have done quite a list of mods since the summer on mine but am having a couple of problems getting the reliability I want out of it.. tried using sce copper header gaskets but they don't seal at all- ordered a set off hi potek am hoping better luck with them.. need to silicone at the y pipe? ( have the 92 style on mine) ..seems like I can't own a vehicle that doesn' t have exhaust leaks.. normal for it to rev past 3000 upon start up? or due to extreme exhaust leaks I have? replaced the iac.. I have the newer style iac was tempted to try it ( has a holley 52mm tb) on the highway starts to backfire at anything past 3000..wondering because I removed the dizzy? sitting for the moment til I get these issues resolved..loads of fun this summer also having issues with the wife's car as well

 

have removed the egr system

 

Thin copper gaskets are only to be used on freshly milled engines and heads, 100% flat service. If you didn't get it machined and just reused the engine and heads as is there could be a high or low spot that is undetectable to the eye.
Silicone will burn off of the pipe. Take it to a muffler shop to get it welded up.

The high idle can be a IAC, lots of new ones out of the box are bad.
As for the back firing it might be and incorrect position distributor to misplaced plug wires to the timing chain misaligned.

 

thats what I was thinking about the copper gaskets, seems to be direct contrast of the dead soft gaskets I last used on the ranger- no ability to compress
whats the max I should rev to upon startup? the lowest I can get it to idle to is about 1000 rpms
I have a feeling its the dizzy..was going to send it in once I redo the headers

 

Fix all the exhaust leaks first since they can cause it to idle high. Also check for vacuum leaks.

 

just finished redoing the header gaskets and refilled the rad..now there is a coolant leak at the rear of the motor! I swear this truck is killing me

 

if the head gaskets are shot- was thinking of getting heads ( that and a cam are about all my plans include for this motor) was thinking of monster eq or edelbrock- but after talking to hughes..sounds like maybe best off just getting stock replacements- they say with a 5.2 bore and the 2.02 heads would cause too much valve shrouding

 

I am thinking this maybe the time to swap to a 5.9 ..found one with a 6 month warranty for about the same cost as heads would be. Only have to change computer and swap from a 5.2 flywheel to a 5.9? One thing that surprises me is the hp/ torque numbers, from my research the 5.2 and 5.9 have same hp but the 5.9 has 30 more ft/lbs torque thats a plus pulling my boat though