Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust

Topic: Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust (Read 1526 times) previous topic - next topic

Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust

August 03, 2006, 07:03:25 PM

Well after wasting $50 trying to modify F150 headers to fit (I got a deal I couldn't pass up on them) [If you are wondering, Pacesetter F-150 headers: passenger side fits fine, drivers side first hit the steering, lenghthened to miss that, hits the trans linkage and motor monts] I'm looking now at stock Mustang headers. My Cougar has the column shift and I've looked many places and hear about possibly having to tweak the linkage. I heard about a diagram that was posted but couldn't find it. What exactly needs to be done to get the headers to fit, from what I've read it sounds like more of an H-pipe fitment issue (oxygen sensorshiznitting but what I hear) so since I'm going completely custom after the headers, will everything fit fine? I'd like to hear some first hand experience and clear this up completely. I need to get this done before I have to go back to school as I'm using my Dad's car right now since the Cougar currently has the passenger side header from the F-150 (which will be removed) and nothing on the drivers side. One small final question, since I'm not putting on a Mustang H-pipe, but going completley custom, couldn't I put the o2 sysnsers farther back and avoid the linkage?

Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust

Reply #1 – August 03, 2006, 11:05:43 PM

Please help! Does anyone have any experience with stock shorties (or aftermarket) and column shift that could ease my mind a bit?

Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust

Reply #2 – August 04, 2006, 12:05:59 AM

I had stock shorties with custom duals in my '88 Cougar with column shift with no problems (I originally had full length headers in that car, which was a BIG problem - it shifted into neutral every time the gas pedal was floored. Took hours to install those ones, had 'em in for about 40 minutes). You've gotta make sure the O2's are close as possible to the headers - they work best when hot, and the hotter the better. Fuel mileage may suffer if you put 'em too far downstream.

Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust

Reply #3 – August 04, 2006, 12:18:41 AM

Quote from: Thunder Chicken

You've gotta make sure the O2's are close as possible to the headers - they work best when hot, and the hotter the better. Fuel mileage may suffer if you put 'em too far downstream.

D'oh! Maybe that's why I've seen a decreas in gas mileage since I put my dual exhaust on. I bought a new o2 and used the stock locations in my off-road H-pipe. (Used the old one to plug the second hole since CFI only uses one single-wire sensor).

As far as the column linkage, don't worry about it. My 'bird has 130k and worn out motor mounts and the stock headers fit like they were made for it. I've never heard them rub once.

Stock Shorties, Column Shift, Custom Exhaust

Reply #4 – August 04, 2006, 08:15:43 AM

Awesome! Thanks alot guys. This really eases my mind. I'll post my results next week when I get everything installed. For now, I'm off to a wedding.