Headers and tune on a 2018+ 10-speed Mustang… is it worth it?

I’m curious if adding headers and a 93 tune is worth the gains compared to e85 with headers. Would it make more sense to just stick to e85 and a trans tune for now? I’ve got a 2018 10-speed Premium.

Honestly, headers are worth it just for the sound. It makes a huge difference.

You should consider a transmission tune from a reputable shop. I had mine done recently, and it’s a night-and-day difference. The shifts are super smooth now, no delays with the paddles, no gear searching or jerking. It’s so much more responsive, and the car feels quicker overall. It’s almost on par with a ZF8 or a dual-clutch setup now. Ford really dropped the ball with the stock tuning.

@Alfred
Do you think it’s better to go with just e85 and a trans tune for now and skip headers until I’m ready for boost?

Kei said:
@Alfred
Do you think it’s better to go with just e85 and a trans tune for now and skip headers until I’m ready for boost?

Yeah, e85 and a trans tune will give you way more noticeable benefits compared to headers alone.

Yes, it’s worth it. e85 can actually be better for your engine long-term since it reduces carbon buildup. Check out this video for more info: Bolt on tests

@Carlos
True, but e85 can be rough on your engine oil.

Marlo said:
@Carlos
True, but e85 can be rough on your engine oil.

That’s valid, but I’ve been using Royal Purple for over a decade in methanol setups, and it’s great. Even after track days, it separates the water out. People might have different opinions, but it works for me.

E85 is great for performance in 2018+ Mustangs, but there are some downsides. Ethanol absorbs water, so if your car sits for long periods, it could cause problems. It’s also harder to start in cold weather, and the quality of e85 can vary a lot depending on your location and the season.

For naturally aspirated Coyotes, you can get a flex tune even with Ford’s weird stock logic. If you’re planning to go forced induction (FI), though, it’s a different story. As for headers, they’re a hassle to install, and most of the power gain comes from removing the catalytic converters. Headers are better for FI builds since the stock cats aren’t designed to handle that power.

@Judson
So would you recommend just sticking with e85 and a trans tune for now? I’m planning to go boosted, but that’s way down the road.

Kei said:
@Judson
So would you recommend just sticking with e85 and a trans tune for now? I’m planning to go boosted, but that’s way down the road.

If it’s for street performance or daily driving, I’d say stick with e85 and a trans tune for now.

The platform doesn’t gain a ton in naturally aspirated form unless you’re going all out. The intake, intake manifold, cams, and exhaust are all solid up to around 800whp. Headers are only really worth it when you go FI because the stock cats can’t handle it. They’re also expensive and a pain to install. For a 25hp gain on e85, most people don’t think it’s worth it.

Oh, and for tuning, I’d go with Wengard. Avoid Lund.

Honestly, there’s not much else you can do.

It’s a lot of money for 40–50 whp, most of which comes from the tune. Headers might add 15–20 on the top end, but you lose low-end torque, which hurts throttle response. Unless you’re going boosted, headers probably aren’t worth it.

@Jet
So stick with e85 and a trans tune for now and leave headers for when I eventually boost?

Kei said:
@Jet
So stick with e85 and a trans tune for now and leave headers for when I eventually boost?

Running e85 has its challenges. You’ll need a new fuel pump and injectors, which aren’t cheap. Your fuel economy will tank, and e85 availability and quality vary a lot. It’s not really worth it for a naturally aspirated build. If you’re aiming for an 8–9 second car, then go for it, but otherwise, it’s probably more hassle than it’s worth.