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continues: better breathing
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MagnaFlow offers the type of system we're talking about: a complete replacement for the factory pipes with an improved design and greater pipe diameter. Each part is designed as a modular unit so an upgrade can happen one part at a time or as a complete setup from the exhaust manifolds to the tailpipes. Each MagnaFlow part directly replaces its factory counterpart, so we were able to see the benefits at the rear wheels for each level of upgrade.
We also wanted headers on this car, and JBA had what we were looking for in their "Cat4ward" design. Because the JBA header was designed to be a direct replacement for the factory 4.6 four-valve Cobra manifolds,
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we were able to test the headers alone and with the MagnaFlow system.
Follow along as we show you what each part of the exhaust system was worth at the rear tires on this particular make and model of car. We'd encourage you to choose a manufacturer to work with and stick with them, as their parts are always designed to work effectively together, and mixing and matching exhaust system components can sometimes end up costing you the power you're after. By sticking to a system with components engineered to work as one, the odds of picking up both horsepower and torque lean much more in your favor.
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MagnaFlow has engineered an X-pipe with integral high-flow cats to replace the factory Ford H-pipe, and we'll pick up some pipe diameter, too - from the OEM 2.25 inch to MagnaFlow's 2.5 inch setup. Compared side-by-side, you can see how easy this upgrade is to install - the MagnaFlow part simply bolts in where the stocker used to live. If you're a capable wrench turner with a good set of jackstands, you can do this at home. The MagnaFlow X-pipe (with catalytic converters) carries PN93335. The X-pipe is available separately (without cats) under PN 10701. The cats carry PN 94106, and naturally you'll need two for this system.
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It may sound crazy, but we then removed the entire system and replace it with all of the factory components, this was done so we could isolate the headers from the rest of the system and see watch they were worth on their own. This shot is the entire MagnaFlow system just prior to its removal, looking aft toward the rear of the car.
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The results were not as eye-opening as the mufflers, but we still picked up a couple horsepower (297 at 6,00 rpm) and some torque (298 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm). We know these numbers will be magnified by the future addition of the supercharger.
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This entire should be accomplished from the bottom, starting on the driver's side. Many feel the motor mounts must be disconnected, but its not so. The steering shaft has to come out, though.
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Installing the JBA "cat4ward" headers on a late-model Cobra is no walk in the park. The DOHC 4.6 engine is wide, and it's a tight squeeze to get it all in place. Removing the manifolds was a clue - this was going to be tricky. Naturally, all of the O2 sensors need to be disconnected before you even begin, and all fasteners should be completely cool - it also makes removing the fasteners easier.
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