1st Mod - Installed Bosch Platinum +4

[config]

1st and 2nd Mods completed

I've completed my first modification of a planned series of modifications on my '96 Explorer 4x4 and it was with the set of Bosch Platinum +4 plugs. I honestly did not expect to notice any gains, maybe in gas mileage (too early to say). But in terms of power, there is a difference. My wife even asked what I have done since it was performing better. I was getting 12-13 MPG in city driving and I just filled up and travelled about 30 miles and my gas gauge is still over the full mark. I'm so happy I have to post this even if I know this may be been posted a hunderd times before.
My KKM filter arrived yesterday and I was tempted to install it this morning but I want to upgrade one at a time to feel which mod has any improvements (if any). Actually, I wasn't quite sure how to install everything either. I took a look at the filter box, MAS and the KKM filter and adapter just didn't seem to match up. Would appreciate any help here.
My next planned mod is the 'superchip'. I haven't ordered it yet. No reply from smartypants yet. It's been 2 weeks! Maybe I should just order it somewhere else.
Next is a 'Dynomax' super turbo cat-back system followed by some headers. I'll post my experiences after each mod.
5 days here and I'm enjoying this forum so much. Lots a great info, people, and a nice place to relax. More power (pun intended) to this forum!

 

[Tekeman]

If you're not sure on an installation call the people you the parts from. I double checked with KKM when I got my filter. It turns out I have a 97 1/2 and they changed the airbox from round to square. I think I had more stuff than I needed and they told me what to use. Very nice, too. I believe you can reach KKM at 816-891-0998. Don't be afraid to call. Mark at ORW is a godsend, too. Better to ask a silly question than ***** up your ride!

 

[hunter]

Take a deep breath, just do one step at a time and you'll have it done in about 30-40 min. Your KKM should have come with instructions, but here's a quick and dirty.
Remove the negative battery cable before you start and reconnect after your done.
1.Unclamp your intake tube (that black round tube connected to you airbox) and gently pul it away from the airbox.
2.pull the lever on the airbox clamp and remove the filter.
3. there's a small pin on the fender right above the airbox intake that you need to pry out.
4. You should be able to remove the airbox now. The two connectors on the bottom of the airbox will simply pull through the support bracket.
5.Unplug the MAS wire connector (it's on the top side of the airbox, you can't miss it.)
6. Open the round cover of the airbox and remove the MAS. (It's the metal piece inside)
7. Your new filter has the adapter already on it, just bolt it to the MAS (if you look at the shape it can only go on one way)
8. There should be a round connector (looks like a small slice of tubing) that goes over the other end of the MAS
9. Slide that end into the intake pipe and tighten the clamp
10. There should be a small bracket that came with the filter. connect one end to the filter adapter and the other to the old airbox support bracket (you need to drill a small hole)
11. Plug your wiring back into the MAS and your Done!

If your still not sure, take Tekeman's advise and call KKM. their easy to work with.

 

[rock883]

When I called up KKM about my filter, they weren't that nice to me. I asked them about how and where the brackets mount to, and he kept on telling me that he wasn't sure and to check the instructions, but they didn't have any pictures of where they mount, which would be a lot more helpful that a sentence. But I never ended up putting one of the brackets on because everything just didn't go together. And a have a big gash (not all the way through) in my air tube because their wasn't another bracket to hold it back. So I put a zip tie to hold it nack, but I didn't like that,so I took it off. But now w/the body lift it is clear.

 

[config]

Thanks everyone...

...I'll try and do it again today if I have time. I won't rush it this time. I couldn't quite figure out how to take the MAS sensor out completely. I'll take it a step at a time.

 

[config]

2nd Mod completed

Well, I completed the 2nd modification - KKM filter. It was pretty straight forward once I disassembled the MAS intake unit. I took my time and had to bend the bracket that's included to fit perfectly. Not only does it look cool but the results are immediate and dramatic! Too early to tell on gas mileage but all the positive things said about the KKM are TRUE! I wish I took before pictures but here are some after pictures.

 

[Flounder]

Clean

How is your engine so spotless? My 96 shows it's hard work quite clearly.

Also, how much did the whole air intake cost you?

 

[config]

Adam,
The KKM kit was $92.95. I also bought the oil recharger and cleaning kit which was another $12.95. Keeping the engine clean is one of the few things I know how to do . It helps me want to get in there more. I only wish I knew more about engines but I'm taking all this as a learning experience, plus I don't trust most mechanics. When it's yours, you have no choice but to do things right.

