Headers for 96 TC?

[invisik]

Hey,

Anyone know of a company that makes headers for the TC's 281?

Thanks.

-m

[pro-five-oh]

I know none designed specifically for the TC but if you are going to all that trouble to install them, getting a set of 4.6l Mustang headers ($300 new, much less used) and cutting and welding the H-pipe to fit shouldn't be that difficult. Conversions aside, from what I've heard and seen it's a difficult swap.

Plus, you're not gonna see a big gain in HP, but you'll sound really cool with some headers and a custom exhaust.

[invisik]

From a 96 Mustang? I could probably get some used ones and size it up. What would need to be done--re-run some of the pipes from the H-pipe to meet the header properly? Wouldn't an exhaust shop be able to do that, or is it more complicated then that? I'm also thinking about switching to the X-pipe and put on some Dynomax or Flowmaster (the quietest models) mufflers too.

Thanks for your comments.....

-m

[pro-five-oh]

Yup, they make headers for the 1996-present GT (SOHC) and Cobra (DOHC) 4.6l motors. I assume that the GT headers will bolt up to the block with no trouble and then the exhaust shop will take it from there.

As both cars are OBD II, there is a good chance that the wiring and catalytic converters will fit with no problem either. Pretty simple in theory, but you have to sacrifice your car as the first guinea pig http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Hmm...I wonder if anyone has adapted headers to a Mark VIII...

[invisik]

The VIII doesn't have headers? Sheesh, Lincolns really are a luxury thing. Even the fast ones.

Well, I'll have to give it a try then. Any recommendations or would the stock headers from a GT be sufficient? I guess it would be nice to have some chrome ones.... http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks again.

-m

[pro-five-oh]

Well the Mark VII had headers, so it's not a Lincoln thing. Insivik, I don't think I said it right before. I meant that headers are available in the aftermarket, as none of the 4.6L cars have headers from the factory. Even the Cobra has a set of cast iron boat anchors.

The manifolds on the 4.6L Mustang should be the same as the ones on your TC. Many companies make 4.6L headers, and the going rate is about $300 for a decent pair.

[Lscman]

Header fitment is critical. I think it's very unlikely the aftermarket headers for a Mustang will fit the larger full frame TC chassis. In 40 years, I can not think of one case where headers could be swapped between completely different chassis. Even the '86 Mustang and '86 Mark VII used different shorty headers, and they use the same basic Fox chassis. Ford redesigned them in '87 for cross compatibility. We're not talking about 1960's vintage cars, either. These 4.6L SOHC engine bays are cramped. The 5 HP you'll see is hardly worth a set of $1500 custom headers. The Town Car is very heavy, so the loss of 50 lb won't be noticeable. All '90's performance cars don't have headers. The '96 Corvette LT4's ran low 13's with cast iron exhaust manifolds. The earlier L98 version with stainless headers ran a second slower. My LT1 Vette has cast iron too, as do all LT1 Impala SS's. Headers do not subdue NVH (noise, vibration and harmonics) well. This one reason they are not used on certain vehicles.

[This message has been edited by Lscman (edited July 14, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Lscman (edited July 14, 2001).]

[pro-five-oh]

When I converted my Cougar from manifolds to headers I had to get a new aftermarket Mustang H-pipe to make them fit the exhaust. Then I had lengthen the O2 sensor wiring to accomodate the H-pipe. Finally I modified my engine mounts to clear the tubes! That was a painful weekend.

The question on the TC is if the aftermarket shorty headers will fit between the engine, crossmember, fenders, etc. That is no small question either.

If you're still interested, here's an idea: see if the part number for your TC's manifold matches a '96-01 Mustang GT's. If they have the same shape, an aftermarket one might work. Maybe.

It's worth a shot...I guess.

[This message has been edited by pro-five-oh (edited July 14, 2001).]

[Lscman]

Many parts including H-pipe/headers swap within the Fox and modified Fox chassis family. For general info, this includes '78 and up Fairmont, '79 and up Mustang, LTD Brougham (not Vic), T-Bird to '88, last Granada, '82-'87 Continental, Mark VII and their sister Mercury cars. The full size Vic, Marquis and TC stand alone on their full frame chassis.

[Big-420]

Hey I found my password!!! Now I can Post.
First any headers off a 4.6 mustang will fit
My friend has done this to his car already. And I did this to my 5.0 lincoln so the headers seem to be the only exhaust part that swaps right over and his lincoln was a 97tc and the headers where stock 98 gt so it should work for yours peace........

[Big-420]

And before anyone say "Hey how can 4.6 fit a 5.0" well I forgot to say that mine are off of a 92 mustang and I had no probs.And hello to PRO-FIVE-OH long time no see..Thanks for the tips you gave me back in the day....

[invisik]

Well, maybe I'll have to pickup a set of them and try my luck. I love it when there's lots of conflicting answers! http://www.lincolnsonline.com/ubb/smile.gif It's understandable, though. I'll try it and we'll have some facts to deal with!


Thanks much for the advice...

-m

PS: Saw a latest generation Mark VIII at autocross today. Didn't do too bad.....

[pro-five-oh]

You know, Big 420's post reminded me...

One of my friends had a ex-police Crown Vic (1988-ish) and he finally converted the car to 5.0HO after getting beat by an old lady in a 3.8l Buick LeSabre. He did the Mustang heads/cam/intake swap...I think the headers too.

Then again, this doesn't mean that the new 4.6s work the same way...but in this age of cost cutting and parts swapping it is indeed possible.

[Big-420]

And before anyone says "Hey how can 4.6 fit a 5.0" well I forgot to say that mine are off of a 92 mustang and I had no probs.And hello to PRO-FIVE-OH long time no see..Thanks for the tips you gave me back in the day....

[Lscman]

I'm not saying headers from other Ford chassis won't fit. Just don't assume it. If someone has verified it, that's a go.