Scotty, I Need more power... 1997-460-F53

[Wanabee FTer]

I have a '98 Gulf Stream 32.5' gasser with a 460 Ford powertrain. It seems to pull the hills OK, I can pass the loaded 18 wheelers pretty good, but some other gassers leave me in the dust.
I am looking to add a towd of 4200 GVWR 4 wheels down and I am concerned about having enough power to get up the hills. Looking at the Banks Stinger cat back exhaust and air intake mod system. Wondering if anyone has this system without the Banks Headers? Says it will add appx 45 HP. Trying to keep within a small budget to add enough power to pull the towd. Anyone that has any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Sammie]

Try looking at Gibson, they also make header systems at a much lower price. You won't be happy with a cat back only system.

Cat Back Exhaust Systems by Gibson Exhaust. For Trucks, SUV, Diesel, side by side, sandrail, RV, and Marine. Performance Exhaust and Mufflers for the Enthusiast

Sammie

["007"]

Your 460 manifolds are going to be shooting bullets ( stud bolts) if you do not get headers of some type. Plus crack the headers.

[Wanabee FTer]

Found Gibson complete dual exhaust p/n 956005 for $1250.00 but no provision for cat convertor (California mods not allowed)
Found Banks headers and y-pipe to fit single factory cat convertor for $1150.00 Should I get the Banks and fit it to the stock cat back exhaust?

[Nick-B]

Banks makes very nice headers and exhaust but they cost the most.

If you are trying to minimize your expenses, I put Hedman Elite coated headers and a full Flowmaster exhaust on my '95 F53/460 all for just under $1000 by doing the job myself. I didn't have a converter but I don't see why it could not be cut into any aftermarket exhaust system. Worst case is you might have to have a muffler shop do some of the work.

Let me know if you need more info.

[Chuck 1935]

I'm not sure if anyone make them for your application, but Tri Y headers give you the most mid range power.

[saduncan1]

Late model 460's fords run the cam timing retarded to meet Fed emmisions spec's. Earley model 460's have advanced timing kit, new gear and chain!! more torque and power. Check with your ford hot rod people, Less money more bang for your buck, and you will still met emmisions standards.

[Nick-B]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saduncan1 Late model 460's fords run the cam timing retarded to meet Fed emmisions spec's.

You might want to browse on over to the forums at 460 Ford Forum - Powered by vBulletin. Those boys are quite knowledgeable and from what I have read there, the 460's only used the retarded timing gears on the carbureted motors thru the 80's. When they switched to fuel injection ('89/'90) the timing was "straight up" so replacing the gearset on a 1998 won't help. Some folks do recommend advancing the base timing several degrees on the 460 as they claim it can handle more without pinging, but I haven't tried it yet.

[Wanabee FTer]

Nick, with your headers and exhaust, are you able to tow much weight uphills?

[Nick-B]

Wannabe,

I wish I had a good answer for you but I don't tow. Not that I don't want to, I just don't have a toad or trailer to work with yet.

I will say this much. With the stock manifolds and exhaust, the motorhome would barely get out of it's own way. The slightest hill would make it downshift and rev up but there wasn't any extra power.

After the headers and exhaust, now it moves along the way I expect it to. It will now easily pull smaller hills without downshifting and when a down shift does happen it results in extra power not just more noise. It is no hot rod but with over 18K lbs to push along I think it is doing just fine and would easily handle a small toad or trailer.