HP Performance designed headers for its Fox turbo system to allow plenty of access to spark plugs, making for easy maintenance. The number-two plug is probably the toughest to negotiate in and out of the head, but it's doable with patience.
The slip-fit crossover tube links the output of the passenger- and driver-side headers, and routes exhaust gasses into the tubine housing. HP provides a complete host of T-bolt and V-band clamps that ensure all the hot-side and cold-side connections are tight and leak free.
TiAL's 44mm wastegate keeps boost regulated by controlling the amount of exhaust that actually gets to the turbocharger. It's regulated at no more than 10 pounds with this system. HP also includes a bypass valve, which diverts excess intake pressure away from the throttle body whenever the throttle is closed. It vents the pressure to atmosphere and creates the whaaaCHEW-CHEW-CHEW-CHEWWW sound that's music to any Pro 5.0 fan's ears.
While we said there's no welding involved, there's a small amount of cutting that must be done as part of the turbo installation. After mock-fitting the complete turbocharger assembly, the areas of the passenger-side inside fender panel are marked and a reciprocating saw is used to create the necessary clearance for the turbo and its inlet tubing, as well as the discharge tube to the throttle body. A 311/42-inch hole is also drilled in the framerail to allow the crossover tube to reach the flange on the header.
Jimmy mounts the 31/44-inch oil-return hose before installing the turbo assembly in the engine compartment.
A liberal smearing of Ultra Copper is also used on the header-to-turbo collector flange. This union is critical, so once the turbo is positioned, it's important that each bolt is secured evenly and is maxed out for tightness.
HP's massive 311/42-inch down-pipe connects to the back of the turbine housing and sends remaining exhaust to a Y-shaped tube that's attached to an after-cat exhaust system. The choice of mufflers is up to a 'Stang's owner, but we found that running the system through open pipes sounds mean and is possibly low enough to make it passable in certain areas.