5.0 explorer looking for some performance

I have a 97 Explorer with the 5.0 in it. Please excuse some of the questions if they seem elementary (I am a 4.6 Guy).

Basically, I am looking for a little bit more power without breaking the bank. More passing power/ more torque to be exact.

What are the corks to these motors? I know I wont get much, but would a TB/intake net me much? I dont think so, but the TB on this truck looks pretty small. I understand the Explorer intakes are pretty desireable, so I was pretty much looking past that.

are underdrive pullies worth it on these motors? I know with the 4.6 motors, they dont really do anything other than destroy your motor

Just looking for some cheap tricks/inexpensive parts to get this truck moving a little better.

TIA!!

Rick

 

[Turdle]

The first thing--you have to get headers--serious.
The stock ones look kind if cool, but believe me, the ports are tiny. I can not pass my finger through the #3 port. calling it 3/4 by 3/4 inch would be stretching it.

Torquemonster headers are your option here--
Since you are a member, you can get a discount. If you search for them you'll find what you need to know.

 

[Ponyman460]

The first thing--you have to get headers--serious.
The stock ones look kind if cool, but believe me, the ports are tiny. I can not pass my finger through the #3 port. calling it 3/4 by 3/4 inch would be stretching it.

Torquemonster headers are your option here--
Since you are a member, you can get a discount. If you search for them you'll find what you need to know.

wow, I was hoping you were'nt going to say that ...they are $$!.

..but you guys know more than I!

what about a TB? anything there?

 

[Turdle]

You might get more with a flasher--give it a good 91 octane tune--other than that, I would recommend getting it out, before putting more in, if you get my meaning. The headers will help out every future modification you perform.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

As far as under drive pulleys go, no one currently makes them for an Explorer 5.0
Mustang ones will not work.

 

[Ponyman460]

As far as under drive pulleys go, no one currently makes them for an Explorer 5.0
Mustang ones will not work.

well that sucks :thumbdwn:

what is it that is not compatible?

I am thinking of switching to an electric fan here in the near future....is it due to the waterpump pulley in any way?

 

[Ponyman460]

You might get more with a flasher--give it a good 91 octane tune--other than that, I would recommend getting it out, before putting more in, if you get my meaning. The headers will help out every future modification you perform.

yeah, I may do that....I have an sct xcal that I dont use anymore....I could use that I suppose. and I get what you are saying....huge restriction in the exhause...not so much in the intake...

 

[tmsoko]

The crank pulley is one piece with the damper and the bloc kto belt plane spacing is different. That is why pulley kits don't fit. Throttle body is a 65mm piece, so not much there until you get serious with heads, displacement, or power adder.

Really, headers are best bolt on. Heads would be next option. Then power adder.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Headers, headers, headers, they will get you exactly what you want/need. Spend the $$ and get em. I have never regretted mine.

 

[celly]

When I got my 5.0, I quickly put an air intake and new exhaust in. Then I waited for my SCT XC2 to come back with new programming. World of difference.

I don't know of many TB options available in the aftermarket. I scored a ported and polished OEM TB from an eBay seller. Seemed to make a little bit of a difference.

I definitely want TM Headers some day. I've got an upper intake spacer, but I gave up trying to do it myself (I'm a horrible mechanic). My plan is to visit Kansas some day and see if my buddy jtsmith will help me with headers and spacer.

 

[Turdle]

When I got my 5.0, I quickly put an air intake and new exhaust in. Then I waited for my SCT XC2 to come back with new programming. World of difference.

I don't know of many TB options available in the aftermarket. I scored a ported and polished OEM TB from an eBay seller. Seemed to make a little bit of a difference.

I definitely want TM Headers some day. I've got an upper intake spacer, but I gave up trying to do it myself (I'm a horrible mechanic). My plan is to visit Kansas some day and see if my buddy jtsmith will help me with headers and spacer.

Yeah, when is that going to happen?
I just need to get up there and motivate you eh? :

 

[celly]

Yeah, when is that going to happen?
I just need to get up there and motivate you eh? :

You get up here and the headers will be waiting. (so will the beers)