96+ V8 Explorer Custom headers - who's in?

[tmsoko]

I spoke with another custom header place today and plan to bring my buck to him Saturday 4/12. He actually worked on the FRPP Explorer headers and is quite knowledgible of the Explorer engine bay and headers in general. He joked about the poor layout of the headers, but that is what FRPP told him to make, so he did.

Anyhow, he quoted $800-900 for a set + coating additional. I plan to give him my spare frame/engine buck to work off of and will work out the details of the design (size/length, etc).

He can make a jig and make multiple sets, but I need to know how many of you would be in up front. So, please send me an email @ tmsoko@comcast.net with you interest AND engine setup. We will make the best fit to the range of engine combos.

These headers will be for higher HP engines, not stock explorer motors. They will also eliminate the second set of CATS and move the primary set aft of current location, to allow for longer primary tubes. Thus, you will need custom exhaust from headers to muffler.

Again, send me an email and I hope to have answers in a few weeks.

Todd

 

[VairKing]

I would be interested, but not for that kind of money...I couldnt go more than 300 or 400...

 

[dha1122]

i might be interested, but my engine will still be stock until this summer

 

[PUR PONY]

Hey Todd-

You’ve got mail!

 

[DarkFox1]

$800 a set? man if you could get em down to like $200 I might think about it, I dont think you'll get much support at that price

 

[PUR PONY]

$800 is alot better then the $1500 quote i got

 

[SVO LOU]

I appreciate the effort but $800 is not even an option to me. I saw in the Summit catalog that Gibson made headers for 5.0 Bronco's. I'll try to contact them via e-mail to see if they're interested in 'our' cause.

Lou.

Just sent them an e-mail BUT the more the merrier.
Gibson Sales

 

[X-Box]

I might be interested...Will they guarantee the fit? that's a lot of dough for a mail order product...Dom

 

[tmsoko]

Well, I have a complete frame with engine, trans, front diff and steering box, which they will use to fab them up. I am going to the Columbus swap meet this weekend. Depending on the outcome, I may just take a shot at building my own, but if not, I will get a better quote next weekend.

As for the cost, $800 for true custom headers is cheap in a big way. I have seen the work from this place and they know what they are doing. The price reflects the chassis, as opposed to a complete vehicle, as they do not have to climb in though the wheel well to build them.

I will post again next week when I get a little further.

 

[PUR PONY]

Hey Todd-
how did you make out at the swap meet? Are you still going to look into having headers made or make your own? I really want to make my own but still looks like its going to be a very time consuming process and a real PITA!!!! I think it would be better to let a pro do it and get them right the first time- lol

I am looking for just a plain header... no coatings or anything.

Did you ever get my e-mail? What size primarys are you thinking about? what size collectors?
what size exhaust piping?

later

 

[tmsoko]

The swap in Columbus was a bust. Also, I never did get your email. Resend to: tmsoko@comcast.net

I have not decided yet, but I am re-thinking the idea of doing my own. There hasn't been as much interest here or on the Ranger board to make a fixture worthwhile.

I am planning on 1 3/4" primaries with 2.75" - 3" collectors. Primary lengths will be ~34-36" long. These are based on recommendations from Kennedy's dynotune and Headers by Ed. I plan to get a rec. from Burns stainless as well, just have not gotten around to it.

I will keep you posted on what I do. I am just suprised there is so little interest. I understand the $ seems like alot, but the exhaust is the biggest hamper for the explorer engine performance. These should add alot to the full range of power.

 

[98X5.0]

Todd: My guess is that the interest in the type of headers you are looking into not only hinges on cost, but installation requirements as well. I think many of us are still wishing for a good bolt on alternative as opposed to something that requires extensive custom work. I realize the FMS headers are far from ideal but they seem to suite the needs most of us are after. I am going with them because my X is a daily driver that probably won't see "excessive" modifications. I also went with these because I can install them without an entire custom cat pipe assembly. I realize the power levels you guys are approaching will make good use of a full custom setup, but I think most of us just don't want to get into the level of work this requires.

Now if someone made a bolt on header/cat pipe combination that was a remove/replace type of opperation I think the interest might be a little better. I am still convinced that one of the big manufactures could do this cost effectivly if they were motivated enough to see that a profitable market exists.

Oh well, just my 2 cents!

 

[PUR PONY]

tmsoko -

If you do end up getting a pair made let me know... i am still interested. I changed my plugs by removing the rubber flaps in the wheel wells.... so i got a real good look at my FMS headers since i installed them a long time ago. Boy do they suck!!!! they are better then stock but not by much.... that is the worst design i have ever seen in my life. No wonder i cant reach my hp goals with my set-up. I really need a set of headers bad......

thanks

 

[james t]

first off, $800 for custom made headers is a very, very good deal. i am just not at a point were i can justify spending close to a grand just to put headers on a truck that in truth is worth about $5800. i still want some, but just cant justify it right now. i still dont know if my motor will get modded or not down the road. i dont even have the nitrous anymore. i have a feeling if i ever need some, i will proly just use the Ed homemade route.

sorry guys.

 

[PUR PONY]

I just got off the phone with another header place and they want $1100 for headers + jet hot coating.

have you found anything else out yet Todd?


So far $800 is a steal!!! and i want in... LOL

 

[rcpasq]

I realize, this is an old thread. However, in the event you gentlemen haven't had a chance to consider Torque Monster Headers for your 5.0 V8 Explorer/Mountaineer, take a look at these threads:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1354702

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129083

Thank you,

Bob Pasquale
Tech Performance & Engineering
Torque Monster Headers