I am curious about headers for my 99 lightning. Who makes the best headers? Bassani or JBA?

Is there any difference in installing between the two. I read a article about the bassani headers requiring the motor mount on the driver side to lossen.

Is this the same with the JBA?

How long does it take to install them?

How much do muffler shops charge to install?

Thanks for any advice on this subject

 

The JBAs are first class in quality and fit. I can't say they're superior to Bassani, but I'm real pleased with them. The motormount does not have to be messed with to do the install.

There is a noticeable increase in power from mid-range up. Installation charge was a flat $250 (and well worth it I might add). I didn't even consider doing it myself. I don't thing you'll be disappointed with either choice. How's that for middle of the road?
1999 Black Roush-Lowered Lightning - w/Super Chip (YEEEOW!), JBA Headers, F-1 Cobra hood, Power Surge air kit, CD Changer, Towing Package,Grey Rhino, clear corner lenses.



[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 12-27-1999).]

 

Do you have a part number for the JBA headers?

What about a place to order them online?


Nathan

 

Nathan -

I got mine from Roger/F-150 Online Store. Great service and a fair price. I chose the silver jetcoat treatment, but I understand a higher temp "black jet" coating is also available. Check em out!

https://www.f150online.com/store/index.html

[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 12-27-1999).]

 

6pipes,

Except for your JBA headers, do you run the stock OEM exhaust system? If so, did you notice any difference in sound after installing the new headers?

Thanks,

Mike

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Mike Philpott
Orlando, FL
'99.5 Black Lightning
SVT #2190 - Build Date 6/9/99
NLOC #361
6 CD Changer, Class 3 Hitch, A.R.E. LSII Lid, BedRug Liner, Invinca-Shield/3M Scotchcal protective film, Wyldman's Clear Lexan Fog Light Covers, 16% Window Tint, LoJack, Val-1 (Sal's PSP Chip & Air Filter Kit on order!!)

 

Hey 99SVT
I have the full Bassani Kit, as far as the headers, I personally think JBA has Bassani on the headers. I think an all stainless steel/hpc coated is better than Bassani's mild steel/hpc coated.

The reason I went with the Bassani's, is they have a 1 5/8 primary tube, whereas, JBA only has 1 1/2. Also, the B's look to have (I did not measure) equal lenght runners into the collector. I believe that is why it is farmore pain in the @ss to install the Bassani's.

It took the full weekend to take out the factory (without cutting anything) system and install the Bassani. About 14 hours with one hour lunch/stretch sessions. It only took about 1 1/2 - 2 hours to install cats and mufflers.

As far as taking it to a shop, I'm sure it would be much faster with the use of a lift and air tools/torch to cut off the factory system. I did not want to torch my factory stuff.

Good luck. I hope this helps. Whatever you decide to go with, It will be way better than the factory log header, as it only has roughly 1/2 inch by 1 inch slot ie: a real piece of s--t!!

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JIGAWATT SVT#2698

 

F150SVT -

I left the rest of the exhaust system alone. There is a definite difference in exhaust note, but not that noticeable until you get on it. I personally like it cause it's a little more stealthy than say a Flowmaster would be.





The stock headers were unbolted and the install was done without using a torch. The stock headers are pretty cheesy (cast iron)by comparison.

[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 12-27-1999).]

 

Ya buddy big & knarly - just the way I like'em. That is a great pic showing the dif btwn the factry & aftrmrkt 1's

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99' SVT Black Bolt #3443
330.0 cid All Blown

Engine Mods
PSP Filter
PSP Custom Chip

Other Mods
Clear Corner Lenses
Painted Calipers

**Millions have seen Lightning
Few have ridden one**

 

A better look at...



the driver's side (left)...





and passenger's side (right).

[This message has been edited by sixpipes (edited 12-27-1999).]

 

sixpipes / Dennis
The JBA's look real nice. Not to be a pain in butt, but could you post the header photos to the Zing site at about 70 to 100k. That way interested individuals could take a good look. You really do a good job with that camera so you just feel free to post your photos there(my zing site) any time you want. Thanks.
PS. Dennis, Did I detect a limited edition "Barney" Lightning at your zing site(nice job it looks different).
------------------
BABolt
SVT#290



[This message has been edited by BABolt (edited 12-28-1999).]

 

If I remember right the headers on our Lightnings are STOCK 5.4L headers, the same as a 5.4L in a Lariat.

 

Hey JIGAWATT,
Is the Bassani exhaust noticeably louder? I am going to go with the full B setup, but want to make sure I can wake the neighbors up when I go to work in the morning . Also, did you get the SS comp gaskets with the system? And did you have to loosen the motor mounts to install driverside header?
Thanks in advance
Jim

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'99 Red #2394, NLOC #342
Superchip, Black Rhino,
Window Tint,Clear fog lens covers

 

Sixpipes...hey man, I just saw your pics on Zing. I recognized the Lake pic at Lewisville. I'm from Houston and have friends up in Dallas. In fact, I ordered my 2000 form Bankston Ford in Frisco. Do you go to the lake a lot. When the weather warms up I will probably be out there a few times. We ought to hook up. I would like to see your truck, especially with that cool hood.

Glen

 

I got my Black 99 from Bankston. Good crew.

 

Nathan...I have to say, you guys on the board keep me better posted than their guy who puts the order in. He just found out yesterday. I knew about the holdup before he did. And yes..they are good guys. Do you and sixpipes ever get together?