This may have already run its course; if so, let me know where I can read about it.

I want to know what can be done, what others have done with the flow of exhaust on a 5.0. My 96 Bronco runs well, but I am looking for top performance with bolt-ons. Anything shy of pulling the engine and going through it.

My initial research says the most gain to be had is through the exhaust, but I know somebody here knows what works with the 5.0. I would like to keep my smog pump and cats for computer purposes. I really want to see if I can max performance and balance it with efficiency.

So, is there already a thread about this? If so, can you link it? I tried searching the forum.

If not, then let the suggestions and info fly!

 

Headers for the 5.0 I'm not sure but for bolt on upgrades, have you read

ignition upgrade and timing bump (no 56K) - FSB Forums

 

Bassini and Pacesetter are the brands to looks at for these truck's headers (longtube will yield the best results). Depending on the mods you're planning, the best solution for the Bronco is a single mandrel bent pipe of either 2.5 or 3in.

 

had no problems with bassani , do your homework and research it per your application Good luck TR

 

Thanks, Fordman96, Encho, Black Ford XLT! I appreciate it, and I look forward to posting many of my mods/fixes/upgrades on here, as I plan to bring this Bronco to as nearly perfect condition as can be. Just what is my definition of perfect?

 

I think Edgethis used Pacesetter headers, I don't remember where he got them, but when he ordered he made sure to ask for the egr tube coming out of them.

 

Good to know. Thank you. I have heard rumors that people have been getting better results regarding efficiency when keeping the smog pump. Does anyone know a particular thread to look at for this?

 

Find a good, quality header and then "google" the brand with part number. I got my JBA's from Amazon with free shipping. I got stainless headers for about $330. (If I remember right)!!

 

Well, I can tell you, I removed the thermactor (smog pump) from my truck because I couldn't find a replacement, and my efficiency took a hit, about -2 mpg. I got Flowtech Ceramic coated headers from Amazon for $156, it was quite a bargain.

 

Bassni's are equal length (which is always better for flow) and they are direct fit replacements for OEM manifolds. Some slight mounting modifications needed for accessories that are mounted under manifold bolts since you are going from manifold thickness to 3/8" flange thickness. Otherwise, you can bolt them in place of the stock manifolds and just run. They do employ compressed graphite gaskets which require NO re-torque. The only drawback is that you may not be able to get them with the O2 sensor ports in them. '96's have multiple O2 sensors as I recall. (This doesn't present a problem if you are replacing Y-pipe at the same time since you can have them put into the Y-pipe below the collector flanges).

 

Always get yer headers coated or get stainless.

 

Does anyone already have Bassanis installed? I would like pics, or tell me where to find pics you've already got somewhere.

The Bassanis that I have found may not be the actual image of the product, they always show a 4-2-1 configuration. I haven't been able to see a real-life pic of the full length header. I have seen those curly-Q shorties from Bassani. Those are weird, man. I definitely want full length.

I was weighing the option of getting the pacesetters, which I can see have O2 bungs in each one, and having them coated at Jet-Hot, which is 120 miles from here. But if the Bassanis have O2 bungs in each one, then the cost is about the same (maybe still a little more for Bassani).

Another issue with the '96 only is getting the Ypipe with cat and another O2 bung. From what I have been able to see, adding a bung may be the best option. I have a welder, and so I could do some fab work, but I have no mandrel, so to bend I would need to take it somewheres.