Ford Falcon AU XR8 1998-2002 5.0L 5.6L Windsor V8 Hurricane Exhaust Headers HU354STM

Hurricane HU354STM headers (extractors) are designed for Ford Falcon AU, AU II and AU III V8 models including XR8 fitted with the 5.0L EFI Windsor V8. HU354STM also suits selected high-performance 5.6L Tickford stroker Windsor applications.

These Australian-made Hurricane headers feature a Tri-Y design with 38mm primary pipes, 44mm secondary pipes and large 63mm flanged outlets to improve exhaust flow, torque, throttle response and engine performance.

HU354STM will also suit GT40P cylinder heads.

IMPORTANT: All applications require relocation of the catalytic converters. O2 sensor fittings are provided. Direct-fit high-flow catalytic converters are available separately to suit HU354STM.

Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

Key Features

• Suits Ford Falcon AU, AU II and AU III V8 applications
• Suits Ford Falcon XR8 5.0L EFI Windsor V8
• Suits selected 5.6L Tickford stroker Windsor applications
• Suits GT40P cylinder heads
• Tri-Y header design
• 38mm (1½") primary pipes
• 44mm (1¾") secondary pipes
• 63mm (2½") flanged outlets
• Suits manual and automatic transmission
• O2 sensor fittings provided
• Australian Made

Construction

Hurricane HU354STM headers are manufactured from mild steel using mandrel-bent tubing and a Tri-Y pipe configuration designed for strong street performance and improved exhaust flow.

The headers are finished with heat-resistant paint rated to 800°C.

Additional Options

• Ceramic Coating: Available as an option for improved heat management and surface durability – contact us for details.
• Header Gaskets: DSF003A
• Header Bolts: BOL03-10
• High Flow Catalytic Converters: CAT354 – designed to suit HU354STM headers

Vehicle Fitment

• Make: Ford
• Model: Falcon / XR8 and selected AU V8 derivatives
• Series: AU / AU II / AU III
• Year Range: 1998-2002
• Engine: 5.0L EFI Windsor V8
• Engine: Selected 5.6L Tickford stroker Windsor V8 applications
• Cylinder Heads: Standard Windsor / GT40P
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive

5.6L Application Note: The 5.6L application refers to selected late AU-series Tickford/FTE stroker Windsor vehicles rather than the standard 5.0L XR8 engine fitted throughout most of the AU production period.

Header Specifications

• Part Number: HU354STM
• Brand: Hurricane Headers
• Design: Tri-Y
• Material: Mild steel
• Pipe Forming: Mandrel bent
• Primary Pipe: 38mm / 1½"
• Secondary Pipe: 44mm / 1¾"
• Outlet: 63mm / 2½" flanged
• Finish: Heat-resistant painted finish rated to 800°C
• Manufacture: Australian Made

Fitment Notes

Catalytic converter relocation is required when fitting HU354STM. O2 sensor fittings are provided with the header configuration.

For a more straightforward downstream installation, CAT354 high-flow catalytic converters are available separately and are designed to suit Hurricane HU354STM headers.

HU354STM is compatible with GT40P cylinder heads. As with any modified Windsor installation, check spark-plug and plug-lead clearance during installation.

Protect the painted surfaces during trial fitting. Header clearance should also be checked around the steering, engine mounts, transmission, starter motor and any aftermarket components before final installation.

What's Included

• 1 x HU354STML left-side header
• 1 x HU354STMR right-side header

Header/manifold gaskets are not included. DSF003A gaskets are available separately.

Recommended With

• DSF003A: Header gasket set
• BOL03-10: Replacement header bolts
• CAT354: High-flow catalytic converters to suit HU354STM

Why Good Headers & Exhaust Systems Matter

At 4,000 rpm, the 5.0L Windsor V8 theoretically draws approximately 10,000 litres of intake air per minute at 100% volumetric efficiency. Using an illustrative hot exhaust volume at approximately 600°C, this represents around 30,000 litres of exhaust gas per minute.

The larger 5.6L stroker Windsor V8 theoretically draws approximately 11,200 litres of intake air per minute at the same engine speed, representing around 33,600 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute using the same illustrative calculation.

A well-designed header and exhaust system helps manage this high gas flow efficiently, reducing restriction and improving exhaust scavenging, torque, throttle response and engine performance.

Installation Tips

Professional installation is recommended. The original catalytic converter position must be altered when fitting HU354STM. O2 sensor fittings are provided, and CAT354 high-flow catalytic converters are available to simplify the downstream exhaust connection.

Protect painted header surfaces during trial fitting and check clearance around the steering, starter motor, transmission, engine mounts, spark plugs and plug leads before completing installation.

After installation and several heat cycles, inspect the system for exhaust leaks and recheck accessible fasteners where appropriate.

Warranty & Compliance

Hurricane Headers are backed by a 2-year warranty, subject to the manufacturer's standard warranty terms.

The vehicle's required catalytic converters, oxygen sensors and other emissions-control equipment must be retained and correctly positioned. Installation must comply with applicable Australian state or territory requirements relating to emissions, exhaust noise and vehicle modifications.

FAQ

Does HU354STM suit the Ford Falcon AU XR8?
Yes. HU354STM suits AU, AU II and AU III Falcon V8 applications including the 5.0L EFI Windsor XR8.

Does HU354STM suit the 5.6L Windsor?
Yes. HU354STM is also listed for selected 5.6L Tickford stroker Windsor applications used in late AU-series performance vehicles.

Does HU354STM fit GT40P heads?
Yes. Hurricane lists HU354STM as suitable for GT40P cylinder heads.

What size are the headers?
HU354STM uses 38mm (1½") primary pipes, 44mm (1¾") secondary pipes and 63mm (2½") flanged outlets.

Are the headers mandrel bent?
Yes. HU354STM is manufactured from mandrel-bent mild steel tubing.

Do the catalytic converters need to be moved?
Yes. Catalytic converter relocation is required. O2 sensor fittings are provided. CAT354 high-flow catalytic converters are available separately to suit HU354STM.

Are header gaskets included?
No. Header/manifold gaskets are not included. DSF003A is available separately.

Can I pick up from the store?
Yes. Pick up is available but must be pre-arranged before collection.

How much is freight?
Freight varies depending on your delivery location and where stock is available. Please contact us for freight charges before ordering. Where possible, we can arrange dispatch from the nearest available product location to help reduce freight costs and delivery times.

Do you ship to the USA?
Yes. Best Mufflers regularly ships exhaust systems and exhaust parts to customers throughout the United States.

Please note that import duties, tariffs, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product or shipping price. Once your order is processed and the applicable charges are calculated, we will send you a secure payment link to finalise the import duties and tariff charges before dispatch.

Customer Support

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