Since im on a budget at the moment I have the chance at a set of 94' stang headers, IF the guy still has them. I also know where an 88' TBIRD sits with a 5.0HO in it with the headers still on them. From what I can tell the passenger side header looks like it might dump into the frame rail I figure notching it out wont be to bad. Seems like I'm putting all my money into the intake right now. I'm using a carb setup and I'm going with an RV cam and an Edelbrock performer intake and a 4bbl carb.

Brian

From what my research showed (at the time) the only differences in the later model headers are: 1) the passenger side header has a fitting for the EGR; and 2) the drivers's side front pipe (cylinder #5) is bent a bit differently to compensate for the tighter fit of the SN95 engine bay. (This adjustment gives steering shaft clearance for us Ranger swappers)

I used the '95 headers on my swap, and did have to notch the passenger frame rail a bit, and after the fact it really wasn't an issue. BUT, since I use a phenolic intake spacer, I had an EVIL time getting the EGR tube to fit from the upper intake to the passenger header. Ended up having the tube lengthened, and it still was a bitch to install. All this to keep the emissions legal...

For the PITA factor of headers (not to mention the cost) I'd suggest going with stock cast iron manifolds unless you're really trying to get your truck on the dragstrip. Headers do give slightly more HP, but as with everything in this swap, at what cost. Headers certainly look cool, especially when you Jet-Hot coat 'em, but they do have some drawbacks and aren't all they're cracked up to be performance-wise. Also, somebody mentioned in an earlier post a reminder that "shortie headers" are really not headers at all, but "better manifolds". If you use cast iron manifolds, your custom exhaust guys will thank you (so will your wallet).

As always, just my .02.