[Aslan45]

Well folks, got the TFS TW heads and Explorer intake on. What a chore.Feels strong with immediate throttle response. Only issue is a bit of burning oil. Pulled it apart and found oil residue in the intake ports so used only permatex (TFS recommendation) for front and back of lower intake-to-block instead of cork or rubber and new gaskets between lower and heads on reassembly. Bugging me that I still have a bit of blue smoke at startup and some oil residue on the exhaust tip edges after about 200 miles. The heads were milled .005 but not the lower intake where it meets the block. Lower torqued to 25 ft-lbs on the heads. Verified no oil carry-over through the PCV. My thoughts are to pull the upper and retorque the lower-to-head bolts OR pull it all apart again and have the lower intake milled front and back OR use thicker gaskets between the lower and heads without milling the lower. Anybody got other possible reasons for the oil carry-over and suggestions to fix it? All replies appreciated.

[hechtrod]

So, give us some feedback and background for why you chose the TFS heads and Explorer manifolds? Just curious. Lots of options out there. Not too experiened with milling the heads and the issues that can arise there, but I'd think the gaskets would take up some of the difference when installing the lower intake. Maybe thicker gaskets would be a good starting point since milling it is more work/cost. Thanks. any dyno or track results? What combo did this replace (stock parts?)?

hechtrod out

[Aslan45]

I'm looking for answers and you're asking questions...Chose this combo for price, availability and matched my current goals. Replaced stock GT components. TFS TW heads give 2.02 intake valves w/out fly cutting pistions and flow nearly as much as the AFR 185's. Explorer intake flows nearly as much as a $600 GT 40 and $500 Edelbrock; minor self porting opened it up a bit more. Got o-ringed and ported heads, TFS 1.7 roller rockers, TFS pushrods, TFS gasket kit, clean and powder coated upper/lower intake and plugs to match the heads for under $1500. Added the new FRPP 65mm TB for $200 and TFS rocker covers for $100 (stock Ford wouldn't clear the rockers). No dyno or track runs until I stop the oil leaks and burning. I estimate about 300 hp at the crank with this combo and I have the top end set to build the bottom end and/or add boost for more hp/torque. Not ready to replace the stock T-5 to handle more HP & torque than have now. Custom dyno tune and chip to follow when I can. Anyone with more knowledge on matching milled heads to a lower intake are welcome to give advice.