Exhaust
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New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Meridian U.S.A.
Exhaust
Does any one know what the best type of headers and exhaust to put on a 96 302 are. I am planning to make my Bronco true dual all the way out and am going to change everything all the way up to the headers. I want it to sound mean and have the most power I can muster without blowing the thing up?!?! Also how much work is involved with changing the stock manifolds out and installing headers. Is there anything I should look out for.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Exhaust
The question that always stands like Goliath in the face of the mods you want to make is the question of emmissions law adherance. Just make sure that all your work is not going to get you an automatic emmissions failure. Who knows, you may live in a state that has yet to require these tests and inspections, then its a moot point.
Oh one other thing....keep in mind that no matter how well exhaust moves OUT of the engine, if the intake volume is not improved that will become the limiting factor in improved performance.
Oh one other thing....keep in mind that no matter how well exhaust moves OUT of the engine, if the intake volume is not improved that will become the limiting factor in improved performance.
New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Reading USA
Exhaust
Along those lines of keeping the emissions testers happy, can the same benefits of the dual exhaust be achieved (or closely achieved) using a single exhaust? Saves on having to buy two catalytic converters, too...
How much do you give away by only having one exhaust (even if it's a really big one)?
How much do you give away by only having one exhaust (even if it's a really big one)?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Covington USA
Exhaust
Somehwere along the line in my research, I found several documents showing that , for my application, a single 3" can flow as well, and in most cases, better, than running true duals.
The cost is also a factor. I am running a single 3" through a single high flow cat, which is cheaper than going dual, and the flow is good.
I will look around to see if I can find the research papers I found in my search................
The cost is also a factor. I am running a single 3" through a single high flow cat, which is cheaper than going dual, and the flow is good.
I will look around to see if I can find the research papers I found in my search................
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
Exhaust
True dual exhaust under a Bronco is a PITA. I had a high-end cat and an Edelbrock RPM series muffler (and new pipe of course) installed on my '85. The sound was fairly quiet which I wanted, but deep, and the power increase was noticeable. I'm sure some shorty headers would have made a big difference too, but I didn't have the money for those at the time.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Greenville USA
Exhaust
With some engine and exhaust set-ups, true dual exhuast is not the best idea. It can cause there not to be enough back-pressure and you will actually lose power. Just check around and look at all of your options.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Exhaust
Another thing to consider in the face of certain emmission control systems is that O2 sensor(s) need to be fitted into the exhaust and in spite of whether or not you HAVE to worry about the emissions system passing any tests or not, these sensors do affect the way the engine runs. Simply removing them doesn't always produce the most acceptable engine performance. Now this may not be an issue if you manage to find a system that will allow for the necessary sensors. Just my $.02.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Madison/CT
Exhaust
okay, well i'm in the process of having true duals installed on my truck. I already had em, but they rotted away cause the last owner of my truck bought cheap pipe. I had two cats, and two mufflers, and it all worked just fine. My friend has a 91, and i drove it, and i couldn't tell any difference. His was slower if anything. Same trucks, cept for tranny. Mine is 302, A40D, 35's, 3.55 gears, dual exhaust. His is 302. E40D, 35's 3.55 gears, single exhaust. I dunno, thats my two cents. I think true is nicer, and i'm gonna pay to have it done again. 
. Then its time for 4:56's cause this truck need to have some ummphhh to match the sound.
. Then its time for 4:56's cause this truck need to have some ummphhh to match the sound.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Reading USA
Exhaust
Where does your exhaust exit? In front or behind the wheels? I've heard there may be some silly law saying the exhaust has to exit the rear of the vehicle but I owned a '97 F150 that had the side exhaust. I'd rather route to the side for two reasons: no power-robbing tube bend around the axle, and to avoid sucking in exhaust fumes when the rear window is down.
Also, who (manufacturer) are you using for your duals?
Another question. I acquired a set of shorty Mustang headers (never installed, brand new), when I bought a used 5.0L. Since the stock manifold on my 351W is cracked, can I use the shorties on the 351W? The 5.0L is still in mothballs awaiting a transplant into an MGB (another long story...)
Also, who (manufacturer) are you using for your duals?
Another question. I acquired a set of shorty Mustang headers (never installed, brand new), when I bought a used 5.0L. Since the stock manifold on my 351W is cracked, can I use the shorties on the 351W? The 5.0L is still in mothballs awaiting a transplant into an MGB (another long story...)
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Exhaust
All big Bronco exhaust must exit the side if you want to keep exhaust fumes out of the passenger cabin with the rear glass down. I cant' tell you how many dual exhaust setups for F-150's I have seen shortened and just stuck under a Bronco leaving the rear exit pipes to blow exhuast up into the truck when the rear window is down. DON'T rear exit big Bronco exhaust.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Madison/CT
Exhaust
As far as i know, in connecticut, you can have exhaust exit before the wheel on a pickup, or bronco. My 77-F250 had this setup, and i've seen bronco's i with it. I know that seeing it doesn't mean its legal, but you don't get away with much up here. As far as i know, The law is so that people don'y have exhaust that just just dumps out under the truck. The fumes have no where to go except for up into the truck. Mine has been like this for a while due to rotting pipe, and wonderful salt on the roads. If anyone knows something different, i would love to know, cause i hear this question alot.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,027
Likes: 9
From: Manchester, CT USA
Exhaust
In CT the law depends where the exahust came out when it rolled off the assembly line. Before or after the rear axle. I know this because I wanted to put side pipes on a truck I had instead of ground FX. I thought it would look cool on an old truck.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Madison/CT
Exhaust
just to update you all, i just got my true dual exhaust done, all the way back, and exiting right behind the tires. Flowmaster 40's and cats. should have pictures up soon enough. Looks great sounds better. Exhaust man, said, no prob putting true duals on. Total cost 300.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
Exhaust
Originally posted by Broncoguy89
just to update you all, i just got my true dual exhaust done, all the way back, and exiting right behind the tires. Flowmaster 40's and cats. should have pictures up soon enough. Looks great sounds better. Exhaust man, said, no prob putting true duals on. Total cost 300.
just to update you all, i just got my true dual exhaust done, all the way back, and exiting right behind the tires. Flowmaster 40's and cats. should have pictures up soon enough. Looks great sounds better. Exhaust man, said, no prob putting true duals on. Total cost 300.