equal length (middle $$$)
3. Full length (most $$$)

Obviously, my next question is going to be, is the equal length or full length worth the extra money? Anyone have any experience with any of the three they would like to share?

Thanks in advance for the help.

if you get long tubes youll have to buy a new midpipe or cut and weld your old one, id say the equal shorties would be your best bet. yes regular shorties will be an improvement, but id go for the equals

i heard that the equal length headers burn up your spark plugs, is that true?

not if you insulate them properly, i wouldnt use equals with stock plug wires, nor would i without some type of insulation around them, but if you be careful itll be fine

What type of insulating material should be used??? A wrap, coating, etc.?

You can get sleeves.

I look at it this way:

Shortys: Quick, cheap, effective, no tuning or plug problems.

Equal-length: 2-5 HP difference over normal shortys. PITA, causes more tuneup hassle than I want.

Full-length: I'd only do it if using a power adder or full-blown N/A stroker..and looking for every last HP. Plug fitment is good, but you run into tuning issues on some cars due to 02 sensor relocation.

All in all, it's up to you, but I haven't seen need to change from the FMS Jet-hot shorty's that are on my car. In fact, I just put a set of Hedman Shorty's on my truck (1 1/2" primarys) and no complaints, MPG went up from 16 to 17.5 on the highway...