1990 ranger header question

[RON50]

Question for you knowledgeable gentlemen I have recently start upgrade my 4X4 ford ranger. Just did a four inch lift now I need to replace the exhaust system. I was thinking about going with header and a flowmaster now the question will this mess with my oxygen senser and would I have to go with new chip. Sorry for the dumb question I'll probably have a lot more down the road as this project progess...god willing and there money in the bank. :>)

 

[Psychopete]

No, for headers and a new exhaust/muffler, just as long as the o2 sensor says intact, (your replacement headers should have the bung), it will run fine. Just FYI, if you're considering removing the cat, it's not recommend, as you will not see any justifiable gain.

Chips are a waste particularly on this engine.

Headers will gain slightly, it won't be a huge difference. They really compliment the 2.9L if it has other mods that require more exhaust flow. However, your setup should sound good as far as the way it sounds.

What really might wake that thing up is new gearing, but I guess it all depends on what you're running now though.

Pete

 

[Dishtowel]

2.9L? I would rather spend that money a good healthy rad. I dropped a rad from a 4.0L exploder in for $40. I know it dosn't gain you any 'performance' but it may save your butt on a hot day!
(PS, hooking up the trans cooler was a bitch, I would abandon the one in the rad and just use the one out front, if you have a auto.)

Guys talk about putting on a 5.0L MAF sensor and getting a bit more jam. IDK about many hop-ups for the 2.9 thought...

 

[Psychopete]

Guys talk about putting on a 5.0L MAF sensor and getting a bit more jam. IDK about many hop-ups for the 2.9 thought...

I believe he was referring to the throttle body, as the 2.9L only came w/ MAF in the California Emission Models. 58mm T.B. would be more desireable, it's a direct swap. 5.0L T.B. swap is kind of involved, it needs a custom made adapter plate (I actually have one lying around), and needs a plate to block off the IAC on the throttle body itself. The one you would want is the 60mm unit off the lo-po 5.0L.

I didn't use the transmission cooler in the radiator either, but I did get an extremely overkill external transmission cooler to replace the puny stock one. Heat is what kills these things, and I haven't had any real transmissions problems with the truck since I've owned it, even running a high lift cam.

Pete

 

[Dishtowel]

I believe he was referring to the throttle body, as the 2.9L only came w/ MAF in the California Emission Models. 58mm T.B. would be more desireable, it's a direct swap. 5.0L T.B. swap is kind of involved, it needs a custom made adapter plate (I actually have one lying around), and needs a plate to block off the IAC on the throttle body itself. The one you would want is the 60mm unit off the lo-po 5.0L.

I didn't use the transmission cooler in the radiator either, but I did get an extremely overkill external transmission cooler to replace the puny stock one. Heat is what kills these things, and I haven't had any real transmissions problems with the truck since I've owned it, even running a high lift cam.

Pete

This shows how much I know about 2.9 hop-ups, lol

Good advice on the extra trans cooling if you have a A4LD