GoingDad

It hasn't even been a week since I finally got an F-150 (I've been praising them for years!) and I am eager to add some extras. It's in my sig that I hope to add more to as I.....um....add more.

I know and I have used the search, but I'll admit not that much. There's a lot of reading and learning that I plan on doing, but wanted to ask if anyone could help me get a start on things?

I don't need lots of power or anything, but I'd like a little extra oomph along with sharper gear changes, better throttle response, etc., so I think getting a programmer first is a good start. Then I will look into an intake and exhaust. I know there are numerous opinions on what the best brand is, and I'd love to see what some of you guys use or prefer. Budget is always a factor, so I plan on frequenting the used parts for sale thread, but are there any other sites you guys use?

There are so many things I want to do, but they are just like a whirlwind of info constantly spinning in my head and I have trouble picking just one out at a time.

My kids make it hard to spend too much time reading, reading some more, watching videos, and then trying to do something myself, so any help is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance, I'm new to the forum but hope to become a regular that is able to help answer questions from others like I'm asking now!

2017bluetruck

A tuner module and good tune shop to write the tune was my first choice. Talk to the tune writer and ask about throttle tip in and transmission tuning.
Little to no power gain just more low end response came from a 4 inch cat back exhaust. But I do like to hear what my engine is doing.
Intakes are just money spent on sound and under-hood looks. I measure the effectiveness in air flow measured and aftermarket are no better sometimes worse than the OEM CAI. Put the money into advanced maintenance schedules better fuel/oil.

Something to consider, suspension upgrades. I'm no fan of sloppy suspension and feel the OEM shocks are only good to drive off the lot and start searching. I have spent way more on suspension upgrades but I am fussy. Bilstiens/Fox/Eibach/Halo-Lift and many others are a big improvement that you will feel in the SOP with every drive! KM

dsg2003mach1

personally I dont like the way these motors sound, I went with MPT for the tune and it's a significant improvement even on just 87.

GoingDad

Thanks for this, I will save my money on intake and hold off on exhaust for now. Seems like a pre-loaded tune and suspension upgrades are my first plans of action. Trying to find a good and affordable leveling kit that won't degrade components. This forum is a wealth of information, I just need the time to read it all!

Thanks, I haven't checked out mpt, but I will soon!

2017bluetruck

"Trying to find a good and affordable leveling kit that won't degrade components." Yes and my personal feelings are spend where you can in the suspension area. Spacers just are a potential weakness waiting to happen. While I'm not saying only something like these

are the way to go, some good 2 inch body adjustable coilover packages are available for 1/3rd the cost of my new fronts. I feel the same for wheel spacers to widen stance, buy a proper backspaced wheel. KM