500$, stock '03 Explorer.

[MonsterEnergy]

Im sure this is the 100th time a thread such as this one has been done, but im sure someone feels like helping me anyways (or at least i hope so.)

**(If you dont want to read all this skip to the bottom )**

Hello everyone, i am getting a '03 XLT explorer. Its replacing my 98 XLT (cherry red) explorer (this is being done against my will). My explorer needed to be replaced (the transmission is in horrible condition, chipped teeth...), I personaly like 2nd gens more than 3rd.. anyways, im looking to mod my 03 explorer (which is a not very attractive red).

Im set as far as audio goes, new pioneer door speakers/amp, blaupunkt hu, audiobahn sub/amp combo (soon custom fabbed box).

I've got some running boards, one of 'em is cracked, which will be my excuse for ripping them both off, (they are tan plastic).

Anyways, im looking to do some cheap mods (under 500$)
So far i've thought of replacing the air box, with some form of air intake.

I want to replace the main grille and the smaller one under it. I was thinking of getting just a regular billet grille with a wire mesh under it.

I think im going to leave the headlights/tails alone (from what i remeber they're pretty clean looking)

So i need some help, i dont know what to get as far as specifics. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks !

Im also looking for some black/red seat covers (for the two buckets and full rear, dont care about third row it'll never be up)

**I need some help/suggestions getting stuff for my '03 XLT v6 SOHC 4.0L**
Price Range: 500$ total
Just looking for some cheap nice lookin stuff for now.

Audio - covered.
Seat covers - Red/black 2 buckets and full back row
Air intake - no idea what type/kind?
Grilles - got a billet and mesh grille for under it
Aftermarket lights - no idea ?
Bumpers - shaved? cant find any
Chip - no idea?
Exhaust kit - also no idea?
Any/all suggestions appreciated. Thanks

 

[Doug904]

For the Chip/Tuner I can help.

First, what type of 03' XLT do you have? 2 or 4 door? The reason I ask is the 4-doors use the new style Ford PCM's and can only be used with a X-calibrator tuner for improvements. The 2-doors still have the older style PCM's and they can be chiped or have a tuner used on them.

If you wanna send me an email with this info I'll send you some more info on what is available for your Explorer and some pricing.

As for the rest, I would suggest an good brand air intake, I'm not sure which is the preference here at EF.com but I've seen great results from the K&N FIPK's and the Air Raid kits. The next thing would be a good cat-back exhaust, Gibson and JBA make some nice quality kits.

Really the the main thing to remember here is $500 isn't a whole lot to work with for multiple mods. The air intakes can run into the $200's and the exhaust kits can be around the same if not more. The tuner will run you anywhere from $375-$400. You may want to choose one to begin with and then save your money for the rest later. Or do one performance mod and then a dress-up type mod from there.

Later Doug.

 

[bmxking5]

Between the chip and exhaust, that will probably take up your $500. There are a couple of new sponsors for the site one being Doug904^^^^, that can burn you a chip. For the exhaust, you can go with Magnaflow, Flowmaster, Gibson, etc. You can take your Explorer to your exhaust shop and they'll build you a custom exhaust for as low as about $200. Good luck and welcome to the site

 

[MonsterEnergy]

Sorry for not posting this earlier, the 03 XLT is a 4 door. If im looking for a noticable change while im driving (in shifting, pickup not dyno) what should i go with, air intake, chip or exhaust? Im kinda biast towards the chip and the intake, because they're so much easier.

oh and ps EF.com is some wierd langauge site

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7943257215&category=38634
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...em=7943187720&category=38634#ebayphotohosting
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...em=7942198646&category=38634#ebayphotohosting
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7941919931&category=38634
Heres what i've found for intakes, any suggestions from these? or should i keep lookin?

 

[Doug904]

Sorry for not posting this earlier, the 03 XLT is a 4 door. If im looking for a noticable change while im driving (in shifting, pickup not dyno) what should i go with, air intake, chip or exhaust? Im kinda biast towards the chip and the intake, because they're so much easier.

oh and ps EF.com is some wierd langauge site

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7943257215&category=38634
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...em=7943187720&category=38634#ebayphotohosting
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...em=7942198646&category=38634#ebayphotohosting
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7941919931&category=38634
Heres what i've found for intakes, any suggestions from these? or should i keep lookin?

The first one looks WAY cheap and cheesy, the next looks better but still kinda lame. The last two are the nicest ones in my opinion and I really like the Air Raid anyway but this is on 4.0 Ranger's, you may wanna do a search and find what others are saying about them here.

For the chip you can't use one on your Explorer but you can use the X-calibrator tuner. I've sent you a reply to your email and that should give you some more information about it. Feel free to ask any further questions you may have about it or anything else 4.0.

Thanks, Doug.