• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Explorer intakes vs GT40 intakes

  • Thread starter Thread starter undercnstrction
  • Start date Start date Sep 13, 2010
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
U

undercnstrction

New Member
Nov 10, 2009
312
0
0
Sep 13, 2010
#1
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #1
came across a set of GT40 intakes for $100 today. i purchased a set of explorer intakes a while back *edit by moderator* and I'd like to know */edit* if the GT40 set is a better intake. which one is the better setup?
 

FastDriver

I was uncomfortably high & wearing a helmet
SN Certified Technician
Sep 5, 2001
6,069
2,671
224
Vass, NC
Sep 13, 2010
#2
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #2
They're so close in terms of performance, that I wouldn't spend the money, especially if the explorer is already installed. Most will tell you that the GT40 looks better. In terms of performance, there are some old intake comparison magizine tests that show just how close they are.
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
943
214
Chengdu Province
Sep 13, 2010
#3
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #3
Booyashaka. Anybody who says the tubular is better than either of the other two is just hooked on the hype that Ford Motorsport set in motion almost 20 years ago. They all use the same lower casting, and thus, have very similar performance. It really comes down to looks.

Heeeeey Fast Driver, how ya doin? What's with the ninja mod edit?

 
U

undercnstrction

New Member
Nov 10, 2009
312
0
0
Sep 13, 2010
#4
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #4
THANX for the info!!

those numbers are so close that each intake at some point in the power curve posts the highest numbers for a given rpm.

thanx a ton for the info and the charts.....that's exactly what i was looking for
 
U

undercnstrction

New Member
Nov 10, 2009
312
0
0
Sep 13, 2010
#5
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #5
also curious about the *edit* in my OP? it doesn't look like anything has been changed.
 

Bryan83taco

Active Member
Feb 4, 2003
554
40
39
SF Bay
Sep 13, 2010
#6
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #6
Wow didn't know they were that close. I was going to spring for the tubular but not anymore.
 

FastDriver

I was uncomfortably high & wearing a helmet
SN Certified Technician
Sep 5, 2001
6,069
2,671
224
Vass, NC
Sep 13, 2010
#7
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #7
PMing you the reason for the edit.
 
U

undercnstrction

New Member
Nov 10, 2009
312
0
0
Sep 13, 2010
#8
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #8
PM received.....thank you
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,215
17,898
224
Massachusetts
Sep 13, 2010
#9
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #9
Over on another forum I was on there was debate about the three intakes. They all use the same lower...to a point. The factory 1993-1995 cobra intake and early gt40 intakes had lowers with slightly larger runners. The later explorer intake and all post-1996 lowers used a version with narrower runners.

Does it make a difference? Prob not but I don't have the numbers.

Also, there was some discussion about the uppers. The explorer has the largest internal volume so there was speculation it might help in low end torque.

Honestly, they are so similar it prob won't matter. Looks aside, I would choose the explorer intake for cheapness and the possible torque issue. In terms of looks...gt40 all the way.

I have a cobra intake on my car, and an explorer intake in my basement. Crazy me has been debating painting and installing the explorer upper on my car. But if I can find a gt40 upper for cheap...I'm going that way
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
943
214
Chengdu Province
Sep 13, 2010
#10
  • Sep 13, 2010
  • #10
Mustang5L5 said:
Over on another forum I was on there was debate about the three intakes. They all use the same lower...to a point. The factory 1993-1995 cobra intake and early gt40 intakes had lowers with slightly larger runners. The later explorer intake and all post-1996 lowers used a version with narrower runners.

Does it make a difference? Prob not but I don't have the numbers.

Also, there was some discussion about the uppers. The explorer has the largest internal volume so there was speculation it might help in low end torque.

Honestly, they are so similar it prob won't matter. Looks aside, I would choose the explorer intake for cheapness and the possible torque issue. In terms of looks...gt40 all the way.

I have a cobra intake on my car, and an explorer intake in my basement. Crazy me has been debating painting and installing the explorer upper on my car. But if I can find a gt40 upper for cheap...I'm going that way
Click to expand...

