You could run shorty headers I thought of running them but then started thinking the benefits of shorty headers over cast iron manifolds is not worth the fabrication to get a oem style heat riser shield installed and a hot air choke for my hot air choke with electric assist to function. This truck of mine I will eventually swap the 2.75:1 gears for 3.25:1 gears or what ever the next step up gear from 3:1. That will put me with my 31x10.50-15 tires closely back to stock specs gear wise if I had stock height tires.

So for me I need torque and hp between idle and 4500 - 5000 rpm which shorty headers would not be a big enough benefit for me to deal with problems that headers have with leaking, burning spark plug boots, and generally higher under hood temps. My ultimate goal personally is to make the engine more efficient and get as much power as I can out of the engine while keeping it streetable. Why I am going to when I have some spare spending cash to play with hit up a few of the junkyards this engine builder told me about and see if I cant find a good buildable core for a roller 302 short block. That would be the basis of my build to swap into my truck.

 

Ya the roller engines are really nice I have 2 95 fords 351 in trucks and 3 explorer gt40p roller 302s 1 in a Mercury mountaineer and 1 going in a 80 stang the other one deciding what to do with it.

If you are regearing and don't mind the higher reving from the C6 I recommend 4.10s I have that in my 88 f150 302 C6 and the take off is amazing for a little 302 in a full size truck. At 65 I am turning about 3000 rpms with 31s.
Now this bronco being a 351 with 31s and 3.55s I am going to leave be because the 351 does need as high of rpms to make power like the 302s.
Ttav

 

I figured on getting RPM back as close to stock as possible. If my move ever happens which its looking like it will take longer than I had planned, I will be driving on open country roads with speed limits in excess of 70-75 MPH. I would like to try and keep the truck at least around 65 mph if possible in the slow lane.