does new intake/headers/exhaust = less low end torque?

[alibabwish]

Ive read a couple times that people say that upgraded intake/ headers/ exhaust will take away low end torque and move it to the higher rpm band... is this true for '99 5.0 AWD and would loss be noticable and affect towing or offroad ability?
Could one of those bamachips offset the loss?

 

[section525]

Having those mods doesn't have to mean loss of low-end TQ. You just have to get the right exhaust flow for the right intake flow. Most people go too big on exhaust because they think bigger is better. I think as long as you don't go larger than 2.5" on the exhaust, you'll be perfect with an intake/headers.

Right now I have a K&N intake, Torque Monster headers, cam, and a chip, and I have dyno numbers that tell me having no exhaust gives me more low end power than having the stock exhaust setup I am still running.

 

[alibabwish]

did the torque monster headers help you out alot b/c thats a pricey investment

 

[section525]

When I put the Torque Monster headers on, I previously had the Ford Motorsport headers installed on my 5.0. So I went from one set of headers to these ones. While there was HP/TQ gains (dynoed), it was not as drastic as going from the stock manifolds to the TMs. Also, the Torque Monsters will still work for you even after you go S/C or stroked, or whatever your plans are. The stock manifolds suck and the FMS headers are a lot more restrictive than these ones.

 

[alibabwish]

ok thanks

 

[CDW6212R]

Any air cleaner change would be an improvement, at all RPM's. Any muffler would be an improvement, but don't go beyond about one 2.5" tailpipe, or you will lose bottom end.

The Explorer exhaust manifolds are probably the worst ever made for any vehicle. Anything would be an improvement. The only two other choices both cost about double what they should cost, and they are a small improvement.

A computer chip(flasher) would help also, but for towing, add another cooler, and a shift kit. Good luck,

 

[Longjohn119]

Generally as a rule I always considered headers a waste of money unless you had hi- perform heads, fuel delivery system and a hotter cam .... normally a properly sized exhaust works just as well on a stock motor (A stock motor with a chip is still essentially a stock motor)

But if CDW says the Explorer is an exception because of a crappy exhaust manifold design then I take him on his word that it's true ....

But like someone already mentioned the key is an exhaust that fits your intake flow ... too big and you will notice it robs your lowend torque ... most vehicles don't suffer from an undersized system stock like 'back in the day' when they put a single 1 7/8" exhaust on a V8 from the factory all the time .... back then you REALLY got a performance boost with a larger dual exhaust, now it just a minor boost if any boost at all

 

[CDW6212R]

Here is a good example. Lincoln Mark VII's with the 302 HO came with one 2" tailpipe, and a 1.875" tailpipe on the other side, for sound. The same Mustangs with 302 HO's came with at least 2.25" tailpipes. If you have not seen stock Explorer headers, you should hunt a picture and see how horrible they are. Basically two pipes from each head dump 90 degrees into another pipe that is the same small size.

Avoid thinking about changing the camshaft, unless it is part of a major engine upgrade. Good luck,

 

[alibabwish]

alright, so the torque monster headers would be worth it, thanks

 

[CDW6212R]

It is your call. That is a ton of money. Headers used to cost $75 a set, high dollar headers used to be maybe $200. That was in the 80's, before the aftermarket took off, and started to help itself to push up prices.

There are several more cost effective things that you can do, before buying the most expensive single item. I am going to install two 2.5" mufflers, two 2.25" tailpipes, a custom crossover, trans shift kit, cooler and filter, before thinking about headers.

I am working my way towards a doubling of power, but the path is still the same. Fine tune what you have, and upgrade the easiest, and most effective things first. Good luck,