A couple of questions

[MHanrahan]

Ok first off is a KN filter charger(or similar product) that much better than a flat KN filter, in a explorer that is almost all stock. And since the filter charger wont fit on my elxplorer because it's a 98, is a KKM tru sport worth the 90 bucks?
Is synthetic oil worth the extra money?
And what are some mods that will increase my gas milage and or power, and at a reasonable price?
Thanks I'd really apreciate the info.

 

[CHH777]

IMO, the KKM is definitely worth $90. Do a search and get others' opinions.

Synthetics are great. BUT, if the added expense will keep you from changing your oil on a normal basis (~3K miles) I'd just go with dino oil. Clean dino oil is better than dirty synthetic any day. Again, a search will provide PLENTY of input from others.

I feel the same way about $6 spark plugs. And once again a search will flood you with more info/opinions.

So far all the performance mods I've done also increase mileage (at least in theory). Problem is with the added performance you put your foot in it a lot more. By far the most bang-for-the-buck has been headers. A cat-back exhaust is worth mentioning. And a good set of wires and new properly gapped plugs won't hurt either.

Stay away from that "Tornado" thingy. It's snake oil...

 

[jimbo74]

here is my opinion

i agree

 

[Robert]

Originally posted by MHanrahan
Ok first off is a KN filter charger(or similar product) that much better than a flat KN filter, in a explorer that is almost all stock. And since the filter charger wont fit on my elxplorer because it's a 98, is a KKM tru sport worth the 90 bucks?
Is synthetic oil worth the extra money?
And what are some mods that will increase my gas milage and or power, and at a reasonable price?
Thanks I'd really apreciate the info.

Is yours a SOHC or OHV? There was a thread last summer about someone wanting to put a K&N FIPK in their '98 SOHC. I posted the pictures of mine on my '97 SOHC and it was determined that theirs looked identical to mine. K&N probably never officially tried it on a '98 so they don't show that it will fit. If you need the added benefit of having the emissions exempt certification label, then don't completely disregard the K&N yet. If you have emissions checks in your area, you will likely have to remove the KKM every check. I don't with my K&N.

 

[AgExplorer]

Are synthetics worth the extra money? Yes.

AMSOIL synthetics cost more up front but, they last longer and perform better than anything on the market. I have saved over $200 in just oil changes that past 2 1/2 years. In addition, my fuel mileage increased 17% so you can add that savings in too. The wear protection is far superior so my Explorer will last longer and perform like new for many, many years. Plus, I don't spend time every other month changing my oil and having to take the old oil to be recycled. If I had been using dino oil, I would have disposed of over 17 gallons of oil. Instead, I have only disposed of about 4 or 5 gallons.

Saving time and money, being enviromentally friendly, better fuel mileage, lower emissions. I'd say synthetics are well worth it.

 

[Pemerling]

i have the k+n filtercharger in my explorer and its a 98. its not hard to do except u just remove the stock air box. i know mines a v8 but my dads 99 limited has the same set up

 

[MHanrahan]

Pemerling I have the ohv, not the sohc. and if I take the airbox off how do I keep the charger securely on?

 

[GJarrett]

Originally posted by CHH777
Synthetics are great. BUT, if the added expense will keep you from changing your oil on a normal basis (~3K miles) I'd just go with dino oil. Clean dino oil is better than dirty synthetic any day...

I have to disagree with that and I have the research to back it up. I bet my engine on it. If you really want a scientifically substantiated and tested analysis of how far synthetic oil lasts then read this entire thread. How about 15,000 miles not 3,000 and it still tested superior to new dino oil per lab analysis of the used oil.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=11225

 

[Pemerling]

it doesnt matter. the filtercharger package comes with everything u need to make it stay secure. it looks and sounds awesome. trust me

 

[CHH777]

Look, I'm not trying to rehash the whole synthetic vs. dino oil debate (yet again). Synthetics are superior (especially Amsoil) and there's a ton of research to prove it.

But, if you don't change your oil for 15K, 20K, 35K miles (or whatever) your oil filter will stop performing it's job, and that's bad...

 

[AgExplorer]

I totally agree, CHH777. A properly performing oil filter is vital.

Even though AMSOIL guarantees their oil to go 25,000 miles or one year (whichever comes first), there is a stipulation that you change the filter at 12,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) if you are using an AMSOIL oil filter. If you choose to use another brand filter, you should change it per the factory guidelines for oil and filter service. In GJarrett's test of Mobil 1, the filter was changed every 5000 miles but we were using oil analysis to monitor the performance of the oil.

 

[Peter Weber]

Some of you might be aware of it, I'm going a test similar to Gerald's, but with dino oil. The first sample at 3000 miles showed that the oil was in good condition and didn't require to be changed. I just send off the second sample at 5500 miles and will post the results in the OIL thread.

The intention was to get the second sample at the factory recommended oil change interval of 5000 miles, but I went on a trip last week and went a little past that.