Kooks LT Install Complete

[Nutter281]

Hi Everyone,

Thought I would share my experience of installing some Kooks LTs on my '09 this past week! Long story short: huge PITA, but doable, and kind of fun I didn't have access to a lift so just did the install in my garage with 4 jack stands on max height. I was also able to jack up the engine enough and had my wife push it over while I slid the new headers into place that I didn't need to remove the steering shaft which was a nice bonus. Below are a few crappy pictures of the install. The last picture was of the extension cable that Kooks sent for the O2 sensor - as you can see, the notches don't line up and had to be cut off which I was hesitant to do. Ohm'd out the pins though and everything lines up the way that it should.

Overall Impressions: Incredible deep throaty sound - makes me grin just starting the engine up! Kind of underwhelmed on the performance side though. Just from the few test drives I've put on the headers, it 'feels' like I've lost more low-end torque with the long tubes than I gained high end horse power. Could all be in my head but it seems I have less punch when I mash the gas pedal down when i'm in the 2-3k RPM range. Anyone have similar underwhelming experience? I can't remember what that gasket looks like - any chance I put it on upside down and am cutting off flow? LOL

For mods, the 4.6l 3V is completely stock (40k miles) with just Flowmaster 40 series axle backs and now the Kooks LTs. I bought a SCT tuner from Brenspeed running 93 octane tune.


Thanks,
Austin

 

[Mustang Mark]

You definitely lose some bottom end with the long tubes, but I noticed a huge difference at 4k rpm+

 

[BadPiggy]

Tune may need to be adjusted and you'll realize better gains with the LT's if you'll also install a CAI.

Let that bitch breathe!

 

[MassMustang]

I agree with the previous comments. I had a shop do the install but once completed, I feel like I lost a little off the bottom but it definitely gained some mid range and upper rpm power. Plus it definitely opens it up for a nice throaty exhaust note! I may go from my performance tune to the race tune to see how it feels.

My mods are in my signature below.

 

[travelers]

I did a LTs on my 07 with ARHs and it wasn't that bad. I also installed ARHs on my '11 now that was a real pain.

 

[MADGT]

You are a brave man to tackle this one. Well done.

 

[darrens07gt]

I just installed mine a few months ago and I'm still having nightmares about it! But good job on the install. I didn't remove my steering rack either. I just jacked the motor up as high as I could and massaged it in place. Wasn't too bad at all.

I didn't notice any low end loss but then again I have 4.10's so that is a HUGE help in keeping the low end pull strong. I start my cam install tomorrow so I'm stoked on how my car will sound with the LT's and Hot Rods.

Good Job!