i agree that headers have the potential to be trouble. in my case it took me all nite to remove the factory manifolds (just after the dealer did a warranty manifold replacement) and install the headers. most of that time was dealing with f-ed up studs and hardware courtesy of the dealer. i followed the directions from thorley and, despite the difficulty, checked & retightened all header bolts on schedule. in 250k miles, i have never had a hint of problems with my headers or my exhaust system - no leaks, no missing hardware, no burnt plug wires, etc. admittedly, i have turned wrenches for a living... but i did nothing special (other than read and follow the directions) so i see no reason why anyone else could not achieve the same results using a QUALITY product. unfortunately, quality often costs - and more often than not it is more than we want to spend. but you get what you pay for. and with headers, they have to put up with a lot of heat and stress, so i think they show up the cheap stuff quicker than other parts.

as far as e-fans and vans... for absolute reliability, keep the stock mechanical fan on yer big block. dunno about the rest.

just my 2 cents

neil

 

Newcomer to the forum and first time van owner.

I reside in Jordan in the Middle East and have just bought a 2008 E350 from Adventure Vans of North Carolina and have had it modified by Quigley.

I've had the hardest time finding performance parts for the van online and have only come across this forum a few days ago. A mine of information this forum is, aye. Thank you all.

I am currently expecting a shipment containing a Flowmaster Super 40 muffler, a set of Marydine twin fans for the radiator, a K&N insert and a Jet Power Flow Mass Air Sensor.

Living in a country that can get fairly hot in summer and having experience with American cars cooling is my absolute priority. The reason I bought Marydine fans instead of Flex-a-lite is because a friend who is an engineer advised me that the flexalite fan is unlikely to move the claimed air mass at the stated ampere draw.

Regarding increased drag on the alternator, I've installed a second battery which should alleviate the problem.

I haven't yet had a chance to take my van out to the desert yet and am itching to do so. I am still waiting from BFGs 35" new shoes that should be here within the following two weeks.

Thank you all for the information you offer and look forward to contribute what I can.

g

 

An extra battery is a bad idea, you risk getting stranded with 2 dead batteries when the heat causes the fans to run extended periods, you need to upgrade to a bigger alternator or an extra one to run duals. I've seen K&N air boxes to replace the stock one, wish I could afford it, the factory one is difficult to get back together after changing the filter. BTW the K&N cotton element filters do not filter out fine particles from entering the engine, you're better off running a paper element, off road guys have to run a pre-filter, but it's still not as effective as the paper ones.

 

Thank you maples01... points well taken... I am interested in the second alternator idea... where would it mount?
In theory, my main battery shouldn't drain the way it is set up.
The filter is more of a worry however. I do have the sock to go over the filter which should help but what kind of pre-filters do others run?

g

 

The sock is the pre-filter, ambulances were running dual alternators I thought, they were in the 90's, I didn't think they'd stop.

 

Also welcome to these forums Guido---an unusual name in the Middle East I'm sure!

Here's a link to multiple alternator set ups: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...tor-setup.html Might be something helpful to you there.

 

Maples... A few months down the line and all parts installed.... The fans do indeed cool the engine fine even in 45 degree heat.... But.... When off roading in loose sand.... Yep... Batteries get drained.... Have now installed optima batteries.. One red top and one yellow top... Minor improvement in durability.... Will have to buy an alternator.... Considering opening some vents somewhere but can't seem to find an appropriate spot; suggestions welcome....

JWA thank u for the welcome.... I am, would u believe it, Italian... ...

 

Best I can offer is to search for an ambulance bracket that holds a separate alternator, they had 2, independent of each other, one for the engine, the other for the extra equipment in the rear, yet there are audio guys that buy them too, so there are aftermarkets available.