New header interest

[SenseiJ]

I'm considering creating a new set of affordable headers for our 5.0 Fords/Mercs.

I have a 2000 AWD Mounty 5.0 to use for development and have reached out to CARB where I'd like to submit for certification also, ultimately.

Price target is $500 give or take. Even once CARB certified.

Just wanna see what the interest is in some headers.

 

[CDW6212R]

There is still a decent demand, for replacement headers. Given the common cracking of stock manifolds, there is a small market there. Also, the two head types and spark plug types, their routing, will be a major part of development. You should want to make something which applies to all 96-01 302's, and can reuse the existing spark plug wires(those would have to be rerouted to come from above, down to each plug).

But the stock collectors are also a problem, with the age the bolts are trouble to remove etc. So make them with that in mind, you'd want people to buy them for replacing stock manifolds too(both of them at one time).

I would suggest a 1 5/8" piping for the primaries, and route the #5 and #6 pipes around the steering shaft. 1.5" pipes are too small for any 302, except very old, low performance 1960's to 80's 302's. 1 5/8" primaries are not too big for any 302's since the 1980's.


Good luck with that, I hope many people will support it also. I won't need any myself, I will make something which locates the collectors better, with 2.5" flanges instead(after making 2.5" cat pipes etc).

 

[TribeZ]

The TMH have a reputation to beat. But I would have a hard time not buying something that would work the same for half the price. Specially if they are a bolt on replacment. Being able to use Stock wires with heat boots would be nice.

 

[SenseiJ]

That's my goal.

Something easy to install, compatible with all factory heads including P's and affordable.
And like I said, ultimately, CARB approved.

But I just need the interest to justify my time and expense.

I would use 1.625" primaries.

Also, to keep cost down they'd likely be mild steel and raw, or at least have a coat of high heat paint to protect until the buyer decided what they'd want to do.

 

[CDW6212R]

Ditto, make them feasibly, and let the owner make any extra choices like coatings. I have a place in a nearby county that does the real coatings. I plan to make any header etc, functional first, and then have it finished once it's ideal. I don't know how many such places there are around the country, shipping is a major cost for anyone not within driving range.

 

[tinman_72]

I am interested.

 

[SWIGIN]

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!


Good luck!

 

[Bill Davidson]

I'd be interested

 

[410Fortune]

You will sell them for sure
Every batch of TMH go as quickly as they are built and we are waiting 3-6 months to get our hands on some at $900 a pair

 

[vroomzoomboom]

im in as well. this is one thing i cant remember however is that did all v8's come awd? if they didnt you have to remember the front diff is below the drivers side header and might be a little tougher to make

 

[CDW6212R]

The 302 Explorers have the left collector right about the same height as the frame rail just below the #8 head port. The 2WD 302 Explorers would look like this below, I had my front differential out when rebuilding the suspension.

The left collector is up above out of sight in this pic;

 

[410Fortune]

96-01 5.0 explorers were either RWD or AWD, with WAY MORE AWD's built

 

[SenseiJ]

The driver side collector almost points straight down
and the pass side almost points straight back.

From a manufacturing standpoint I see Ford making one set that fits either drivetrain?
Am I wrong or misunderstanding something some where?

If they are in fact different I'll make an AWD set first.

Also, anyone have connections with a metal supplier?

 

[CDW6212R]

There are only two OEM manifold pairs(cast iron versus steel pipe versions), and they fit both 2WD and AWD. The cat pipes are the same for all of them, collectors identical no matter the year or model. The GT40P heads were the only difference for purpose of the headers, the unique plug angle and the EGR pipe in the passenger header.

 

[gmanpaint]

Interested as well.

Most of us know this is a fabricating challenge, due to lack of space, and steering shaft clearance. I'm rooting for ya!

How thick of a port flange are you thinking? With EGR?

(The better the materials used, the better off your future sales are going to be.)

 

[CDW6212R]

I would try to make the primaries have plenty of clearance above the steering shaft, for possible body lifts. Meaning if say 1/2" of clearance is enough, I'd give it 1" above the shaft, so a body lift wouldn't take too much of that space away.

 

[SenseiJ]

Excellent tips everyone.

The flange is 3/8" I believe.
Will be 1.625" primes.
I'll have the egr fitting but will include a plug(bolt lol)
The material will be inexpensive and will require the buyer to do as they please, coating, wrap, ceramic, raw, whatever they chose.

I'm trying to keep the price as low as possible because I want the college student that just got into these suvs to be able to afford something so valuable. Plus, our only option being what?? 900 is insane.

Here's the method I was thinking, I was going to take a head and put a stock manifold on it and then weld up a little jig to put my new collector and the EGR tube in their places. Then remove manifold. Obviously taking into account clearance concerns like plugs/boots and of course steering column.

 

[MichelleMD]

I would be interested in a set , AWD with EGR

 

[Blown]

The driver side collector almost points straight down
and the pass side almost points straight back.

From a manufacturing standpoint I see Ford making one set that fits either drivetrain?
Am I wrong or misunderstanding something some where?

If they are in fact different I'll make an AWD set first.

Also, anyone have connections with a metal supplier?

I recently built a supercharger bypass tube utilizing pre-bent exhaust tubing from Speedway motors. I would be using their stuff as I got no bender. They have individual tubes, header kits. and are reasonably priced.

Combo Exhaust Pipe Mandrel Bend/Header Tubing, Mild Steel, 1-5/8"

Mild steel combo exhaust bends for building or repairing headers. 16-gauge tubing with 1-5/8" O.D.

www.speedwaymotors.com

Searching... | Speedway Motors, The Racing and Rodding Specialists

www.speedwaymotors.com

 

[Gary Crist]

To bad you were not closer, as I would lend you 1
for a mule...