 

[Flounder]

But how do you keep the engine itself so clean? It appears everything under the hood is brand new. Mine, on the other hand, looks like it has performed for five years (which it has) without being cleaned. Thanks

 

[config]

I degrease the engine with Simple Green (TM) after each oil change. I usually just warm the engine enough but you don't want to get it too hot since you will be rinsing it off with a garden hose and the water might be cold. Try to cover off all electrical contacts and devices (I don't practice that but you should) before you do anything. After the rinse, I spray WD-40 (water displacement) on the engine, then I dry if off completely wiping everything with a cloth. You can also armor-all some of the items under there, it's up to you. It makes you want to keep it this way once its clean and looking pretty!

About the KKM Tru-rev induction kit, it's awesome! I just went on a 30 mile test drive and there is re-gained power in this engine - I love it! I've driven 120 miles and my gas tank is a tad above the 3/4 mark. I'll know the exact gas mileage gain once I fill up. I just ordered the Superchip a few minutes ago from Mike Troyer at http://www.performanceproducts.com. He explained a lot of things and we traded stories, real nice guy. So in a few days I'll be posting my results on the Superchip. I'm excited...

 

[Trckmagik]

Hey Guys, I think Config has cought the BUG. Oh boy there goes another one. Good luck with the bank account from now on. Glad to hear about your new mods. Isnt it great when you find that hidden power in your engine. Welcome!

 

[hunter]

Hey Config, that install look like a pro, great job. I agree you gotta love that KKM, it makes an immediate difference.

As far as you engine compartment all I can say is Wow!
I thought I kept mine clean until I saw your picture. It looks like you could eat off it.

Congrats on the upgrades...

 

[config]

Man, this thing I caught is getting expensive. I'm thinking about getting the Dynomax exhaust system (Super Turbo) from http://www.a-1performance.com Their price is the best I've found for a system with a lifetime warranty. They also have a comparison against the other popular exhaust. Any opinions on this?
I should get the Superchip tomorrow and if I have time I'll plug that baby right in. Then depending on how I feel, I'll be ordering the Dynomax exhaust. Let me know what you guys think? Also, what medication should I take for this bug ?

 

[Trckmagik]

Config, I have been to many well educated doctors here in Dallas and none of them can find the right medicine to put me on for the "Bug". I dont know what to tell you "once you got it, its there for the rest of your life I guess" Let us know if you find the cure.

 

[Ru Dawg]

Any temp cures?

So far I've done the Superchip and Xenon head lamps, and my wife is getting me the KKM for Christmas, and my Borla cat-back is on the way. I WANT MORE!!!! But as I'm sure everyone's experiencend, all the funds are there for my needs! SOOO, anybody know how to get a temporary fix for da bug? LOL!

 

[config]

Superchip

My gas mileage did go up to 16 MPG, up from 13 MPG without the Bosch Plat+4 and the KKM. It probably was even better since my wife was stuck in traffic most part of the day.

I got the Superchip in today and went over to my friend's garage to put it in. Got the contacts clean and installed it - wouldn't start! Made sure everything was fine, wouldn't start again. Took it out, started fine! My opinion so far - disappointed of course. I'm gonna give superchip a call in the morning and see what they say. I guess I filled up with premium for nothing!

 

[flyguy]

Sounds like you have the wrong chip for your computer... just a guess. It seems to happen now and then they people get sent the wrong one. Anyways...GUYS! I just had a thought! (yeah, I know...i was surprised too) Okay..I was looking at the stock intake hose on the 96... and it seems to go behind the right headlight. On my 94...its to the back if the engine compartment... no good...cuz I have the KKM plus nice hot headers... my idea was to move the battery where the old airbox used to be... and move the air filter up front.. where there is cooler air. Could I use the 96 air tube? Would I need any modifications? If I were to order one, I dont know if I would be able to return it... so I would want to make sure. Also.. any ideas on getting the battery moved where I want it? It fits... but the cable length is an issue. and I just got new cables too.

nick

 

[Goober]

Who wants to be cured?


Nick, I was pondering the same thing your pondering.... now THAT'S scarry!

 

[flyguy]

Hehe... pinky and the brain are cool....

but I still need an answer!!

 

[Goober]

OH S**T, you even knew what that meant. IT IS FRIDAY THE 13TH!!!!!


...it's Pinky, it's Pinky and the Brain, Brain, Brain..... NAARF!!