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

Ranger Header Upgrade

  • Thread starter Thread starter 4cylstang931
  • Start date Start date Feb 12, 2007
4

4cylstang931

New Member
Sep 12, 2006
17
0
0
Feb 12, 2007
#1
  • Feb 12, 2007
  • #1
Just finished the Ranger Header upgrade this weekend. I paid $30 for it at my local junkyard. I didn't notice much of a difference in HP, but from takeoff it made a noticeable difference in torque. I would recommend the upgrade to anyone who could pick up a Ranger header for around $30.

As far as sound, I can't really tell much difference. I am not trying to make the 2.3 sound like a V8. I plan on doing that by eventually doing the V8 swap with a GT-40 crate motor. Even though I am a V8 guy, the 2.3L is hard to beat. They make awesome daily drivers and are really cheap compared to the V8 versions.

I do have one question. After I changed the header, I got a 332 Code for insufficient EGR flow. I wasn't having this problem with the regular manifold. I checked the Vac. line and couldn't find a leak. Could unbolting the EGR and opening the system caused my EGR to quit working? Or, is the Ranger EGR different? The donor Ranger was a 94.

Thanks in advance for the help!
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Feb 12, 2007
#2
  • Feb 12, 2007
  • #2
4cylstang931 said:
I do have one question. After I changed the header, I got a 332 Code for insufficient EGR flow. I wasn't having this problem with the regular manifold. I checked the Vac. line and couldn't find a leak. Could unbolting the EGR and opening the system caused my EGR to quit working? Or, is the Ranger EGR different? The donor Ranger was a 94.

Thanks in advance for the help!
Click to expand...

Yeah... seems to me that a system that's broken open would tend not to work...

To make the code go away, you make a custom tube for the EGR. I would suggest either taking off the vacume line to the EGR (and plugging the line), OR completely remove it and fab a block off plate for the flange on the intake manifold. The first one is pretty easy. It will throw a code, but it won't be trying to open the EGR, resulting in sucking in unfiltered and unmetered air.
 
4

4cylstang931

New Member
Sep 12, 2006
17
0
0
Feb 12, 2007
#3
  • Feb 12, 2007
  • #3
bhuff30 said:
Yeah... seems to me that a system that's broken open would tend not to work...

To make the code go away, you make a custom tube for the EGR.
Click to expand...

Sorry I wasn't verry clear. I installed the EGR tube from the donor Ranger so the system isn't open. There are no exhaust leaks that I can find.
 

bhuff30

Founding Member
Dec 11, 2001
6,037
35
129
Olathe KS
Feb 12, 2007
#4
  • Feb 12, 2007
  • #4
4cylstang931 said:
Sorry I wasn't verry clear. I installed the EGR tube from the donor Ranger so the system isn't open. There are no exhaust leaks that I can find.
Click to expand...

Really? I thought I remembered looking at the ranger tube, and deciding it was in the wrong location for me. Then again, now that I think about it the 91-93 stang got the same intake as the rangers with the tube header. Obviously, that tube wouldn't fit me 88.

Hmm, as far as reason: Did you check to see if the EGR tube was clogged by blowing in one end or sticking something threw it? You didn't accidently pull off any vacume tubes or connections? Those 2 seem like the most likely in my mind, as your setup should work fine since you have a 91-93.
 
4

4cylstang931

New Member
Sep 12, 2006
17
0
0
Feb 12, 2007
#5
  • Feb 12, 2007
  • #5
I used a coat hanger and brake parts cleaner to clean the EGR tube really good. I have also checked the vaccuum lines and cannot find a leak. I didn't pull the EGR valve all the way off, I just loosened it and tightened it back down. I think I am going to try to take it all the way off, clean it, and replace the gasket with a new one. Hope that works.
 
4

4cylstang931

New Member
Sep 12, 2006
17
0
0
Feb 13, 2007
#6
  • Feb 13, 2007
  • #6
FIXED!!!

Problem fixed. The vacuum lines at the EGR vacuum regulator solenoid were brittle and had cracked ( I guess it happened when I pulled the old manifold out). Patched it with some rubber vacuum line I had and everything works fine.
 
E

ethangsmith

Member
Jan 28, 2007
227
0
16
Manheim, PA
Feb 13, 2007
#7
  • Feb 13, 2007
  • #7
I'm looking at putting a Ranger header on my Capri in the near future. Is it really worth it or would it be a waste. The cast manifold that's on there looks like it would be much more restrictive than the header. The only issue I will run into is the EGR tube placement. It is at a slightly different angle, so I will have to somehow bend the EGR tube (won't take much) to meet it properly. I plan on doing new converterless exhaust from the end of the header to the muffler then. Would I see a little bit of an increase in power?
 
4

4cylstang931

New Member
Sep 12, 2006
17
0
0
Feb 20, 2007
#8
  • Feb 20, 2007
  • #8
A lot of people just use the Ranger EGR tube and their exsisting 2.3L EGR tube to fabricate a new one. If you are a good welder you may want to try that. As far as power gains, you won't notice much. The header seamed to add a little more low end torque when I installed it, but I also have the 93 engine which generated more HP and torque. For the little bit of money that it costs to do the upgrade I think it is worth it.
 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
5,896
73
129
Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom
Feb 20, 2007
#9
  • Feb 20, 2007
  • #9
ethangsmith said:
I'm looking at putting a Ranger header on my Capri in the near future. Is it really worth it or would it be a waste. The cast manifold that's on there looks like it would be much more restrictive than the header. The only issue I will run into is the EGR tube placement. It is at a slightly different angle, so I will have to somehow bend the EGR tube (won't take much) to meet it properly. I plan on doing new converterless exhaust from the end of the header to the muffler then. Would I see a little bit of an increase in power?
Click to expand...

At the n/a 2.3L hp level, the operative word is "little." You're going to see very, very small gains from a shorty tubular manifold.
 
A

Adam taggart

New Member
Dec 9, 2017
20
0
1
Dec 9, 2017
#10
  • Dec 9, 2017
  • #10
Red_LX said:
At the n/a 2.3L hp level, the operative word is "little." You're going to see very, very small gains from a shorty tubular manifold.
Click to expand...
Speaking of 2.3l headers. I have a 91 mustang 2.3l what's the pipe fro. The header that goes to the bottom of the factory air box for? Is it ok to disconnect it?
 

Red_LX

I’m not much help unless you’re looking for ****!
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
5,896
73
129
Morgantown, WV...where couches meet their doom
Dec 16, 2017
#11
  • Dec 16, 2017
  • #11
Wow, replying to a 10 year old post?

Anyway, it's just something to bring warm air from the manifold into the airbox on cold starts, probably for emissions. You can disconnect it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

9
Engine Donor '00 Mountaineer meet '91 Fox
  • 91firecracker
  • May 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
41
Views
518
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
B
Screamin Demons Worth It N/A?
  • Blackout67
  • Oct 20, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
231
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Oct 20, 2025
Noobz347
M
Engine Unexplainable Exhaust Pop and Gurgle
  • Mrnissen122
  • Feb 14, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
461
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Feb 18, 2026
Noobz347
0
V6 to V8 Swap info
  • 02_2v_Curtis
  • Jan 11, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
565
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Jan 11, 2026
02_2v_Curtis
0
S
Upgrade Advice on an 89 GT Convertible NJ
  • SteakDad
  • Apr 17, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
818
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 18, 2025
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?