Are headers even worth it?
 

I've wanted to get some JBA headers for so long for my 4.0 OHV, but I don't know if I should. The local guy who does exhausts and what not said that in order to put headers on my truck he'd have to lift the engine in order to put them in? Is this true?

If he did this I'd probably look into a Borla exhaust. And then a tune.

So my question if the engine has to be lifted, is it enough of a power increase that it would be worth it? Or is the guy just full of it.

The engine does not have to be lifted. You would gain a little power but even more when you get an exhaust, intake and a tune.

it will be worth it with a tune other wise not really

Alright. I plan on going into talk to the guy about it to see if he'd even do it, and if he would the price range etc. And then find out how much it'd cost for him to run me a borla exhaust.

once you set yourself up with an intake, headers, exhaust, and start revving it up - you'll notice the difference from stock - and no.. it isnt just a butt dyno - it really brings some life to the engine - I have all of it, minus a Tune - Not sure why I havent purchased one yet.. but i still plan on getting an underdrive pulley and overdrive alternator sooner or later - I plan to get a Tune after that happens, perhaps this winter.

I didn't notice much when I put my jba's on. I may need a tuner. However I have a 5.0 donor now.

The engine does not need to be lifted up. But the inner fenders need to come out.

I have pic thread on here somewhere.

Alright any sort of pics of it apart would be nice so I can show the guy if he is stuck on believing he'd have to lift the engine. I have an intake, so once I get the exhaust and headers and a tune, it'll be nice :D

Here, I'll post up what I have from my own swap...

From my EGR Tube post:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...-manifold.html

https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ld-header1.jpg


https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ld-header2.jpg


https://www.ranger-forums.com/forum2...ld-header3.jpg

I don't think the 4.0 OHV engine will gain anything from a header. Headers are primarily for a torquey engine and headers typically are used to improve high rev performance, like for a 4.0 SOHC engine. I installed headers on a 73 Landcruiser (torquey engine) and was not happy with it at all. I was happy when it finally cracked and put the original exhaust manifold back on. That made me realize how much low end torque the header cost me.

^ Along with what Gary said ,over the years (OK , decades) I've noticed that people that installed headers found that the engines started a little harder in sub-freezing temperatures and were difficult to start at -0 temps.When they went back to stock manifolds they saw a positive difference in cold weather starts.

So you're saying that I might not notice that much of an increase in performance with headers? Should I just stick to getting an aftermarket exhaust and tune rather than going with headers as well?

cat back first
 

I would recommend getting a catback exhaust first, although I dont have headers yet either for the same reason as you. of all the stuff ive done, the cat back exhaust has made the most difference.

On my truck the most noticeable upgrade was the converter and shift kit.

It just amazes how night and day it is.

getting exhaust was the worst $200 i have spent on my truck. made zero noticeable difference in power. sure, it sounds cool, but i would have rather spend the money on something else if i would have known. However, that is the only performance mod i have so it may be different if you have done other stuff to your engine.

You have an auto. I have a 5-speed.

I dont think they are a good idea unless you have a supercharger. They just dont offer a good hp return on your money.

I missed that, damn.

They make more noise under the hood. A little more out the back too.

I already have a cat back though. I would go that route if you have not gotten one yet. The sound is worth some money too me.

If your looking for more performance you need head work and cams or a power adder. Those are the only things to get more air into these crap stock heads.

Fuel economy headers, intake, efan, cat back, and tb have gotten me to 16.5 city. However i hammer on the gas all the time. Always coming off the light first hitting 3500 - 4000. That the down side of the converter, if you don't gas it you feel like its slipping.