Review & Install Video
Hey guys, Justin with AmericanMuscle.com, here with my detailed review of the Stainless Works 1-7/8" Long Tube Header fitting your 2015 and up Mustang GT, available with your choice of either off-road or cat.
Now, if you're looking at long tube headers, then chances are you've probably already taken care of some of the bolt-on basics, or most of the bolt-on basics, and are at the point now in your set-up where you want to add even more power and sound. Now most people will tell you, "Yes, they are expensive. Yes, they're going to be a pain in the you-know-what to install, but they're most certainly worth it." In fact, gains of 20-plus wheel with a quality tune is not uncommon, and that's on naturally aspirated set-ups.
So, with all that said, why would you want to go with these Stainless Works option for your ride? Well, when browsing long tube options here at AM, you're really not going to be making a bad choice no matter what company you go with, whether it be Stainless Works, Kooks, American Racing, they're all very much top quality, and they're all going to perform as intended. That being said, Stainless Works, this is all they do. They're primarily a header company first, that also happens to dabble in exhaust systems. So they're focus, their knowledge in the long tube market is a big plus, and in my opinion, it definitely comes through in the final product.
Now, as I mentioned earlier guys, if you want to get a good set of quality long tube headers, you're going to be making a sizable investment. So if you're looking at 304-grade stainless quality TIG welds throughout, you're going to be looking in the $1,000 to $2,000 range depending on what brand you go with, and Stainless Works fall right in line with that. The catted version like I have on the table here is going to be $1,300 to $1,400 range, the off-road version will be slightly cheaper than that.
Now you can put together a slightly more affordable set-up and go with a BBK, for instance, but in my opinion, the quality, materials and build really isn't going to measure up like the Stainless Works here.
Quickly running down the materials here with the Stainless Works, you should know they only use a material known as everlast 304-grade stainless steel for the build of their headers. Definitely going to be a premium metal. In addition to that, we are looking at C&C mandrel bends throughout, laser cut 3/8" flange here, three inch merge style collector, all made in the U.S.A., very nice quality TIG welds here. The welds are actually pretty beautiful on this thing, and it's all backed by a lifetime warranty.
Now again, you can grab this in an off-road version if you like, that'll be a little bit more affordable. This is the catted version, again, with me on the table here, so expect to see the two high flow cats included in the package there. Also in the package, you're going to get brand new hardware, gasket maker, O2 extensions, basically everything you need to get these things installed. However, my one small nit-pick here with the Stainless Works options is they do not include brand new exhaust manifold gaskets. Not a huge deal, really, but just something to point out.
A friendly reminder here guys, this is a 1-7/8 version of the long tube header, and I think you'll find it's going to be the most commonly offered diameter when it comes to long tubes for your Coyote powered S550 GT, and for good reason. It's going to be just fine for your mild bolt-on naturally aspirated set-ups, but it's going to be plenty of header to grow into when you do eventually go forced induction.
Now, with that said, if you do have your heart set on a 1-3/4" version of a long tube header, well Kooks, American Racing, and Borla all have you covered with their versions here on the site.
As for the install here guys, well, you do have to support the motor, remove the motor mounts in order to get these things in place, or drop the sub-frame, whatever method you prefer, I figure a full three out of three wrenches on my difficulty meter. A full day in the garage, 12-pack, and a decent set of tools should help you get through this install. Now I don't like to say this often, but if you don't feel confident tackling this job, don't be afraid to leave this one in the hands of your local shop.
All right guys, to wrap this one up, whether you're going off-road or catted, the Stainless Works Long Tube Headers are gong to offer a superb build quality, great materials, along with that lifetime warranty, all things you really like to have on your side when dropping down big cash for a mod like this.
So be sure to check out more from Stainless Works for your GT here at AmericanMuscle.com.
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