These are the MAC Performance...
These are the MAC Performance unequal-length, ceramic-coated short-tube headers. The chrome-like coating on these affordable headers should keep them looking this way for a long time.
Horse Sense: Exhaust upgrades are extremely popular because they improve performance, sound quality, and even efficiency. You can upgrade your entire exhaust system in an afternoon, but you can't forget about the intake system or your tune, which often requires adjustment after serious modifications.
Five-liter Mustangs and aftermarket upgrades have quite a history. You could even say they grew up together. As a result, it's getting hard to find a nice Fox-body Mustang that hasn't been modded or beaten to death. The owner of this '90 GT did just that. This nearly stock Mustang is in phenomenal shape and has only a K&N filter in the stock airbox and a MagnaFlow after-cat.
Next on the owner's list is a new exhaust system. For a low-cost, easy-to-install upgrade, Dan Wolfson of DB Performance recommended a set of MAC short-tube headers and a Pro-Chamber mid-pipe. Together, they also decided that ceramic-coated headers would be the best for long-term durability. Dan was nice enough to let us follow along while he installed the parts in DB Performance's shop. The install went quickly and easily, and the new sound is incredible. Check it out.
MAC's 2 1/2-inch Pro-Chamber...
MAC's 2 1/2-inch Pro-Chamber replaces the stock catted mid-pipe-for off-road use only, of course. The unique crossover, in place of the X- or H-shape crossovers found in other mid-pipes, gives the Pro-Chamber its trademark sound.
We found it-the last stock...
We found it-the last stock Fox Mustang GT. Well, it's not completely stock. There's a K&N filter in that stock airbox, complete with the original silencer. There's also a MagnaFlow after-cat exhaust out back. This car is in great shape.
With the car up in the air,...
With the car up in the air, the first step was to unhook the oxygen sensors. You don't want to forget and end up with the H-pipe hanging by the wires. Dan removed the sensors completely to get them out of the way.
Dan first soaked the bolts...
Dan first soaked the bolts with some penetrating lubricant, then hit them with the air ratchet. They didn't give us any trouble. It's a good idea to soak all the bolts before begin. It won't hurt, especially if you're using handtools.
Next are the bolts attaching...
Next are the bolts attaching the H-pipe to the exhaust manifolds. These were a bit harder to reach and get loose. Dan used a long extension so he could muscle the ratchet down where there was plenty of room. That way he didn't have to worry about busting his knuckles.
With all the bolts removed,...
With all the bolts removed, Dan maneuvered the H-pipe out. It took more than a little sweet-talking to get it out with the rest of the exhaust system still in place. The factory H-pipe is also heavy, so plan for that.