We have previously written an article on the best bolt-on performance mods for the 5.0 Mustang Coyote that is useful for any mustang owner or gearhead to read. The Ford Mustang 5.0 Coyote engine is a tried and true engine that is known to respond extremely well to performance upgrades. Specifically, one of the first recommendations for your GT 5.0 are the headers to boost performance and power gains. This article will examine some of the best 5.0 Coyote header upgrade options available on the market today. Let’s take a look at some of the best mods to boost horsepower, and maybe extend your fuel mileage too.
With three different generations or “variations” of the Mustang GT Coyote engine, we will make sure to specify the fitment and requirements of each mentioned modification. Header upgrades can boost any car’s horsepower even without beneficial supporting mods. Some manufacturers promise an additional 20-25 whp with their header upgrades.
Now let’s take a deeper dive into the functionality of upgraded headers as well as their affordability and gains. First, what even is this component and why is it one of our first recommendations as a mod for your engine?
What are 5.0 Coyote Headers?
Headers are essentially an interchangeable word for your exhaust manifold. Headers are generally a term associated with aftermarket or modded exhaust manifolds. This is the first part of the exhaust system, helping the engine expel exhaust gases from the cylinders.
Due to their location, headers are often considered the most important part of your exhaust system. Especially considering that your header may contain a catalytic converter which further affects horsepower gains and engine sounds.
Below in this article, we will dive further into the two main categories of headers, their advertised horsepower and torque gains, and which options might be best for your 5.0 Coyote. This could be the most important upgrade with an immediate impact on your power, so it’s important for each driver to research what option suits them best!
Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote Long Tube Versus Shorty Headers
As many gearheads already know, there are two main sub-categories of header types: long tube or short tube often called “shortys.” As the name infers, a long tube header has longer tubes before merging together again. These longer tubes offer better gas flow and improved engine scavenging. Yet, with the benefits in exhaust flow and scavenging comes a price. Generally, long-tube header upgrades are substantially more costly than shortys. (Due to the potential need of a catalytic converter and more production material needed.) Long tube headers however can also reduce exhaust gas reversion making the upgrade potentially cost-worthy. (Exhaust gas reversion is the process of the engine and exhaust system retaining exhaust gas that needs to be expelled due to low-pressure points being exposed in the exhaust system.)
5.0 Coyote long tube headers are generally the recommended route versus shortys for the best performance upgrade. Long tube headers typically offer the biggest reduction in back-pressure. Notable downsides of long tube headers are that they are often more difficult or costly to install in comparison to shortys.
Shortys however can be much more affordable and generally easier to install than long tube headers. Some drivers may associate more of an immediate aggressive sound associated with shortys. Those benefits, along with the fact that certain short tube headers can offer a quick big gain in horsepower make them an option for any Mustang GT 5.0 driver to consider.
Benefits of 5.0 Coyote Header Upgrades
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics for 5.0 Coyote Headers, let’s discuss the true benefits of a header mod for your Mustang. Regardless of many Mustang GT 5.0 drivers seeking out headers for pure power gains, there are many benefits that come along with upgrading your headers. Some of the benefits of this upgrade for your engine may include:
- 10-25 horsepower gains
- 5-20 torque gains
- Louder/More aggressive exhaust sound
- Reduced back-pressure
- Reduced gas Reversion
- Lower EGTs
As many benefits as we can list from a header upgrade, it’s important to focus on the potential gain of 20-25 horsepower. Yet, regardless of the power gains let’s further examine the other numerous benefits that come along with upgraded headers.
Back-pressure can be greatly reduced in the 5.0 Mustang Coyote with an upgraded header system. Reducing backpressure improves engine performance, durability or longevity, and therefore overall engine health. With improved gas flow and a reduction of heat with improved backpressure, headers can offer that needed mod to help your 5.0 Coyote reach its full potential. With the reduction of gas reversion or exhaust gases re-entering the combustion chamber, your engine can breathe and perform at a much more powerful rate. This reduction in gas reversion can also help your exhaust gas temps overall.
Finally, as stated before, you might also notice a dynamic change in the aggressive sound of your exhaust with upgraded headers. Proceed with caution with further additional exhaust modifications on top of new headers, as you might wake your neighbors or gain too abrasive and loud gains to your noise level.
Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote Headers HP Gains
As previously stated in this article, most drivers can expect to cap their potential hp gains around 20-25 with a good header upgrade alone. The GT 5.0 Coyote engine is notoriously good at responding to modifications and upgrades, even better so with a good tune. Many variables can affect the horsepower gains from a header upgrade. These variables can range from other supporting mods, different dynos, tuning, and other variables.
5.0 Coyote headers generally offer about 10-25 horsepower depending on the variables listed above as well as the new header’s quality. Drivers of the 5.0 GT Mustang can also expect a rough gain of 10-20 torque with a header mod.
Other variables that affect the horsepower gained for your engine are the type of header variations and their previously listed benefits. Ford Mustang GT long tube catless headers usually offer the best and biggest gain in horsepower and performance. Aside from more costly upgrades (forced induction, boring, etc.) headers are the most cost-effective and simple bolt-on modification with the greatest power and performance gains in return.
Catless Versus High-Flow Catted
Catless are headers that do not have a catalytic converter. Catted obviously then refers to headers that contain a catalytic converter. Long tube headers come with the option of catted or catless in most circumstances. Technically it is illegal, only meant for off-road use, if utilizing a catless header. Catless options though offer the biggest power gains. Catless headers will likely fail emissions tests (unless running special fuel or manipulating certain catless engines, then they might pass an emissions test).
Yet, long tube headers can also fail an emissions test as well. It’s important to check your state’s laws, the severity of enforcement of those laws in your state, and if your purchased header upgrade advertises that it can or cannot pass an emissions test.
