Easy way to get the young'n to like the rollbar is to take it to the races. No bar, no race......

The Explorer heads in 1996 were GT40's but then they changed to the GT40P heads from 97 until they phased out the 5.0. The P heads flow very well and will outperform the GT40's but they have no provision for EGR since they burned so clean. They also have a revised plug angle that can be a nightmare with most headers.

You can install a TransGo shift kit for about a hundred and Oregon Performance Transmission will send you a 2200 stall lockup converter for about 150 with shipping. Rear gears are the biggest kick in the butt you can do but you'll need to box the rear arms and put in poly bushings to take full advantage.

I have a 302 with the P heads and aod in my Fairlane. It is fun with the 4.11 gears and a locker. Still have to dial it in though. Off to Bill's Dyno Tune next week.