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Topic: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis? (Read 8 times) previous topic - next topic
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Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Yahoo Message Number: 97322
We had a great drive home in our new 92 MB.  However, I'm going to be towing a race car trailer and need as much power and protection against overheating as I can get.
 I've read up a little on the Banks system and similar.  It looks like they (Banks) do not make a 460 system to fit the earlier E350 Chassis.  Our LD is a 92 built on a 91 E350.

Also, any experience with air suspension systems?  Given I'll be towing and loading this thing up for trips to the track with tools, etc. would a good air suspension help with handling the loads?  It's got fairly new Bilsteins on it.  Otherwise the suspension looks stock assuming they came stock with a pretty good sized front sway bar on them.

Any advice on improvements I can make along these lines would be appreciated.
1992 MB
Re: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97325
"Any advice on improvements I can make along these lines would be appreciated."

Nameless

A MB, built on an E350 chassis, is going to be near GVW, without loading it so do not go overboard adding gear.
 A set of Firestone airbags, in the rear, will help level things out.
Adding a rear sway bar is recommended for towing. Sway bars are available from Hellwig and IPD. The front sway bar can be upgraded with polyurethane bushings or a larger bar.

460s are known for cracked stock exhaust manifolds, when used in HD conditions. Years ago, I remember several after-market headers being available for the 460, installed in Class Cs.
When Googled, not much showed up.
http://www.thepartsbin.com/sitemap/ford_racing~headers~parts.html>

For cooling, keep the radiator clean or replaced with the largest available. Make sure it has a huge transmission cooler. Check the condition of the cooling fan clutch.
Our old 1983 LD got hot in the summer on long upgrades. None of the upgrades worked until I installed a Super Desert Cooler.
It worked great and did not use much water.
http://www.rvjournal.com/SuperCooler.html>

So what are you racing and where do you go to do it? Also, what's your name?

Larry Breathing much better in SoCal
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97327
Quote
Any advice on improvements I can make along these lines would be appreciated.
We installed a Banks system on our '91 MB, along with a safe-t-steer, rear stabilizer, front stabilizer and Bilsteins.  We also had the front end rebuilt which made a HUGE difference in steering and handling.  The Banks system has also made a big difference in power but not a big difference in gas mileage.  We are very happy with performance, steering and handling after about $4k in upgrades.  Our '91 drives like a brand new vehicle now.  Can't discuss air bags though, since we don't have a need for adjustible suspension as we only tow our Wrangler toad.
Re: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97328
"Larry W"  wrote: Sway bars are available from Hellwig and IPD. The front sway bar can be upgraded with polyurethane bushings or a larger bar.
--- I have IPD anti-sway bars on my 2003, but I don't think that IPD provides anti-sway bars for vehicles other than Volvos any longer; at least, I didn't find any product application on their webiste other than those for Volvos...??? Roadmaster is another choice:
 http://roadmasterinc.com/products/rss/sway_bar.html 
Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97329
I called Banks.  They still have a couple of their Stinger kits for my rig but that does not include the headers.  It's the intake and cat back exhaust.  He said there is no room
1992 MB
Re: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97332
You might also want to look at the Transcommand system from Banks.  It offers a little better transmission performance under heavy loads and is inexpensive.   I have the IPD anti sway bars on my 94 MB and find that they do improve the handling.

I do make an effort to keep my cooling system
 
Re: Headers and air suspension on 91 E350 chassis?
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 97371
I second the suggestion with going with the DT headers.  I looked into this years ago in anticipation of fixing cracked headers.  Thankfully that has happened.
 If you go with the Banks system or similar, you still may not be able to use that additional power if you are at an RPM range that is outside the "power band".  To help with this, look into a gear splitter for the tranny.  I have a Gear Vendors Over/Underdrive system on mine and it is designed to give you a better use of the power band by keeping you in a more ideal rpm.
http://www.gearvendors.com/

The splitter makes a huge difference when towing or going up long grades.  I was able to maintain 60 mph+ on many high altitude passes in Colorado.

BTW, I never had any overheating problems.  I've driven in some extreme conditions and the temp stays in the normal range.  The only problem I have is that it doesn't have an overflow tank, so I have to top off the coolant once in a while.

Hope that helps,

-Victor (coming out of the woodwork) '91 MB