Best-Value 5.0L Performance Mods

[Bob K]

Can anyone provide some advice on best-value mods to increase engine performance for a 5.0L 2001 Ford Explorer?

I have been searching this site and can't find all in one thread.

I just installed a MAC Cold Air Intake last week for $140 shipped to my door and can't believe the increase in throttle response and better power. If max additional Hp is 20 or so that equates to $7 per pony and only 30 minutes to install. I thought it was a real good deal and was mad at myself for not doing it the day after I purchased the truck. Now that I see I can improve performance. I was interested in thoughts/past experience on other mods.

What is best mods in order of low cost vs performance gain vs install complexity? For example, if on a limited budget, would it be best to purchase a superchip tuner, cat-back system, or headers next?

Regarding headers, I can't find anything other than Torque Monster for $600. Apparently, Ford Motorsport headers only fit 96-98 model years. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[aldive]

Cat back exhaust and a computer tune ( http://www.bamachips.com/ ).

Good luck ....

 

[Billy177]

i would get headers before you get the car back as the headers are the most restrictive part of th exhaust system in the 5.0's

 

[performancenut]

Less restrictive air intake system, computer modification, and exhaust modification will provide the greatest cost to performance gain.

 

[performancenut]

Check out this thread:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141814

 

[expo5.0]

my experience is that the baumann valve body shift kit is the best bang for the buck- and i've installed all the bolt-ons.