anyone with the 4.0 sohc have headers on their trucks? i drive an 07 so newer models would be good... are they super hard to install or just time consuming? whats the easiest way to get to them? ill probally pull my hood and fenders off just to get some extra clearance and more room to reach in there.
any noticable gains? how did it affect the sound? more throaty?
im gonna order a set of JBA headers and the only headers i have installed were on a 04 mustang GT but that was easy once we dropped the K member.

 

I just took off the tires and inner fender-wells. The passenger side is pretty tight. I also had to slightly bend the EGR tube on the driver's side. I highly suggest using ratcheting wrenches.

 

Same procedure here.

The JBA headers will buy you a little extra power - not because the JBAs are a bad design but because the stock 4.0L manifolds flow very well. Bang for the buck and installation ease favors a flash programmer over headers on a 4.0L Ranger.

 

As far as the "gains" on the headers, i assume the torque range is in a better RPM band after the JBA's? This is something i'd like to do in the future, but everyone alaways claims horsepower with their products. Im looking to make my truck feel more "peppy" with normal 2,500-3000 rpm acceleration. I'm assuming the headers are something to look at in my application?

 

when i put my headers on there was a very noticeable differance.... i didnt take anything off the truck when i put them in, but then again i already have glass fenders. plan on the install to take about 3 hours

 

mark for you i would do tuner first then headers

 

The tuner is next on the list Zach, I'll have it in at least a month or so. After that probably gears, but im need to reasearch them more. Thus why i would like to know more about the headers

 

Here is JBA's own dyno chart for a 4.0L Ranger equipped with headers and catback and ignition wires. As you can see, with all three JBA products installed, there is an average gain over stock of about 12 HP, 15 lb-ft.

 

Sweet thats exactly what i was looking for, thanks Bob!

 

im still gonna give the headers a shot, anything to help it breathe better and give some more power and a more aggressive tone will please me.
where can i find a programmer for my truck? ive only seen the JET plug in chips...
and i dont want to run premium gas. maybe the mid grade but the cheap stuff would be best

 

There are alot of places that sell programmers for the 4.0. Check out some mustang places, there are alot in every state!

And your going to want to run premium after you get a taste of how it runs after 87. Premium is going to cost you, what? 3 bucks extra on a Complete fill-up? To me the extra power, etc is worth the extra 3 bucks for premium gas.

 

^^ goood point, i didnt think of it that way.. mainly cuz im a cheap bastard and hate to see my money go away haha.
any programmer from a mustang will work on the ranger?
any specific brands and such?

 

go to BAMA Chips.....get this: SCT XCalibrator 2.....

Then once you have programmer in hand, go to a dyno shop and have it tuned properly. That way everything is dialed in perfectly, A/F ratio, timing, shift points, etc. AND you get 3 different tunes also, that way you can run regular 87 and 91+ if you want

 

badass! cuz another truck forum im on is havin a dyno day in january so it would be the perfect time to get tuned and compare everything

 

Bama Chips arent the ONLY people who have programs for the 4.0. I think im going to call some mustang specialty shops and see what they have to offer with the x-cal 2. Im sure most of the tuning itself is all the same.

 

When I did my headers I noticed am improvement in power and sound. It was very easy to do with the only problem being the EGR tube isnt long enough so I did a little self bending. I took the front tires off and was able to do it in about an hour an a half or so. I did it at the shop where I work on a hoist with air tools so your experience might be different.

If you want a programmer look at http://www.jusnesmodified.com/ for one. The guys there are awesome to work with and are very helpful too. I randomly talk to SoundPer4mance on AIM all the time. Real nice guy.

 

ya i have access to a lift and all the tools no problem. as long as it aint a PIA like an 04 mustangs are ill be good haha

 

I think the difference that is noticed is that the TQ at 2500 RPM after the headers are on is what you were getting at 3400 RPM. Must kinda feel like you are driving around with your OD off.... That would be cool, and snappy feeling. Is that what you guys are noticing? Just wondering as I am also thinking about ordering up some JBA's for myself ( I love being able to write this off as an expense )

 

You guys do see the graph is for all THREE JBA products. So, if you installed exhaust, headers, and ignition wires, you would only see an average gain of 12 hp. Headers on 4.0ls aren't that great of an add on. Surely there's $400+ you can spend elsewhere to make your trucks peppier..

 

ya but they will compliment other add ons :) ill spend my 5-600bux for the ceramic coated ones and add on some other parts and get it dyno tuned and let yal know where im at with it

 

Yeah I saw that - However I already have a gibson exhaust kit. So the only thing here is wires that I don't have. I personaly dont' see wires being that big of a difference, maybe .5 hp if they are lucky. And a free flowing exhaust to a free flowing exhaust, is going to be really compareable.