BBK shorty headers concern

[Convertibles550]

I recently installed BBK shorty headers on my v6. I noticed after the install that there is a bit of a quick airflow hiss coming around the engine compartment when I just barely accelerate. What I'm hoping is that I just never noticed the sound before and it's just airflow going into the engine. The sound doesn't go into the cabin and the hood needs to be open to hear it.
If anyone with a stock mustang can let me know if their car makes the same hiss with just slight acceleration I'd be very greatful.

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[Reaper]

How long/how many miles ago did you install the shorty headers? Also, did you use the BBK supplied gaskets or OEM?

 

[Convertibles550]

I installed them just under 2,000 miles. I used the BBK gaskets.

 

[zackmd1]

I installed them just under 2,000 miles. I used the BBK gaskets.

Check the connection between the OEM downpipes and the headers. These connections are called ball and socket joints and they are giving me an issue with my long tube headers. I want to hurt whoever thought that a metal on metal connection would seal... Both the ball and socket must be perfectly round for it to seal correctly.

My advice... Torque the s*** out of the two flange bolts and see if that fixes your problem.

 

[Convertibles550]

You're right about that. I did torque them to the max to make sure the connection was secure. I'm starting to think the hiss is normal since it's paired with the engine's acceleration and my air to fuel ratio hasn't depleted at all. I also saw some video reviews of headers and when those people accelerated their cars I heard something very similar to mine. I'll still Re-torque the screws at 500mi like the instructions say but I'm hoping everything is good.

 

[Joe_Stang]

I too have a slight hiss in mine to at that connection and I torqued it as much as possible. I wonder if we can seal that connection somehow Zach?

 

[zackmd1]

I too have a slight hiss in mine to at that connection and I torqued it as much as possible. I wonder if we can seal that connection somehow Zach?

With my headers I am going to create a doughnut shaped gasket to place between the ball and socket. I am hoping that will work. The material was $10 on Amazon and is made for exhaust applications so it should work well without any issues.

 

[davekro]

Red Permatex MTK-1

Any downside to using red Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer MTK-1 #80335 on your ball joint? Anyone have experience with using this sealant on exhaust pipe lap joints at muffler or other pipe connections? Does is seal and last? How is removal once used on joints?

 

[zackmd1]

Any downside to using red Permatex Muffler and Tailpipe Sealer MTK-1 #80335 on your ball joint? Anyone have experience with using this sealant on exhaust pipe lap joints at muffler or other pipe connections? Does is seal and last? How is removal once used on joints?

The only issue I have with using a sealant is that the ball joint is designed to flex. (Not that flexes much at all with BBK's application) My personal opinion is that it would not last on a ball joint. Now on a lap joint it should be perfectly fine.

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