Performance Options Question
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport, LA
Performance Options Question
What can I buy to boost my truck some that is not too expensive or time consuming to install? I have intake and exhaust already. Also, I do have a V6 which makes performance parts less plentiful than V8 parts.
Any advice on:
Throttle Body Spacer
Pulleys
Tuner or Programmer (not sure if they are the same or different)
Low Temp Thermostat
Spark Plugs
Or any other suggestions.....
I would lean toward bolt-on cause its cheap and easy
Any advice on:
Throttle Body Spacer
Pulleys
Tuner or Programmer (not sure if they are the same or different)
Low Temp Thermostat
Spark Plugs
Or any other suggestions.....
I would lean toward bolt-on cause its cheap and easy
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 171
Throttle body spacer: Doesn't do anything on a FI engine. Since the air and fuel isn't mixed at the throttle body like a carburetor, there is no advantage to air differences. Most TBS actually disrupt the air flow and make it harder to get it into the head.
Pulleys: I always recommend these as a last mod when you are trying to get anything left after full bolt ons. There are gains but really only at higher rpms and the gains usually aren't much.
Programmer: A tuner is the person that does the work, a programmer is the device that does the job.
This will be the best gain/$. Makes the truck more fun to drive with the improved shifting and little extra power. Look at the SCT X3 from VMP tuning.
Thermostat: Again we're not in 1967 where the engine needs to run cooler. Gas engines make peak power in the 200-210 degree range. The stock thermostat keeps the temps in the 200-205 range. Doesn't get much better than that.
Spark plugs: All aftermarket companies will claim their plugs will gain power. Really the only gains come from changing out old, worn out plugs. As long as proper maintenance is done different plugs aren't needed. Stock motorcraft plugs can support 500 hp and supercharged, so they will work just fine. You can go up to Denso Iridiums if you want the "high end" plugs.
My suggestion, start with programmer and efans. There are efan writeups here and elsewhere, just do a search and you'll find a ton of info.
Pulleys: I always recommend these as a last mod when you are trying to get anything left after full bolt ons. There are gains but really only at higher rpms and the gains usually aren't much.
Programmer: A tuner is the person that does the work, a programmer is the device that does the job.
This will be the best gain/$. Makes the truck more fun to drive with the improved shifting and little extra power. Look at the SCT X3 from VMP tuning. Thermostat: Again we're not in 1967 where the engine needs to run cooler. Gas engines make peak power in the 200-210 degree range. The stock thermostat keeps the temps in the 200-205 range. Doesn't get much better than that.
Spark plugs: All aftermarket companies will claim their plugs will gain power. Really the only gains come from changing out old, worn out plugs. As long as proper maintenance is done different plugs aren't needed. Stock motorcraft plugs can support 500 hp and supercharged, so they will work just fine. You can go up to Denso Iridiums if you want the "high end" plugs.
My suggestion, start with programmer and efans. There are efan writeups here and elsewhere, just do a search and you'll find a ton of info.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 23
From: Beaumont, Tx
Throttle body spacer: Doesn't do anything on a FI engine. Since the air and fuel isn't mixed at the throttle body like a carburetor, there is no advantage to air differences. Most TBS actually disrupt the air flow and make it harder to get it into the head.
Pulleys: I always recommend these as a last mod when you are trying to get anything left after full bolt ons. There are gains but really only at higher rpms and the gains usually aren't much.
Programmer: A tuner is the person that does the work, a programmer is the device that does the job. This will be the best gain/$. Makes the truck more fun to drive with the improved shifting and little extra power. Look at the SCT X3 from VMP tuning.
Thermostat: Again we're not in 1967 where the engine needs to run cooler. Gas engines make peak power in the 200-210 degree range. The stock thermostat keeps the temps in the 200-205 range. Doesn't get much better than that.
Spark plugs: All aftermarket companies will claim their plugs will gain power. Really the only gains come from changing out old, worn out plugs. As long as proper maintenance is done different plugs aren't needed. Stock motorcraft plugs can support 500 hp and supercharged, so they will work just fine. You can go up to Denso Iridiums if you want the "high end" plugs.
My suggestion, start with programmer and efans. There are efan writeups here and elsewhere, just do a search and you'll find a ton of info.
Pulleys: I always recommend these as a last mod when you are trying to get anything left after full bolt ons. There are gains but really only at higher rpms and the gains usually aren't much.
Programmer: A tuner is the person that does the work, a programmer is the device that does the job.
This will be the best gain/$. Makes the truck more fun to drive with the improved shifting and little extra power. Look at the SCT X3 from VMP tuning. Thermostat: Again we're not in 1967 where the engine needs to run cooler. Gas engines make peak power in the 200-210 degree range. The stock thermostat keeps the temps in the 200-205 range. Doesn't get much better than that.
Spark plugs: All aftermarket companies will claim their plugs will gain power. Really the only gains come from changing out old, worn out plugs. As long as proper maintenance is done different plugs aren't needed. Stock motorcraft plugs can support 500 hp and supercharged, so they will work just fine. You can go up to Denso Iridiums if you want the "high end" plugs.
My suggestion, start with programmer and efans. There are efan writeups here and elsewhere, just do a search and you'll find a ton of info.
I will throw in that when I removed the back cats off my old truck and replaced them with Magnaflow high flow cats I did see a noticeable gain in fuel economy and low end torque. I never strapped it to a dyno to put a number to the claim, but the difference was noticeable.
You can also port your stock throttle body, no gain in hp/torque but you do get a much nicer throttle response
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport, LA
I will research electric fans first. They claim to get decent gains from when I've read about it previously. I also remember there might be one or 2 kinds that even fit my truck with one or 2 fans. Maybe its changed in the few years since I've looked. Older trucks do get more parts available but I think its the V6 that makes this option so limited. Then a look at pulleys if possible. And what I'm not too sure about is a programmer. I know you say this is the best mod to add, but I am weary of something that modifies the internal computer processing if you will for a relatively small engine on a truck that is nearly 10 years old (although the engine is young approx 82K). I will still look into it nonetheless. Thanks for the suggestions.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport, LA
And for FordTruckTexan, those were some good answers. And my Gibson side-swept is relatively new (maybe 2 years old) as I was going for subtle gains without any extra noise. I weighed the sound to output possibilities and decided I didn't want my truck much louder than it already is. I am satisfied with the little extra punch it puts out. My question to you is, what does "port the stock throttle body" mean?