2003 Explorer Limited, first performance mod

[b52]

Well, I've started to mod my 2003 X Limited 4.6L (with advance trac) . First order of business was a K&N filter. My first impression of the change was a slightly noticiable performance gain.

So the question is, what next? I've got an email into Kenne Bell asking about their supercharger for it.

My next change would be a performance chip, but since my X uses the new computer, I can't do that...
The rear sway bar won't be available for a few months (yes I know its different from most sway bars).

Thoughts? What have others done to their 4.6L's on 2002-03's?

 

[AdamsGuitar]

LOL! From a K&N to a SC? Quite a jump there...

First things first, get your engine breathing right. Ditch the restrictive intake and exhaust for a catback exhaust and a smoother intake, whether it's swiss cheesing the airbox or getting a drop in...

There are others with more experience than I have, but that should get you started.

 

[SaleenEXP]

I'm getting an 03' 4.6 Mounty and am also going to do the KenneBell supercharger. Twin-Screws are awsome b/c they basically develop full boost at any rpm which means full torque and power at any rpm. And their very reliable as they produce very little heat.

You have to definitley do an exhaust, I'll be using two Magnaflow mufflers for a "true dual" setup and 3" piping. I might have a custom x-pipe made but I'm not sure yet.

I think JBA has headers in stock for the 02' and up 4.6 Mounty/Explorer. But I'm trying to figure out if I can get some long-tube headers from a Mustang to fit as long-tubes make a lot of torque and hp over shorty type of headers.

You obviously can't use a chip anyway on the new explorers but KenneBell has an "Optimizer" module that adjust kida like a chip that comes with their kits, or it may be extra, can't remember.

It seems as if the 4.6 already has decent cams in it for the Ex/Mounty, but if I decide to get a different one, I would only trust Sean Hyland Motorsports as my friends Cobra runs a cam of theirs and these guys are amazing with the 4.6 modular engine, expensive, but worth it.

Although I'm still looking at other options such as the 03' Cobra engine, but thats about 13,000 for the engine alone, or the new 5.0 Cammer crate engine available next year which is basically a bored and stroked 4.6 dohc engine from the Cobra with a bunch of other goodies, but that crate will probably run at least 8,000 or so.

 

[b52]

You have any idea on the supercharger or exhaust costs? I think dual exhaust would look sweet.