Yea, I've heard different arguments about the lowers. Problem is, I have yet to actually see conclusive evidence that one is particularly "better" than the other. I think the reason is, anymore the GT40-style intake is really considered a "mild" bolt-on intake anyway, and the guys who have the means to test them (access to dynos or flow benches) are more interested in bigger intakes. While dude "A" and dude "B" are splitting hairs and arguing about which GT40 intake is "better", dude "C" bought a SysteMax II or Eddie RPM II, and is running circles around them, haha.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,215
17,898
224
Massachusetts
Sep 14, 2010
#11
  • Sep 14, 2010
  • #11
Very True. Instead of sitting and trying to figure which lower of the three is the best or which upper, just buy an RPMII and have something even better.

I'm partial to the Cobra Intake though. I could have AFR's on my car and still try to find a way to make the intake work with porting the lower and maybe an extrude hone of the upper (or use the explorer upper)
 

NIKwoaC

中國製造
15 Year Member
Oct 31, 2006
5,525
943
214
Chengdu Province
Sep 14, 2010
#12
  • Sep 14, 2010
  • #12
Mustang5L5 said:
Very True. Instead of sitting and trying to figure which lower of the three is the best or which upper, just buy an RPMII and have something even better.

I'm partial to the Cobra Intake though. I could have AFR's on my car and still try to find a way to make the intake work with porting the lower and maybe an extrude hone of the upper (or use the explorer upper)
Click to expand...

I've been curious about that, too. You hear stories of guys running ported GT40 intakes (God knows what cam and heads) making 330-340 rwhp NA on 302/306 bottom ends. Definitely intriguing...
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,813
234
Dublin GA
Sep 14, 2010
#13
  • Sep 14, 2010
  • #13
GT40 manifold vrs Explorer manifold.

The differences in the HP figures are so small (less than 1%) that they could be due to repeatability tolerances in the dyno or differences in air or water temp.
 

mob

the guy who hits on his mom
20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 3, 2003
2,566
136
104
Dallas, TX
Sep 14, 2010
#14
  • Sep 14, 2010
  • #14
Whoa whoa whoa, forget performance, GT40 intakes for 100 bucks? I would jump on that in a second.
 
U

undercnstrction

New Member
Nov 10, 2009
312
0
0
Sep 15, 2010
#15
  • Sep 15, 2010
  • #15
i guess that's a pretty good price than????? maybe i'll see if the guy still has them.......
 

Bryan83taco

Active Member
Feb 4, 2003
554
40
39
SF Bay
Sep 15, 2010
#16
  • Sep 15, 2010
  • #16
Yea great price I'd be interested in one for a $100...
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,215
17,898
224
Massachusetts
Sep 16, 2010
#17
  • Sep 16, 2010
  • #17
They can be had for 75-100 all the time....cheaper if you go to the junkyard and pull them yourself.

I got one with injectors and throttle body for 100...and have no use for it since I have a cobra intake
 

mob

the guy who hits on his mom
20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 3, 2003
2,566
136
104
Dallas, TX
Sep 16, 2010
#18
  • Sep 16, 2010
  • #18
Oh, I thought he was talking about tubular, since he said gt40 vs explorer
 

Cobra912

Active Member
May 1, 2005
1,777
11
39
Wish I was anywhere but here
Sep 16, 2010
#19
  • Sep 16, 2010
  • #19
people are still askin crazy prices for tubular GT40's
 

buds

New Member
Aug 27, 2013
4
0
2
Aug 27, 2013
#20
  • Aug 27, 2013
  • #20
i'm trying to figure out if I have gt40 intake or the explorer intake...how do i tell the difference????
 
  • 1
  • 2
Next
1 of 2 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

X
Engine Brackets for Gt40 heads with ac and ps?
  • Xavierg208
  • Nov 14, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
9
Views
360
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 16, 2025
limp
A
Discussion on mild budget build/ top end
  • Acesario
  • Feb 21, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • 2
Replies
20
Views
667
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Feb 23, 2026
General karthief
S
5.0 Rebuild
  • smittys7up
  • Nov 29, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
527
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Dec 20, 2025
Noobz347
2
General engine ID for bolt on upgrades
  • 2stroke1971
  • Jun 20, 2024
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
666
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 20, 2024
nickyb
Door glass fastener question
  • limp
  • May 24, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
160
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 25, 2026
limp
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?