JoshT
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- January 15, 2011
- Messages
- 190
- Reaction score
- 99
- City, State
- Middle Georgia
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1999 Ranger
I don't yet have a V8 swap in my 99 Ranger 4x4, but I figure it's on the horizon somewhere. Since 4.0L my engine and transmission are in good shape, I'm currently focusing on non-powertrain related maintenance and modification items. I actually have an Explorer 5.0L and 2wd 4R70W, but I need an AWD/A4WD 4R70W and transfer case as well as the other bits needed to put in a Ranger. I bought them with the intent to put in something else. So I'm not in a rush to do a swap, but I am keeping an eye out and going to put out some feelers for a good donor so I've got one when the time comes.
The point is that when the time comes I will be using headers and there seem to be two real options for the combo I'll have. Well one option and two makers since OBX is a knockoff of Torque Monster. At one time the OBX was the only option, but it appears that Bob (the OG) is back making Torque Monsters again in limited quantities.
Although harder to find these days it seems that OBX is still making these headers at around $700 a set and they are available now. You pay and they're shipped.
I just heard from someone on a Facebook swap group that they finally recieved their Torque Monsters last week, about 9 months after ordering them. I'd heard here and there that he might be making them again, but this was the first confirmation from someone recieving them recently. Apparently the guy is still terrible at communication and that 9 month wait is a hard pill to swallow.
I can either order OBX and receive them now, do a same as cash payment plan over the next several months, then hope they fit properly when ready to use them.
-or-
I can order TMs, pay now with a paypal payment plan, and hope that I recieve them in ~9 months with little or no communication from the builder.
I don't doubt that the quality of the TM is better, but I do question if it's worth the wait, the extra cost, and the concern. I'm sure that a lot of people have used the OBX with no issues, but I haven't really seen how they compare to the TMs. It's not going to be a show truck so a little rougher finish isn't a concern. I think the only issue I've read about the OBS is with flange sealing but it was from people that either never used them and were taking on the reputation of all "eBay" headers, or they were using the cheap gasketsa included. From now on I intend to use a quality Remflex exhaust gasket any where that they are available.
I swear there's a question in there somewhere, I just haven't figured out exactly what it is yet.
If I asked elsewhere they'd just say TM with no real reason aside from them being the OG, and no experience using the OBX. I figure that as the Explorer Forum there might be enough experience with both to recieve good unbiased advice. The former will likely have no recourse if they don't work when I eventually try to use them, and due to the time involved the latter will likely have no recourse if I never receive them. Either way I don't want to wait until I'm ready for them to buy and then either have to wait a year, or not have them available any longer.
The point is that when the time comes I will be using headers and there seem to be two real options for the combo I'll have. Well one option and two makers since OBX is a knockoff of Torque Monster. At one time the OBX was the only option, but it appears that Bob (the OG) is back making Torque Monsters again in limited quantities.
Although harder to find these days it seems that OBX is still making these headers at around $700 a set and they are available now. You pay and they're shipped.
I just heard from someone on a Facebook swap group that they finally recieved their Torque Monsters last week, about 9 months after ordering them. I'd heard here and there that he might be making them again, but this was the first confirmation from someone recieving them recently. Apparently the guy is still terrible at communication and that 9 month wait is a hard pill to swallow.
I can either order OBX and receive them now, do a same as cash payment plan over the next several months, then hope they fit properly when ready to use them.
-or-
I can order TMs, pay now with a paypal payment plan, and hope that I recieve them in ~9 months with little or no communication from the builder.
I don't doubt that the quality of the TM is better, but I do question if it's worth the wait, the extra cost, and the concern. I'm sure that a lot of people have used the OBX with no issues, but I haven't really seen how they compare to the TMs. It's not going to be a show truck so a little rougher finish isn't a concern. I think the only issue I've read about the OBS is with flange sealing but it was from people that either never used them and were taking on the reputation of all "eBay" headers, or they were using the cheap gasketsa included. From now on I intend to use a quality Remflex exhaust gasket any where that they are available.
I swear there's a question in there somewhere, I just haven't figured out exactly what it is yet.
If I asked elsewhere they'd just say TM with no real reason aside from them being the OG, and no experience using the OBX. I figure that as the Explorer Forum there might be enough experience with both to recieve good unbiased advice. The former will likely have no recourse if they don't work when I eventually try to use them, and due to the time involved the latter will likely have no recourse if I never receive them. Either way I don't want to wait until I'm ready for them to buy and then either have to wait a year, or not have them available any longer.