Quote from: fordtech on April 08, 2006, 08:32:51 PM
im taken the pictures tomorrw of my o6 with the vance and hines ,the guy with the clearence issue must have install it wrong because you install it first with the bolts loose then when you have it fitted properly then tighten everything up,why would i fib about this i have no reason.

I think this was directed at me, not you, AlphaFire.  And I think I installed mine correctly, too. 
As for the flange:  It is not physically possible to have it mount flush on the engine.  HOWEVER, mine is doing just fine with the bolts exposed...no leaking, yet.  The flange simply hangs about 1.5" out from the engine.  One spacer per bolt b/w the engine and the flange would be perfect.  I maintain that the stock headers are a better fit and a combo of the V&H pipe and stock headers would be best.

With that said, I would recommend the V&H for the '04 (given the price of alternatives), but only if you own a dremel (or similar metal trimmer), as I had to shave a bit of the centerstand + bolts.  I just installed a jet kit today and it rocks mated with the V&H.  I don't regret either purchase! 

yo so we never got those pics?

Well, today I married the stock headers to the V&H pipe.
The V&H headers were too close for my comfort and they did not allow for an easy oil change.  I made the switch after nearly 500 miles with the full V&H system (plus dynojet kit).  I used the stock large pipe as a flange (mig welded) over the stock small pipe.

Here is the V&H header:




Here is the stock header...ahh, room to breathe and change oil!



Finally, the stock header mated with the V&H pipe:

would you like to sell the vance and hines header pipe

Very nicely done.  Is there much difference in sound between the two installs?

Quote from: fordtech on April 28, 2006, 09:28:48 PM
would you like to sell the vance and hines header pipe

Already snatched!

Quote from: lumpoffire on April 28, 2006, 10:50:19 PM
Very nicely done.  Is there much difference in sound between the two installs?

Thanks.  There is no sound or performance difference that I can tell between the two headers.

-Patrick