Headers for 96 explorer 5.0 with GT40 heads, non P

[Lionsteel]

So headers..... seem to be priority #1 and first step to free up some 5.0 ponies, (pun intended).

Problem is headers seem to be hard af to find for these 5.0 explorers. I know about the $800 TM headers that are now being produced again, other than those the only ones i can find are for 97 and newer GT40P heads, OBX for example only makes them for P's.

Is the reason I cant seem to find any for the "GT40" non P 1996's that i can just buy some $200 shorty block huggers? I am really hoping so, although I am also doubting it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, for this and any other tricks/tips.

Heres the link to my new member post for more details and a few pics.......

1996 Explorer 5.0 with 64k miles.... in 2019?!?

Thank you,
Steel

Spring is just around the corner lol.

 

[974X4BLACKSPORT]

where are the pictures?

 

[410Fortune]

I have installed TMH P headers on non P heads, the only difference is the spark plug angle, you can overcome that with a set of angled spark plug boots.
So I do not believe you need to look for headers to fit your gt40 heads you just need some explorer headers, they will work with gt40 and gt40p heads. Just block off the EGR port for your GT40 setup

 

[Lionsteel]

Well TM actually makes non P headers for the 96, (no egr hole and threads) but they are only 20 - 30 bucks cheaper than the gt40p ones. I was hoping the lack of GT40 explorer specific headers available was due to being able to use older style block huggers which are much much cheaper. I personally would rather not have a ugly plugged bung on my passenger header if its not needed.

Sorry for the pictures not showing up, google photo error. should be working again now.

 

[410Fortune]

There are block hugger headers that can be made to fit, but nothing that bolts into the explorer engine bay....many have tried
There is an old 289 manifold that can be made to work and the aftermarket versions are very cheap, old 289 tri - y style....again requires custom down pipes...
Usually attempts to use manifolds other then the TMH (or clone) result in a notch in the pass side frame and of course all custom down pipes. So its like why not just spring the $$$$ for the TMH especially when they come with such a nice coating ($200+ worth)
You will see on many street or off road race trucks (many turbo) based on the SBF in with IFS people are taking the exhaust outside the frame rails.....custom all the way

The explorer/Ranger engine bay with the IFS is VERY hard to get headers to work with, the HVAC box, steering shaft, frame rails, front d shaft, etc all right in the way
Building the TMH is labor intensive you can see when looking at them, plus the coating = worth the $$$$

 

[blakshukvw]

I’ve heard of people installing the sn95 mustang 1year only 5.0 headers on the X.

 

[410Fortune]

yes ford motorsports headers for the 5.0 will work in the explorer, they are just very rare now.
OBX or TMH all the way
P headers will fit non p heads, you just have to use 45 degree spark plug boots....not a big deal

 

[blakshukvw]

I understood the fella near me used an aftermarket header for the mustang 5.0 sn95 . Thhose should be more readily available.

 

[CDW6212R]

I understood the fella near me used an aftermarket header for the mustang 5.0 sn95 . Thhose should be more readily available.

All other aftermarket 302 headers would have to be modified to fit the Explorers, and no one has yet made that happen. The problems are many to do that, as mentioned, and nobody has spent the time yet.

Building log manifolds from scratch will be the easiest way to do it, but that also hasn't been attempted yet. The demand is going down on these 19-24 year old trucks. I will eventually make my own, but I'm slow and don't have the time yet.

 

[Mesozoic]

Given how tight the fitment is within the Explorer engine compartment, aftermarket headers lose their appeal pretty quickly. I've been considering sending my headers out to ExtrudeHone AFM if I ever get around to some mild portwork on my P heads and decide to slap an E303 cam in there.