Headers

[CDW6212R]

BTW, the change to the GT40P heads was a midyear 1997 change. I have a 97 with GT40 heads. I will be using the whole engine for a template for the KB supercharger install.
Don

 

[410Fortune]

my 97 Merc 5.0L also hasd the P heads (GT40)

 

[CDW6212R]

There were two heads, GT40 and GT40P. The only real difference is the spark plug angle, thus the manifold design.
Don

 

[rcpasq]

Torque Monster Headers...

they have the EGR hook up.
Torque monsters will fit all years of the Explorer 5.0L I believe.
If you dont need the EGR hookup you can plug it with a simple fitting

Actually, one can order Torque Monster Headers without the EGR hookup. We call it our "Smooth Tubes" set. Most of our Headers are shipped with EGR connectivity. We will deliver either way.

And yes, they fit ALL 5.0 V8 Explorers/Mountaineers 1996-2001, both GT40 heads and GT40-P heads.

Torque Monster Headers will give you 20 hp and 35 lbs of torque from stock.

FMS Headers will give you about 10 hp and 15 lbs of torque from stock.

Bob Pasquale
Tech Performance & Engineering
Torque Monster Headers

 

[cherrybomb]

I'm anxiously awaiting CARB exemption on them, so I can order up a pair!

Any guesses on the ETA of that?

 

[rcpasq]

CARB Approval getting closer...

We have completed formal testing about 2 weeks ago (end of April '05). The Test Lab has forwarded their findings to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for consideration and review. CARB has informed us that the report along with an Executive Order Number request has been forwarded up the Chain of Command. We are hoping to have final approval sometime within the next 2-3 weeks (end of May '05).

When we get approval, we will notify everyone by as many means as possible. We have well over 30 committed people from California in our database. Thank you.

Bob Pasquale
Tech Performance & Engineering
Torque Monster Headers

 

[410Fortune]

Wow sounds like business is good!
I have been listening to my torque monsters through my temporary exhaust with no muffler for the last few days as I get my truck driving again, WOW is all I can say, the 5.0L Sounds MEAN.

Robert, pictures are coming!

 

[cherrybomb]

We have completed formal testing about 2 weeks ago (end of April '05). The Test Lab has forwarded their findings to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for consideration and review. CARB has informed us that the report along with an Executive Order Number request has been forwarded up the Chain of Command. We are hoping to have final approval sometime within the next 2-3 weeks (end of May '05).

When we get approval, we will notify everyone by as many means as possible. We have well over 30 committed people from California in our database. Thank you.

Bob Pasquale
Tech Performance & Engineering
Torque Monster Headers

OHHHH!! Exciting!!

I'll keep an eye out here, and on your website.

Thanks for the info!

 

[gemrox888]

how would know if you have gt40 or gt40-p heads? I have an early 97 ex and want to make sure I know what I have before I get new cams

 

[410Fortune]

on the side of the head, easiest to see on the passenger isde, near the front of the head, it will say P

You can tell by the angle of the spark plugs leaving the head as well.

 

[96_5.0]

Witch is the better head???

 

[410Fortune]

the P heads are better make more power

 

[96_5.0]

So would I have to change anything to have a set of the P head on my '96 ??? Or should I go with some aftermarket heads ?? This truck is my wifes and all we are trying to get out of it is better performance for when it is needed (When I am driving LOL) and as always better gas milage. But most of all I want it to have some bite with its bark!!!!

 

[410Fortune]

Well you can buy some pretty good aftermarket heads for the same price as a set of P heads.
The intakes are slightly different, the EGR is a tube from the header to the valve instead of internal inside the intake, but I think both will work on both engines, not sure.
I have 2 96's both without the P heads, and my BII has a 97 Engine with the P heads I used bits and pieces from the 96 intakes on my 97 engine.

But like I said for the $$$ you should look at aftermarket GT-40 heads and intakes

 

[CDW6212R]

One factory Explorer head shoudn't be replaced by the other, for performance. The difference is very slight, and a used set of aluminum heads would blow them both away. Often used aluminum heads can be found for no more than $750. Spend a couple hundred having a machine shop go through them, with new parts.

