could i do better for the money?

[TSTONE]

ok here are the mods i have come up with - any changes you guys might make?

1)kkm filter system
2)jacobs plug wires - $58.95 delivered from jacobs electronics
3)basic motorcraft platnium plugs @$4.00 per from local store
4)dynomax super turbo catback system $103.40 delivered from summit racing

any input would be great
thanks todd

 

[n2knee]

kkm or k&n intake kit and the cat back system.

 

[tbomb]

those plugs and wires are probably a waste of your money. kkm and cat back are good though.

 

[aldive]

I like your complete list including the wires and plugs.

Good luck....

 

[Jason_25]

If you need new plugs, sure get them. But not the wires, are yours worn out?

Everything else looks good though.

 

[Bill Kemp]

I too would go with NAPA or Auto Zone plug wires. They are guaranteed for ever and the X doesnt need the high priced wires .
Your choice of plugs is what I am changing back to this summer. I think their best for the X. & for the $.
Spend the plug wire money on a transmission filter change.

 

[TSTONE]

the plugs r 40,000 mile splitfires and the wires r original @60,000, never really cared much for the splitfire's and figured @ 40K it may be time for a change, as for the wires it seems that in reading a couple-a-hundred threads that many here say i'd see a big difference, i guess i was going with the flow, out of curiousity why r you guys against them?
todd

 

[TSTONE]

i had the trans service done about 5000 miles ago, i lucked out as i work for a dealership and they had just gotten one of those new trans-saver systems and wanted a guinnie-pig, it was pretty cool they basically flush 20qts of fluid through your system, on mine they ran 30 and i,ll tell ya i definitely felt a positive difference.

todd

 

[Bill Kemp]

The X has a good ignition system. There are probably some gains with the more expensive wires but the gaines would translate into tenths of a second at the drag strip. Not gonna help in day to day driving.
As for "feeling the difference". I think my X drives better and has faster acceleration just after I come out of the car wash. You know, it just "feels better".
When you had the flush did they change the filter? I know some say you dont have to but after I had the flush I changed the filter and you know what? It felt better.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

I second the better plugs. When I put my Magnecors in the idle dropped back down to 750, easier starts and felt like it delivered better spark at higher bands. When I get on it now it is a bit more responive at 3500-4500.

Ive read several posts that regular Autolite plugs give the best fuel combustion. Downside is you have to change more often. Stay away from Bosch +4s--waste of $$. And open your gap up if you get better wires.

 

[Ross-N-Chicago]

P.S.

The Dynomax is great, not too loud either. You may not need a new cat but I put one on as well. Wouldn't hurt.

 

[Sandy]

TSTONE,

Do one add-on at a time and record the changes in vehicle performance.

At least you will be able to let the forum know just what changes did what on your vehicle.

Thanks in advance,
Good Luck,

 

[TSTONE]

i did the first install last night, i put in the kkm, fit pretty well. it's louder then the stock airbox, i think i felt a moderate improvement in 0-60 starts, but it's not dramatic. next install will be the dynomax hopefully this weekend

 

[Sandy]

TSTONE,
Do you keep info on gas milage ?
Might give an idea of some gain.
Seat of the pants feel is good too.

Enjoy

 

[mikeresin]

yeh i wouldnt worry about the plug wires unless you have worn out ones. performance wires wouldnt be nessesary unless you got an ignition amp.
as for the plugs, i would get copper not platinum. platinum last longer but copper conducts better.

one more thing to add to the list might be a chip.

and if you did want to mess with the ignition get a msd ignition amplifier and some 9mm performance wires. but that might be a little overkill unless you really wanna run this thing on the strip.
just my $.02

 

[TSTONE]

seat of the pants w/ the new KKM was more noticable this morning. hope the exhaust comes in today..

on the gas mileage subject,
i've been averaging 275 per tank in the summer and 235 per tank in the winter, 95% hwy 5% cty driving, so i'm hopeing that some of these changes will help!!!!

as for plugs and wires,
i'm getting alot of mixed signals, in reading through the threads i get the impression that new wires(jacobs or magnacore) are the greatest things since sliced bread, but in this thread it seems that many of you are telling me not to bother? on the subject of plugs i've changed direction on that and am going with copper (autolite vs. motorcraft?)a chip may be int the future but for now i'm sticking to hardware and staying away from electronics

thanks for all the input
todd

 

[TSTONE]

projects done thus far:

1) kkm installed - $98 delivered - starting to feel more & more of a difference as the computer gets use to it

2) dynomax cat back system #17415 - $179.04 delivered and installed complete by tuffys - kit doesn't include spring bolt assembly or new gasket (but it is included in my price) - wow, i forgot how bad new exhaust's stink, definite seat of the pants difference !!!, suprisingly quiet - almost stock sounding, but i'm told it will get louder once cooks for awhile.

3) new RA poly bushings L&R - $113.52 tuffy installed, roads here suck, very suprised at the difference (no more wanderlust)

spent to date: $390.56

****p.s. - should i clear my computer codes again so the computer relearns w/ the new exhaust?****

todd

 

[aldive]

It would be a good idea to reset.

 

[dec322]

When you say reset the computer are you talking about disconnecting and reconnecting the battery and letting the X run for a minute or two???

 

[TSTONE]

the way i did it was recommened on this site somewhere, disconnect both batt cable's and touch the 2 ends together, then with the 2 ends touching turn on your headlamps and put your foot on the brake for 1min, then let your truck sit (with the batt cables disconnected for 45-1hr, once this is done, reconnect cables and start your truck(NO ACCESSORIES ON - this was a major point with this guy)and let your truck idle for 10-15min(without any accessories on ie: lights/stereo etc...), this is supposed to be the best way to make sure that your computer starts clean.
good luck - todd