Ranger Header or Roller Cam?

red102793 · 12-29-2008

I found a ranger header and roller cam pretty cheap, unfortnatlely I can't afford both of them. So which one would net me more power the cam or the header? If you could give me a guesstimate that would be appericated. Thanks

ethangsmith · 12-30-2008

Both are probably about the same, but in my opinion, I would get the roller cam. It will add stability to the valvetrain, allow the engine to rev faster, prolong oil life, and reduce friction (heat) in the head. All of which are good things. I have been told from a few people that the Ranger header does not actually flow as well as some think it does. Look inside the header at the head end. The depressions in the pipes so there is bolt clearance create a lot of restriction. And at the bottom end of the header where all the pipes join is fairly restrictive as well.

red102793 · 12-30-2008

Thanks I'll have to see if that cam's still for sale

Green78II · 12-31-2008

I agree, I would go with the cam, however unless I'm mistaken the later Fox bodies came with the roller cam from the factory. The only thing the header will help with would really be only weight reduction.

ethangsmith · 12-31-2008

Also, cut the intake silence out. It's inside the big plastic unit with the Ford logo on it. Just cut it out with a utility knife. That makes a difference as well and it's free to do.

II Crazy, that car is sweet. What header is that on there and are you still running the 5200 carburetor?

ford45 · 12-31-2008

yes the later models did come stock with roller cams. saying this from experience. my 92 has one. i changed out my stock exhaust manifold to a ranger header and seen a good amount of difference. i dont think it restricts as much as the stock manifold does. made more power up higher for me too. but for you sounds like the better deal would be to go to the roller cam compared to the header for many other differences.

m_williams · 12-31-2008

Do 88 2.3L Mustangs come with a roller cam?.... I am curious becuase I also own a 88.

red102793 · 12-31-2008

I didn't beilive they did I didn't think they started the roller cam until 1990 but I could be mistaken.

b_chandler · 12-31-2008

Roller cams didn't appear in Mustangs until 1991

Green78II · 01-01-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by ethangsmith

Also, cut the intake silence out. It's inside the big plastic unit with the Ford logo on it. Just cut it out with a utility knife. That makes a difference as well and it's free to do.

II Crazy, that car is sweet. What header is that on there and are you still running the 5200 carburetor?

Thanks, its a Headman Hedder from Racer Walsh. I still have the 5200 on it. I'm using a Mr. Gasket 2bbl - 4 bbl adapter to use the 4bbl intake. I can just barely close my hood with it sticking up and it's worn a hole throgh my hood insulator.
There are some updated pics on my cardomain page if you're interested.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2541957

buggzb · 01-15-2009

can u put a roller cam in a 89?

red102793 · 01-15-2009

I wouldn't see why you couldn't I heard of people doing it before

buggzb · 01-15-2009

wats da best choice ii read 1 werw a guy put aa 268 from comp cams but wen i checked out the site i didnt find 1. or is it best to snatch 1 out of a ranger