Need help choosing the right headers

[RngTrtl]

All,

I have done a super through search and have been studying this for a while now. I have pretty much everything sorted out except header choice. Here is my plan below:

5.0L HO and AOD out of an 88 mustang [got both]
Advance Adaptor for tranny to xfer case for 4wd [400+ bones]
Oil filter relocater
L&L motor mounts [expensinve]
L&L headers [expensive]


This should work with little problems right? Assuming that is correct I am trying to find a way to save some money. The headers are way over priced as are the motor mounts, but since they are a kit I should not have any clearance issues with the front drive shaft or the pass frame rail. My question is, is there another way to get the motor in with the right headers and still not have clearance issues with the driveline or the frame? I have seen where some people used the explorer headers to make this work, but with all the restriction this does not make a lot of sense.

I have read of about a dozen combos for 2wd apps, but nothing definitive for the 4wd gang. I would like to hear any thoughts on the matter.

thanks in advance.

 

[sloue]

do you have to have headers. the 70s truck manifolds were low restriction compact and are dirt cheap . they are less restrictive than most stock shorty headers , wich robbed you at low end . unless you are building big power these manifold would work just fine in a 4wd application. they dint sound as cool or look as racey .but get the job done. iam running a set to start on my project going on a warmed up 3o2 . for the price to get the program on the road you cant beat them. upgrades are always possible.

 

[RngTrtl]

I never had heard about those mentioned. could you shoot me a link to some of what you are talking about so I can make sure I get the right ones? Thanks.

 

[sloue]

no link man . learned by trial and error. have run many 5.0s and the factory headers suck you better off running after market right a way or stick with these from mid 70 truck s

no mods necessary.

have my hand there to show clearance between steering box. again no mods.

 

[RngTrtl]

those are really good pics! Many thanks, I am gonna grab some. I am going to post a nother thread about radiator and placement. Got any hints on that?

 

[sloue]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26709

 

[RngTrtl]

Thanks alot! good work, I looked at your site. Looks real nice.

 

[wade]

Lots of options with an equal number of opinions. The perfect header for the V8 Ranger does not exist. Each application will be a little different. Shorties or Long Tubes? What kind of power output is anticipated? What kind of transmission? What kind of heads? etc., etc., etc... ...The more you research, the wiser your selection will be for your application. Most headers have advantages and disadvantages, pros and cons.
Remember, when it comes to your exhaust -- bigger is not necessarily better!
http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/Exhaust.html

 

[baddad457]

.

These are "low restriction"?

 

[Dan B.]

Those mani's were also on the smaller chassis Ford cars...Falcons, Mustangs, etc.

 

[sloue]

These are "low restriction"?

this have less restrictions than the wimpy tube STOCK shorty header s . iam just saying that there are options out there be sides expenceve headers to get a swap off the ground . and like stated obove unless you are building big power these are fine yes you flat top punched out rollered street guys would need a good set of hearers. but a reltivly stock small block would not suffer with theses.

 

[RngTrtl]

awesomeness. I see two options for these type of headers.
#1 63-71

#2 Mid 70's

So I am guessing #2 ?

 

[sloue]

i am using #2

 

[baddad457]

this have less restrictions than the wimpy tube STOCK shorty header s . iam just saying that there are options out there be sides expenceve headers to get a swap off the ground . and like stated obove unless you are building big power these are fine yes you flat top punched out rollered street guys would need a good set of hearers. but a reltivly stock small block would not suffer with theses.

You don't have to buy expensive headers to get more flow than stock manifolds. There are at least two options that cost less than $150 new..........Shelby Tri_y's and Hedman shortys (89500's and 88400's)are just two. The 88400's have collectors in the same location as those restrictive stock manifolds you listed. And you're not limited to new ones either, just as in manifolds. I bought my Tri-Y's for $85 off ebay.

 

[sloue]

You don't have to buy expensive headers to get more flow than stock manifolds. There are at least two options that cost less than $150 new..........Shelby Tri_y's and Hedman shortys (89500's and 88400's)are just two. The 88400's have collectors in the same location as those restrictive stock manifolds you listed. And you're not limited to new ones either, just as in manifolds. I bought my Tri-Y's for $85 off ebay.

more opitions thats what i love about this place thank you baddad457..i pulled those manifold out of a back shed here at home have many sets of all kinds like me most would give theme a way.