I've read where headers really don't improve performance in our cars.....I this true?....I've been thinking about installing a set.....But I'm not going to invest the big money (purchase and install) if there is not much improvement.....So what are the facts of the matter....Bruce L. Hansen.....Senior Citizen....Alive by the grace and mercy of GOD
Headers 98 Mark base
- Thread starter bhans40
- Start date
TOM MKVIII
LVC Member
My 1998 Mark VIII LSC has Kooks headers from Supercoupe Performance, twin cats, a Borla 2 in/2 out center mount muffler, and it's 2 1/2" stainless steel "Trubendz" (very poor fit, but I got them in) back to a pair of Chinesium resonators. Bottom line...absolutely noticeable increase in power, responsiveness, miles per gallon, and the car sounds incredibly better; because the stock exhaust manifolds are very restrictive. However, the results would be significantly less impressive with just headers patched into the stock exhaust system. I am very happy with the improvement and, for me, it was money well spent. Hope this is helpful.
What am I trying to do?.....Well I'd like a better free flowing exhaust, and along with that a better sound with maybe a little better performance.....If I wanted a hot rod Lincoln it would already be a hot rod Lincoln.....11 years, I've had my Mark for 11 years.....June of 2013........Bruce L Hansen.....Senior Citizen.....Alive by the grace and mercy of GOD
Made a mistake doubled up somehow.....Thank you T0M MK VIII.... for sharing what you've done to your Mark.....The muffler shop wouldn't me delete the 3rd cat so instead they came off the 3rd cat and split the exhaust from there back.....They also put a couple of nice resonators where the mufflers were.....If I go with the headers I may have a problem getting a shop to do the work..... Smog inspections....Do you pass your smog inspection?.....California smogged checked my Mark every year.....$65 every year....Never had any problems......Bruce L Hansen.....Senior Citizen.....Alive by the grace and mercy of GOD
TOM MKVIII
LVC Member
I'm in the People's Republic of California, but for five years I've had no problem with smog checks...for four reasons: (1) it's an LSC with OEM true dual exhaust; (2) the headers come with bungs for the oxygen sensors - all my smog junk is fully functional; (3) it's got 75,000 pampered miles, so the engine is tight and the smog numbers are very low; (4) the engine compartment is so cramped that the (Cerakote heat barrier) powder coated (flat black) headers are not readily apparent. I fitted all the pieces together, then paid a performance oriented shop to weld it up. They don't do smog checks; understood that it would be legal - but didn't really care. On smog checks - including once at a "Star Station" (more finicky) - the tailpipe numbers are so low, and their OBD checking computer is so content, that they've never even bothered with opening the hood.
Excellent pictures TOM MKVIII...... I just found out Ohio doesn't smog check cars over 25 years old.....So if and when I do the header swap I don't have to worry.....BTW Do you happen to have the part number for your Borla muffler?...... I couldn't find one that had the 2in inlets/outlets......I do plan to use the O2 sensors and the cats....We'll see if this plan pans out....Bruce L. Hansen.....Senior Citizen.....Alive by the grace and mercy of GOD
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TOM MKVIII
LVC Member
The Borla part number is BOR-400286; it's 2.5" inlets and outlets. I apologize for the typo in my June 29th comment, I never noticed it until wonering why you were looking up a 2" Borla. The Supercoupe headers made by Kooks are very high quality and a perfect fit in the extremely cramped engine compartrment; little known fact - the car was designed for a V6. Also, The headers require use of O2 sensors with extra long cables - also available from Supercoupe. If I was in Ohio and didn't have to smog check the car, I'd buy the true dual exhaust from cats back at a wrecking yard (preferably a do it yourself yard - my favorite auto parts store!) from an LSC. I've seen plenty of total rusted out hulks with perfectly good exhausts, for some reason the OEM exhaust pipes seem to really hold up well. Here are photos of my full OEM Cobra intake swap, I'm very proud of it - all smog junk fully functional, and I did all the work myself - including rewiring and redirecting the entire engine compartment wiring harness to clear the EGR pipe.
Excellent detail work.... I always appreciate people doing detailed work on their cars cause most are hash and slash, paint to match....Thank you TOM MKVIII..... I've almost talked myself into doing this build, we'll see.... Bruce L. Hansen.....Senior Citizen.....Alive by the grace and mercy of GOD
TOM MKVIII
LVC Member
Thank you for the compliment! If you're thinking of going ahead with the headers swap, keep in mind that your total cost will probably be at least $2,000. For me, I believe if the car's in good condition it's worth the improved power and mileage, especially since (thanks democrats) these days that's the cost of an oil change, tune up, and four good new tires. Best wishes.
supernatural
LVC Member
2 grand is a lot for headers, but might be worth it if you really love your mark.
TOM MKVIII
LVC Member
I just checked Supercoupe Performance, and the headers I paid about $800 for a few years ago are now a little over $1,000...democrats. Anyway, hope it all works out for you.