Help with headers 101

[BoatsRcool]

Ok. Im kinda dissappointed in the sound of my explorer. I would like to make it a little louder, but not ricey or something.

Im thinking about headers. They will help open up everything. I already have a kkm, and a dynomax cat back.

What headers does everyone suggest?
I have heard they are hard to installl on explorers.

How much HP or loudness, or MPG can i except from this mod?

 

[TDG]

From what I have read a lot of people like the Borlas for everything but the price. I think FlyGuy picked up 4hp on the dyno when he added headers. Someone else once suggested removing the right fender to access that side of the engine. Not sure about noise or MPG but I'm guessing not much on either one.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I notice that Explorer Express, the X gurus, feel that the X has a good header as stock. They dont even recomend them on their supercharged engins.
Just something to think about....

 

[espnfreak]

kemp how can i get a deeper idle with my borla cat back?

 

[Bill Kemp]

I dont know. Have you tried backfiring the engine? I used to to that years ago and if it didnt blow a hole in the muffler it loosened the baffels and made it louder.
Probably isnt good for anything but it might work.

 

[espnfreak]

kemp what does the b&M shift kit do also? is that for auto

 

[Bill Kemp]

Yes its for autos. Your shifts are controled electronicly on the X. This does the same thing as a performance chip in that it firms up the shifts so there is very little slipage. It attaches to the computer and a switch controles the firmness. Normal-firm-firmest. I really dont use it all that much unless I'm towing a trailer or fooling around.

 

[flyguy]

hey yea.... about the headers... the stock ones look pretty restrictive to me... but as I said earlier.. I only picked up 4hp. Which leads me to belive that there is a larger restiction (such as the heads) or that Im aproaching the point where there is not a whole of of restictions left. All I really have left to do is port and polish.... and total... I think Ive gained just over 21 horses. the only upgrade I think I was totally happy with was the KKM. that was probably most of my gains right there.

nick