Are shorty headers worth it?

[AndyLifts]

I was thinking about purchasing BBK Shorty Headers, but a lot of people are telling me it is not worth it?
Apparently, you gain lower end torque, but it will hurt your higher end torque. A lot of other forums are saying it will slow down your car, and void the warranty.

Can someone please clear things up regarding shorty headers for me please. Thanks in advance!

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[Bay1Stang]

There was another thread like this trying to see if there was a dyno anywhere just for the shorty headers but there isn't.

I still think the roush/headers combo sounds the best but I'm hesitant for the same reasons.

 

[Davisflyer]

I think I did see a dyno where low rpms torque was much better than stock, but high rpms were lower than stock. That would make sense as to why people feel that their car is faster, because that feel of additional torque down low. But losing that torque at high rpms isn't necessarily that big a deal unless you are racing it. Most people don't go above 4500 rpm in day to day driving very often, so they'll never miss it.

 

[six_shooter]

From a looks standpoint they are a huge improvement over stock. I would be curious to see what kinds of gains you would get if this is your only mod.

 

[Evil87GN]

Not sure on the numbers for the '15 V6, but my '13 gained an avg of 10-12 tq/5-7 hp. The gains under the curve were startling though. I saw gains of 30-40 tq in the low/mid range rpms, with 10-12 hp at points. I had some of the first ones in the country, and was one of the first to do a direct before/after comparison. Once I get home from work in a bit, I'll post the dyno sheet in this thread. Definitely one of the better bangs for the buck I did to the '13.

 

[Evil87GN]

Here's the before and after dyno sheet from my '13 V6. Only change was the BBK short tube headers. The other mods were Dynomax cat back, AiRaid cai, tune.

 

[DR_]

Did you happen to weigh the stock cast iron headers? I suspect they are 20+ pounds heavier than the BBK headers.

 

[FireHive]

Jesus Christ the manifold is heavy as balls. It's heavy, restrictive and ugly. Everything you don't want

 

[totalimmortal213]

Personally don't feel this mod is worth it

 

[Rocketboy]

I hope the aftermarket picks up soon for the 2015 V6's. Really would like to put 300 HP to the ground like the 2013's Dyno results

 

[Reaper]

So has anyone installed the BBK headers specifically and have any details? I'm looking to get some ceramic ones and either install them myself, go to a shop, or get some help on a weekend - Zack are you interested?

Also, from what I understand the warranty is only voided on the headers themselves right?

 

[FireHive]

Guys honestly,

If you're worried about warranty, don't bother messing with your car.

Ford can technically void your warranty for anything you do to the car. Yes its "illegal". But do you really wanna take Ford to court and pay for it?

By best advice is find a mod friendly dealer and talk to them directly. See where they will draw the line if something was to go wrong. Try to get as close to the people that work there as possible. Friendship goes a long way.

 

[Reaper]

If you're worried about warranty, don't bother messing with your car.

Ford can technically void your warranty for anything you do to the car. Yes its "illegal". But do you really wanna take Ford to court and pay for it?

By best advice is find a mod friendly dealer and talk to them directly. See where they will draw the line if something was to go wrong. Try to get as close to the people that work there as possible. Friendship goes a long way.

Ford won't void your entire warranty from one specific modification unless you really screw-up. There are a ton of dealers in my area meaning a great deal of competition and they would welcome pretty much anyone at anytime.

Now about the headers, I ended up ordering a set of BBK Ceramic ones and they should be delivered today. Those of you that changed headers - did you install them yourself or take them to a shop? If you installed them yourself do you have any guidance or details?

Now assuming the layout for our S550 3.7 is similar to the S197 the install should follow the same directions. From what I've seen, it can be done solo or even with a friend but it will take anywhere from an afternoon to the whole day.

 

[Joe_Stang]

Just installed shorty headers today. Let me tell you that it is better to pay a shop to do it. The driver side install was fairly simple but the passenger side was a b**** it's very hard to get a wrench in the work area to tighten the header bolts and tightening every nut by a quarter turn at a time sucks big time haha. Also ratchet wrenches are your best friend. It took me and my buddy 7 hours to complete the install. Performance wise it does help with low end torque which I wanted and sound wise it is a slight improvement from stock, with an exhaust it would sound much better. 0-60 runs coming soon.

 

[Joe_Stang]

Did you happen to weigh the stock cast iron headers? I suspect they are 20+ pounds heavier than the BBK headers.

They are atleast 10+ pounds heavier than the bbk headers. Just judged by feel of both in my hands.

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