To change to aftermarket heads requires GT40 Explorer parts, meaning the early type of headers, EGR valve, and plugs. If you are serious, wanting to stay mild with the basic 302, check out heads like the TFS street versions. Choose a cam with a split duration, for an RPM range of no more than the stock 5000 RPM. I built a 1991 HO 302 engine using a Wolveroine cam with 212/222 duration @0.050. That would be a good choice for an Explorer, but ask the actual cam tech line. Good luck,
Don

 

[96_5.0]

Thanks for the help pointing me in the right direction. I think I am going to go with the aftermarket heads and a set of torque monster headers along with a cam swap to get me started. Thanks, Eric

 

[410Fortune]

Started? That will make one hell of a 5.0L

 

[rcpasq]

Plan carefully...

Eric,

Plan Carefully. Once you wonder far from the theme of what the Explorer/Mountaineer 302 is, the more you will need to go custom parts. Start by purchasing a Ford Racing Parts Catalog. There is a mountain of parts that will work with your vehicle without having to have custom pieces to make the aftermarket items work.

You have to keep in mind that GT40 & GT40-P heads have a slightly different bolt location on the exhaust ports than the earlier ('95 and older mustang) 302 heads. Ford moved the bolt holes up slightly on the exhaust port and the ports are more rounded.

Most aftermarket heads (AFR, Edelbrock, Dart, etc.) utilize the earlier bolt pattern.

If you absolutely must have aluminum heads, then Ford Racing makes a very nice GT40 "Turbo Swirl" aluminum head, P/N M-6049-Y303. They also make a GT40 EFI Intake manifold (M-6001-A50) and you can utilize the 1" spacer (M-9486-A53) between the upper and lower intake to give a little more of the ram induction effect of yor. With a wise choice of cam and Torque Monster Headers, you would probably be in the 350+ hp range easily, with just fuel injection.

If you opt for iron heads, stay with the GT40 heads you have. They're actually a very good head and work very well with the truck configuration of the Explorer/Mountaineer. The difference in performance between GT40 and GT40-P heads is nominal.

Here's a canned list of standard Ad-Ons I usually give people when they ask, "What else can I add besides Headers?"

Standard Add-Ons:

* 8 - Bosch Spark plugs, Platinum +4, PN 4458
* 8 - JBA Spark Plug (Ignition) Wires, PN 06239

* 2 - MSD, Ford Coil Pack, 4-Tower, PN 8241
* 1 - MSD Digital Dis-4 Plus, PN 62152

Your Choice on which way you want to go with your intake:
* K&N Air Filter replacement in stock system.
* K&N Air Filter cone element on end of stock system.
* MAC Air Intake replacement for entire stock unit.

* 16 - Ford Racing, Roller Rocker Arms, PN M-6564-B351
* 1 - Ford Racing, EFI Heat Spacer, 1" thick, Fits between upper and lower manifolds to help dissipate heat and significantly increase performance. PN M-9486-A53

* 1- Reprogram your computer/engine management system. Contact your favorite chip company or "bamachips.com" for your needs.

* Exhaust system from the CATs to the rear bumper. Your choice, many ways to do it. If you have more than 100,000 miles on the vehicle, replace the catalytic converters. Order from Ford.

All the items listed, along with Torque Monster Headers, should give you about 50-60 hp over stock without going into the internals of the motor.

Just a little food for thought. All the Best,

Bob Pasquale
Tech Performance & Engineering
Torque Monster Headers

 

[96_5.0]

Thanks Bob

I really appreciate your help and I think I will go with your suggestions before I go into the internals. As I have been doing some thinking if I redo the top end the lower end will really show it's a**, because it just rolled over to 188,000 today. From the sounds of it everything you suggested will keep me happy until we find my wife a new one so I can really play. You wouldn't happen o have any suggestions on if I should lower it or not? I really appreciate your help. Thanks, Eric

 

[rcpasq]

Explorer Express...

Eric,

Lowering or raising a vehicle is a personal preference on how you will utilize your vehicle.

If you want to lower your vehicle, Explorer Express should have what you need. Catch them on the web at:

http://www.explorerexpress.com

All the Best,

Bob Pasquale
Tech Performance & Engineering
Torque Monster Headers