96 explorer heads

[SteveL]

Anybody got a pic of the 96 explorer heads that fit long tube headers? Looking for part number if its different or pics of the spark plug angle. Thanks

 

[bronconut73]

I think 96 and 97 are GT heads and except conventional headers and exhaust manifolds.
GTP heads start in '98 I believe. Those are the ones that requires the expensive headers from BC.

Apologies if ya already knew that...

 

[SteveL]

So if they're stock 96 heads they will work with the regular bronco headers? No chance of different model shy of being swapped with later ones

 

[JGbronc]

The standard GT40 heads were on 96 and part of 97. Some 97s had the GT40P.

The standard GT40 will have normal positioned plugs and will accept normal aftermarket headers.

The GT40P has a different angled plug, so you would need to use the stock manifolds or order specialty headers from somewhere like Bronco Hut.

Easy way to tell the difference, the GT40 has 3 little bars on the ends and is stamped GT on the bottom corner below where the valve cover bolts up. The P heads have 4 bars and are stamped GTP.

 

[jckkys]

I'm running '96 Explorer GT40 heads on my 351. Everything for the earlier 289,302, and 351s fits. The exhaust ports are much larger than non GT40 heads, so a little port matching may be a good idea with stock EB 302 manifolds. I was pleasantly surprised to find the larger 351 head bolt holes, pressed in hardened exhaust valve seats, and no internal air injection ports. They are what cast iron small block heads should have been since the early '60s. The spark plugs are smaller diameter but sit at the same angle as in the earlier heads. If you think about adding adjustable arms now or in the future, drill and thread them for 7/16" studs. Push rod guide plates for Ford small blocks are all made with at least that size studs.

 

[SteveL]

The last 2 help. Thanks. I'm sure jcckys will be happy if I swap out my q-jet to ford efi.

 

[bronconut73]

I'm running '96 Explorer GT40 heads on my 351. Everything for the earlier 289,302, and 351s fits. The exhaust ports are much larger than non GT40 heads, so a little port matching may be a good idea with stock EB 302 manifolds. I was pleasantly surprised to find the larger 351 head bolt holes, pressed in hardened exhaust valve seats, and no internal air injection ports. They are what cast iron small block heads should have been since the early '60s. The spark plugs are smaller diameter but sit at the same angle as in the earlier heads. If you think about adding adjustable arms now or in the future, drill and thread them for 7/16" studs. Push rod guide plates for Ford small blocks are all made with at least that size studs.

I have Harland Sharp Roller Rockers, Rhoades lifters, Comp Cams hardened push rods and 3/8" screw in studs for the roller rockers. There are 7/16" & 3/8" screw in studs to retro fit your Ford.