V8 Pros, I need your insights!

[BHop]

Hey guys,

Looking at buying a v8 explorer in the near future. But before I do, I need some more insight.

Are all v8 explorers full time all wheel drive?

Also, I have read all the great things about aftermarket headers on the 5.0. Anyone using any other brand aside from torque monster? You can't buy TMs anymore apparently as purchasing has been disabled. Also, they're expensive, lol

Will brands other than TM line up with the stock pipes? What should I know?

Thoughts?

 

[shucker1]

My 98 XLT is a V8 and 2 WD.

You can get the TM's still but you will have to wait a long time for them.

The manufacturing rights were sold to a company called Al Headers out of LA California.

Search the thread "Torque Monster Group Buy". It was done about a year ago and folks are still waiting for theirs.

 

[SoHK_alumni]

Yes, while they don't seem as common, the 2wd V8 Explorers are available.

Al's Headers has terrible customer service but the Torque Monster headers are beautifully made. Sadly, I think they are the only bolt in headers availabe now that Ford Racing Parts no longer does a set.

The cast iron manifolds from the later V8's flow better tban the earlier tubular ones. If swapping cast for tubular, its easy to cap off the EGR port on the right manifold.

 

[koda2000]

the V8's were available in RWD and AWD. I own both, although it was not my intension to ever buy an AWD. for where I live it's just not necessary and it adds weight and complexity to the vehicle. in the southern U.S. probably 75% of the V8's that can be found for sale are RWD. where you live the AWD makes sense. the only downside I've noticed with the V8 models is water pumps/timing chain cover water leaks are difficult to repair, due to rusted w/p bolts and it's especially hard to repair timing cover leaks on the AWD because the front diff is in the way (it's no picnic on the RWD's either). owning four V8's, all with around 200K on them, I've only had a water pump leak on 1 and it's not quite bad enough to bother fixing it yet. it leaks an ounce or two per week, but only when it's cold out (below 50F). the pump was rattling when cold about 1.5 years ago, but that stopped and it hasn't retuned yet. the bearing is probably going out, hence the leak.

 

[BHop]

Yes, it's my understanding that the TMH are the way to go. The others will fit the engine but will interfere with the layout of the engine bay I am guessing?

Good supplementary info on the V8! Thanks...


On a side note, has anyone turn their V8 in to a full time RWD with the 4X4 option? (Like the V6?)

Can someone provide the link to the TM thread pls?

Thanks!

 

[SoHK_alumni]

Frame rails, steering linkage and engine mounting plates are the places most header solutions get into trouble under the V8 Expo's hood.

Honestly, the TM's are simply amazing -- to get equal length middies in there was no mean feat of ingenuity! And sadly, yea, they're nice enough to be worth dealing with Al's for.

If you get lucky, they do turn up used quite often, be in in forum classifieds or e-bay.

 

[koda2000]

Yes, it's my understanding that the TMH are the way to go. The others will fit the engine but will interfere with the layout of the engine bay I am guessing?

Good supplementary info on the V8! Thanks...


On a side note, has anyone turn their V8 in to a full time RWD with the 4X4 option? (Like the V6?)

Can someone provide the link to the TM thread pls?

Thanks!

What some have done is to swap out the V8 AWD t-case with a manual one from an F150 (BW4406) transfer case. that gives you true 4x4 when desired and RWD when you don't.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166726&highlight=BW4406

 

[BHop]

Sorry to keep harassing.... but to date, has Al's even produced any 5.0 headers? Sounds like it's wishful thinking....

 

[SoHK_alumni]

Oh yea! I've got a set in my Expo 5.0 powered Ranger.