Torque Monster Headers First Impressions

[Boggl]

I would like to start out by saying that replacing the sick stock cracked manifold on the 5.0L was a must and a year in the making due to lacking funds. The question was.. which headers. The answer was obvious. TorqueMonsterHeaders. After exploring FMS and custom the TM was the way to go. I gave Bob a call to explain my situation with my sorry socket set and no floor jack so we agreed to meet. I couldn’t believe he lived no less than 1 mile from me! Incredible! Meeting with Bob to talk about the install was a joy. Very very knowledgeable person about the Explorer and 302 engines. I left the truck in the hands of the master himself returning the next day to find the magnificent tubes on. Upon first start up I could tell this wasn’t the same truck. Pulling out noticing the second and third gears shifting with ease and already over the speed limit. So I decided to go on a trip over the Holiday weekend. I got in over 265 miles of prime California Cruizin’ Up to Lake Arrowhead and through San Bernardino County back to San Diego. The climb through the mountains was a breeze. Accelerating up to freeway speeds with ease. Passing slower traffic/lane changing was a blast. As noted in others the MPG increased. I also saw a definite rise up to 18-19mpg which is a record for my lead foot. These headers are the best performance upgrade I have done as of yet. The stock manifolds are one of the most restrictive parts of this great motor. OK enough for now. You won’t be disappointed with these beauties! Thank you Bob!
Pics coming soon.

 

[techieman33]

your pics aren't working.

 

[Jester1994]

Sounds great. I have been considering getting a set of them. I would need them installed, so it is basically the amount of $ I would have to dish out for get the headers, then have them installed. While I'm at that, I would want to get a true dual exhaust system with two high flow cats put on, since all I have now is a single flowmaster.
Would you highly recommend these headers? Even with the price of them/the install? How would you rate the fuel economy increase, the torque and hp increase? Sound difference? Overall?

 

[Boggl]

Jester1994,
Nice snow donuts!
Yes, I think you will see a marked difference with these headers installed. I stared at the dyno charts and read of MPG increase but will it work on my truck? It sure did. As far as price VS. performance? The cost is nothing to sneeze at and runs somewhere in the ballpark of new rims and tires but I don't need those. As far as performance I have nothing else to compare it to besides the stock set which is a restrictive ugly soccor mom orientated manifold. This engine is begging to be let loose. The header welds are gorgeous, the fit is snug and the performance is markedly noticeable. I haven't done exact calculations on the MPG but I did get 273mi out of one tank(below ¼ tank) and that is with the newness of the header horsepower thus leading to a heavy foot on the gas. (Actually punching it every chance I got!) So not an accurate calculation. - Ha! - I will be taking the boat out this weekend (Ski Nautique) and I will report on the torque performance. The sound you ask? Free flowing. At idle it's barely noticeable. As soon as you get on the gas there is a slight "thumpidy thump" and a little whisp to let you know what's under the hood. Back to the Dynomax it goes with a nice V8 rumble. All in all you can tell I'm pleased. It has rekindled my Explorer driving experience. I can't wait to hit the trail!