Best 5.0 Coyote Headers
All the information above is definitely helpful when considering purchasing new 5.0 Coyote Headers. Now it’s time for us at TuningPro to throw out some of our strongest suggestions for headers currently on the market for your 5.0 GT Mustang. It is important to recognize that the 5.0 Mustang Coyote has a vast amount of header upgrade options currently available. Forgive us for not covering every possible option around, regardless we hope this list is helpful and informative enough for those considering upgrading their headers.
Below we will list a few long tube header options, as well as a few shorties. Some may be catted or catless, so it’s important to know what your priorities are before making a purchase for your 5.0 Coyote Header. Catless if you really dislike your neighbors!
1) American Racing Mustang 5.0L Coyote 2011-2014 Long System
Price: $1,870 (Catless) – $2,050 (Catted)
Fits: All 2011 – 2014 Mustang 5.0 GT Coyote models
Design: Long-tube
Buy Here: American Racing Mustang 5.0 GT Coyote Long System
The American Racing long-tube system is a great high-quality header upgrade regardless of the steep pricing. Yet, with high quality 304 stainless steel, a trusted brand name that’s American manufactured, and a promised increase in horsepower and scavenging- are all reasons that make the American Racing system worthy of our list. The link above is directly to purchase the system from American Racing’s website. This is one of those cases that you get what you pay for – a trusted brand that uses high-quality manufacturing products and processes to create their products.
American Racing even has an optional “X-Pipe” or “H-Pipe,” an additional variation to the system where drivers can choose either a more classic muscular sound or a more aggressive loud sound. Regardless of going with the catted or catless options, this long tube system is a great option for a reliable way to immediately increase the power and performance for your 5.0 Mustang Coyote.
One should expect at a minimum a 15-20 whp gain without supportive mods upon immediate installation of this upgrade.
Now let’s take a look at a more affordable shorty option with our next suggestion.
2) BBK Performance Mustang GT 1-3/4″ Shorty Headers
Price: $500
Fits: All 2011 – 2017 Mustang 5.0 GT Coyote models
Design: Shorty
Buy Here: 5.0 Coyote Mustang GT BBK Shorty Headers
This option from BBK Performance comes in at a great price for those looking for an affordable high-quality short tube header upgrade. BBK advertises an immediate 15+ horsepower upon bolt-on installation. Steel tubing and a “durable ceramic coat finish” also showcase why this affordable option also has great quality.
With proper fitment, this option is optimal for an affordable quick upgrade to your overall engine power and performance. As headers are essentially just metal tubing it’s important to note that there is a spectrum of quality header upgrades. The BBK Performance option listed above just balances out quality, affordability, and gains perfectly enough to make our list for your 5.0 Coyote Header upgrade consideration.
Obviously, more power is available with additional supportive mods like a good tune and upgraded mid-pipes. However, if you’re considering upgrading your mid-pipes it might make more sense to just purchase a long tube system. Yet, these shorty bolt-on headers from BBK are a guaranteed 15+ horsepower at a great price!
3) Kooks 1-7/8″ Stainless Long-Tube Headers
Price: $1,464 – 1,483
Fits: 2011 – 2020 Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote
Design: Long-Tube
Buy Here: Kooks 1-7/8″ Stainless Long-Tube Headers
Kooks is another big brand when it comes to Mustang GT 5.0 Coyote headers. This is a 1-7/8″ long-tube header made from 304 stainless steel. Kooks also offers several ceramic coating options for roughly $400 extra. With long tube headers you may need a few additional parts for installation, especially on newer 2018+ 3rd gen Coyote engines.
Anyway, Kooks is a compelling option overall. They aren’t the cheapest 5.0 Coyote headers around, but they’re also far from the most expensive. It puts Kooks right in the middle price-wise and they back it up with their great quality. As a catless long-tube header these are sure to deliver excellent power gains. With proper supporting mods and tuning expect to see gains of 20+whp.
4) Flowtech Headers Long Tube Mustang 5.0L Coyote
Price: $532
Fits: All 2011 – 2014 Mustang 5.0 GT Coyote models
Design: Long-tube
Buy Here: Flowtech Headers Long Tube 11-14 Mustang 5.0L Coyote
FlowTech is currently offering a very affordable long tube header upgrade for 2011-2014 5.0 Mustang Coyote engines. With free shipping and quality stainless steel, this may be a great option for someone trying to save hundreds of dollars on a long tube header upgrade without compromising quality completely.
Regardless of how responsive 5.0 Mustang engines are to modifications, this product especially would benefit in combination with a great tune to maximize horsepower to a higher capacity. Yet, drivers can hope to add at least 10-15+ horsepower with this option and proper fitment. Flowtech’s offered price and quality are reasons why this upgrade option made our list.
Let us know in the comments below if you have any experience with Flowtech aftermarket products!
5.0 Mustang Coyote Header Upgrade Summary
Headers are amongst the most popular mods for your 5.0 Coyote for a multitude of reasons. Many immediately advertise a gain of up to 25 hp, torque gains, and a more classic or aggressive Mustang GT sound. Not only are the power gains appreciated, but lowering back-pressure and EGTs also make for a much healthier and more durable overall engine.
Horsepower and torque gains are dependent on many variables for your header upgrade. The obviously discussed long-tube versus shorty options, however also details such as deleted or high flow cats can substantially change the power gained from your header upgrade.
American Racing offers some very pricey yet high-quality options for your 5.0 Coyote Header. Yet: BBK, Kooks, and a large variety of other manufacturers offer affordable, great quality options as well. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you want to spend, what noise difference you’re seeking, and how important certain benefits (like scavenging) are to each driver seeking an upgrade.
Let us know down below in the comments your experience with upgrading your Mustang’s headers!
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