5 liter header install (rant)

[Cali' Explorer]

I agree... I am currently in the process of going through and checking all the sensors and other good things. I need to get the spark plugs out as well and check them because I went to Bosch +2's and have heard some bad things, I just didn't have a big enough wrench last time to get them out (they were on there good).

So, I know the MPG isn't all because of the leak, but its to the point where at startup I have as much exhaust coming out in the engine compartment as I do out the tailpipe which to me says that its also probably throwing my O2 sensors causing an incorrect mixture. That's my real issue with the exhaust.

But, I should know more this weekend because I'm going to pull all my spark plugs and check the remaining sensors along with my plug wires and the coil pack. Anything else anyone can think of on this specifically... I'm basically just going to fix it myself at this point because I don't have great faith in Ford (at least not my local dealer) right now.

 

[Mbrooks420]

You want to be careful with a motor running that rich. It will ruin the cats, and all the excess gas can wash the oil off the cylinder walls, ruining the top end.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

That brings me to a good question, is there any way to tell how Rich the mixture is that's being put in at a given point? And it not a big deal because I only drive about 5 - 10 miles a week (if at all right now), buti want this fixed so that if I do need to drive more, its not an issue.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

Well, actually, I may have solved one of the problem. I was fiddling with the spark plugs and wires on the Passenger side this evening and noticed one of the plugs was loose (still connected, but very wiggly). When I pulled the boot, I noticed the metal clasp inside the boot was open mighty wide, so I pressed it closed and re-attached it. Amazingly, about 40% of my pinging/metallic sound was gone. So, this weekend, the plan is to pull all the plugs and wires and ensure they are all seated properly.

Now, just to fix my exhaust leaks (that's the noisiest thing again, YEAH!).

 

[BeauJ]

I just ordered a set for my 2000 and a set of stage 8 bolts. I've looked under the hood and it doesn't look too difficult. Any problems that I should expect to run into? I'll have PLENTY of tools where I'm at and help is just a yell away.

 

[section525]

The bolts were cake with my FMS headers. Are you infact getting some FMS 1 5/8" ones?

 

[james t]

I never even unhooked mine. I left them bolted at the collector and pryed them away from the head. Easy as cake on the passenger side, pretty tight on the drivers side. Make sure you get all the old gasket off- it may pull off in one piece and it may not.

 

[BeauJ]

Got the headers today, and NO they aren't 1 5/8" primes like the Ford Website and eBay auction claimed. I'm pretty pissed. The EGR bung on these is in the middle of the pipe, and mine is more towards the back. They were claimed for a 95-97, but I guess the EGR made the difference for the newer models. Anyone done it on a newer model? Can I just bend it? If this won't work, my chip is already burned for no CEL, so what's involved in removing it?

 

[section525]

You can plug it like my TM headers are. Or cut it off, grind it flat, then weld a nice plate with "ChopinOnHussies" pressed into it.

 

[Oversquare]

what's that? How do you bypass the EGR with the TM headers, and not throw a CEL?

-Brad

 

[section525]

I have internal EGR on my '96. Only you 98+ guys need the external EGR on the header.

 

[boominXplorer]

i have no egr and i pull 4 codes, all egr related.

 

[BeauJ]

Describe what it takes to remove it ******.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Can I just bend it?

You can totally bend it... in fact, I had to do some pretty drastic bending on mine for my Torque Monster install, as the TM header's are about 1" higher than the stock 1997 manifolds. I ended up using a vise, some vise grips, and a nutdriver handle stuck inside the tube to bend it. It's soft steel, and bends fairly well.

 

[dmf415]

I just got my Percy's gaskets, do they come with 4 gaskets?

 

[410Fortune]

I purchaased a new EGR tube from Ford and had no issue bending it to fit the TM headers.
I used Ford gaskets, no leaks so far.

I was going to use those locking bolts but decided against it, they are a PITA and some of them would not have worked with the TM headers anyways (tubes to close to bolts) In one case I had to grind down the round part belowthe head of the bolt to fit.

removing both fender skirts is a must, on the D side removing the steering shaft was a big bonus too (BII is a little diff then Gen II ex)

Get all 8 bolts started before tightening the header up to the block, if you dont there may be a bolt of two you cannot start with the header seated up against the block.

Have fun! Even though my truck was stripped down to bare min, I had to do the TM headers about 4 times and the D side a 5th during my conversion that will get you real good at doing those suckers!

 

[Cali' Explorer]

I just got my Percy's gaskets, do they come with 4 gaskets?

No, they do not come with 4 gaskets. What you are seeing is the various "Pleats " in the gasket. It is these pleats that allow the gasket to be crushed and seal so well.

 

[dmf415]

Thanks for the reply, I was almost gonna split them up, heh =)