A couple questions...Mods not doing what I want...

[HB5150]

Hey there brothers and sisters I've got a couple of questions for ya and hopefully you'll have plenty of answers for me....Well I've been doing lots of reading up on the forum here and I'm new to the Explorer scene and I just recently got a '96 Limited.

1) A few days back I put in a K&N FIPK kit and a Gibson cat back exhaust. When I dropped the K&N in I definitely noticed a power increase and throttle response but I also had about 3.5 mpg decrease. Then yesterday I dropped in the Gibson and so far I'm getting about 1.5-2.0 mpg increase from that slop with the K&N. Does anybody have any experiences or remedies to share for that situation.

2) Also I'm getting my first oil change on it this weekend and I'm thinking about going with a Synthetic Blend and a 10w40. Any recomendations?? (It's got 80,000 miles and 4x4 so that's why I was leaning on 40 weight. )

3) I want to lift the sucker but since it's a limited I have some issues. It is lower than the xlt's and such and it has air ride. Also I really want the 4" lift but I sure as hell don't have 2 G's to put in to it right now and recommendations for parts to do the front and maybe an SOA in back?? I was thinking of temporarily doing the Torsions, add-a-leaf and shackles. I really want the rancho add-a-leaf kit but will it work on a '96 and does anybody have the part number??

4) I am thinking about eventually getting a chip. What are your feeling about either the chip or the module? Also do you actually need to fill with premium with those mods or what.? I live in So. Cal. and gas isn't cheap right now.

Well, sorry to put you all through that but I could really use some help. Thanks for any responses and keep on truckin'.

 

[Alec]

When you put in your filter and exhaust, did you reset the computer? Your experience doesn't sound out of the ordinary though. So now you have a little less mpg than stock, that's normal because you probably changed your driving habits to use the new power. About the lift, just do the TT and throw some shackles on there. You might need to disable the air ride though. This site has a very good search feature, I'd look up the air suspension for tips. As for the computer, I wouldn't mess with it living in CA with those gas prices. I just visited CA and it was a b!tch having to buy premium.

AND WELCOME!!!

 

[aldive]

There is NO reason your mileage should drop inless its a "foot" pronlem.

As for the oil change, I would recommend FULL synthetic and not a blend. I run 0 w 30 in mine ( Mobil 1 ).

Good luck....

 

[HB5150]

Thanks for the input...As for my foot, I actually drive decent...with the exception for a couple of time to feel my power increases I have really been trying extra hard to keep smooth acceleration and not drive like an ass. The Limited has one of those monitoring gauges on there that tiles mpg and miles left on a tank etc. and I drive around watching that little bast%@# just to see how she's doin'. It's agrrivating to see it go down but after a couple minutes of smooth steady freeway traffic it gradually goes up. Thanks for everything and the welcome wagon, you folks are great!!!

 

[HB5150]

Oh yeah....I disconnected the battery for over an hour and thought that would be good enough to reset it. What do you think??

 

[aldive]

Your reset should be fine.

 

[Alec]

That should be good for bleeding the memory from the computer. After reconnecting it, did you let the truck idle for about 10 minutes with no accessories on, out of gear? If not, it'll take a bit longer for the computer to optimize. Also, it's normal for the mileage computers to dip when getting into the throttle. You said it returns to normal soon enough, so you're good

Oh, what you experienced between the mods is not unusual. More air in necessitates more air out, so when you only do one part of the equation, airflow is impeded.

 

[HB5150]

I let it idle for about 10 minutes and then took it for a little spin. I went on a roadtrip a couple weeks back and my mpg according to the gauge was always constant in acceleration or stopped or floored or cruising...and the longer i drove the better it got.....i was up to 18.3 mpg !!! and then when i got back home and started driving around town it gradually went down to 16.3 over the course of 2 weeks or so....it's messing with my head...I have been working with cars my whole life so I am pretty well educated in that sense...I just can't seem to grasp this one....when I get my oil changed I'm going to drop in a bottle of "Gumout Regane" and I know that will give me a little boost in mpg for a while. I might also drop in some new Platinums this week and maybe fresh wires. I haven't checked the plugs yet so I may be in for a surprise when I take 'em out, we'll see. Thanks for everything!!

 

[aldive]

The wires will be a good investment.

Changing to synthetic fluids all around will also help.

Goos luck.....

 

[KodeBlu]

Originally posted by aldive
As for the oil change, I would recommend FULL synthetic and not a blend. I run 0 w 30 in mine ( Mobil 1 ).

Just curious...why would you recommend full synthetic over a blend? I have an oil change due very soon.

Thanks

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by KodeBlu


Just curious...why would you recommend full synthetic over a blend? I have an oil change due very soon.

Thanks

Synthetic is simple better, thats why I recommend it. I use it in all motors that I now own and have owned in the past.

 

[Alec]

The reason I don't use synthetic is that I have a very slow oil leak out my front seal and don't want it to open up. I do run synthetic in my diff though.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I second the switch to synthetic, either Mobil or Amsoil is fine. I used Amsoil b/c there is a warehouse a few minutes from me. There are different ideas of the engine flush prior to switching to synthetic. It helps to remove the gum and varnish of the old dino oil. I did it at 194-195K and it didn't expose any leaks so at 80K you should be fine. Its amazing how fast she starts up in the winter with 5-30 synthetic. I would also difinitely get new wires, either Magnecor or Jacobs. Well worth it.

 

[Pimpin Yoda]

Sorry Im New

I know this will probably sound like a really stupid problem but what is switching the wires? Im new to explorers and i have a '96 XLT. Will whatever it is help me with mpg? and is it easy/inexpnsive to do? Thanx

 

[aldive]

Re: Sorry Im New

Originally posted by Pimpin Yoda
I know this will probably sound like a really stupid problem but what is switching the wires? Im new to explorers and i have a '96 XLT. Will whatever it is help me with mpg? and is it easy/inexpnsive to do? Thanx

Ignition wires wear out and don't deliver a full spark. They do need to be replaced.

 

[Alec]

The ignition wires are those that run from the coil pack to the spark plugs. They should be replaced every 60k miles or so. Replacements range from about $30 to $60 I believe. I just use the stock Motorcraft replacements. Sometimes you'll see a slight mpg benefit cause the new wires will help deliver a better spark.