Free-flow Air System

[Concept156]

I am about to come across a fairly large sum of money and I want more performance from my engine. I have a '95 OHV 4.0L with Gibson exhaust and a K&N Air Intake. I can definitely feel the difference up at higher speeds, but I got burned on the highway by a Durango and I want more power. So since a supercharger is like $3000, I want a solution that is a little less expensive. I have been looking at headers, mass air flow sensors, throttle bodies, and catalytic converters. First, does anyone know where to get a high-flow cat? Second, will it help that much? Third, what would be better: getting headers first and a throttle body and MAS later or vice versa or a different combination? Oh, and are there any other modifications I can make that aren't quite as expensive that would benefit from having a free-flow air system? Thanks for your time.

 

[mike91]

If I were you, I would just purchase a good set of headers now, like JBA or Borla. They will give you the most noticeable power for the dollar, unlike some other bolt ons. As for the high-flow cat, you can purchase one from Summit Racing, but you can expect to gain a minimal amount of horsepower (2-3 solid hp) b/c they are still emissions legal. The only way to gain optimal hp from the cat is to gut the damn thing, but I don't recommend that b/c our atmosphere is already screwed up enough as it is.

As for the MAS and the TB, you will also gain minimal hp, but you will achieve better throttle response for passing at highway speeds. You can adjust your OEM throttle body so that it opens a little more when you step on the gas - PROS: you gain the same effect as a larger TB, CON: your idle is a bit higher and your MPG goes down a little.

Basically go with the headers and if you feel the need for more - then decide on adding more.

 

[Concept156]

Thanks a lot for the reply. Now with headers I would like to purchase there are two types. Nickel-chrome plated ($330) and Silver Ceramic coated ($590). The difference is how the outside finish lasts, right? Basically, the more expensive ones stay shiny, while the cheaper ones get duller? If that is the only difference I may go with the cheaper ones and get a chip. Question: What kind of chip is good? I bought a JET chip and it didn't fit right. I knocked out that drop bracket, but after using a hacksaw on some things which I probably shouldn't have, I discovered that the dang thing was catching on my defrosters. So, I sent it back. Anyways... is Hypertech a good value, they aren't too expensive, and I hope they fit better than a JET chip.

 

[leebo]

First off I'd like to welcome you to the site...I'm sure you'll enjoy

I'm guessing you will send the Jet chip back and get a refund???? I know that there were several posts that complain about the chip. I've got the Hypertech chip in mine and I love it. Easy to install and the power in there as soon as you reset the computer. I would also suggest that you take the time and do a tune up when you install the chip, this also helps a bit.

Second....the coating on the headers are for more than just looks. As I'm sure that you know the exhaust gets VERY hot, I'm also sure you know that cold air "runs" better than hot air. The coating on the headers helps keep the air around the engine cooler by keeping the headers a bit cooler. The Ceramic coated ones allow the air to still leave the engine but also keeps the hot air in the headers and not in your engine compartment. I would deffently go with the Ceramic coated ones for a bit more money.

 

[bluescat]

Performance Plan

Welcome to the board. You have a lot of different ways to go. I found an SAE engineer that developed a performance plan for me for $24.95 where he researches the particular goodies that will fit your ride precisely. If you get any of the stuff from him, he credits the fee back. His name is Mark Horstman, performance@wazzu.net. He stated that headers don't give that much bang for the buck. You might also check Superchips along with Hypertech.
As opposed to a drop in K&N, their FIPK and Generation II kits along with KKM's True-Rev kit will give you a lot more air into the intake, but the engineers don't like the KKM and K&N filters because they let in fine sub 20 micron silica, iron and dirt. I wrapped my KKM conical filter with 3/16" air conditioner foam and sprayed some filter oil on it. This way you get the extra air without the dirt.
Bassini makes high-flow cats.

 

[Concept156]

Hey, thanks a lot for the replies. Now, all I need to do is get my refund back for my JET chip and get at least a week into the school year. (I am going to be a Freshman at the Colorado School of Mines in two weeks.) Oh, and what about a new ignition? The Jacob's Electronics ignitions state that they increase performance at higher RPM's and at higher altitudes... and since I am going to be snowboarding nearly three times a week every week this winter, I am looking for anyway to improve performance up at altitude. Oh, and are there any advantages to getting new spark plug wires?

 

[leebo]

Get some new plugs and wires when you install the Hypertech chip. This will save you some time and effort. As for the ignation......DON'T DO IT . Ford came out with an outstanding ignation right off the back and while yes Jacobs does increase power it's not worth the money. You might end up spending up to $300 for a new ignation and gain maybe 1 or 2 hourses under the hood. The money is better invested. I will say that their plugs are worth it though.

 

[Concept156]

Thanks for the warning. Do you recomend any brands? Splitfire?

 

[leebo]

I myself run a combo of Jacobs wires and Bosch +4 plugs. They don't seem to give me much more low end power but they do give me a nice little kick in the butt at higher speeds. They also seem to allow my truck to run smother my mpg has went up about 2mpg. Not much but since I wanted them for the increase in hoursepower a bit of a savings in the pocketbook doesn't hurt.

I know that there are several people on the site that do run splitfire too though. I've never tried these so I can't speak for them, but I'm sure the design is about the same. So that's a coin toss. I would HIGHLY suggest that you get a set of Jacobs wires though. They perform great, are quick to ship a custom set, and have a lifetime warentee. That's hard to beat.

 

[Concept156]

Thanks. Do you know a good place to go and buy some Jacob's wires? Oh, and you said they will send a custom set, do you mean that they design them to run with the stock engine/ignition?

 

[leebo]

here try this link...
Dead Link Removed

they are very good at shipping and the prices can't be beat

I'm not sure if your engine is the same type as mine but the part number for mine is 4006663. I'd go ahead and call to double check though before I buy them, just in case. The prices on the page are just about what I paid for mine too so there not that far off.

The wire set I was talking about is there for ease of install. Each wire goes to one plug and it's mate on the firing order. There is no cutting or having extra slack in the wire like some other wires.
Here is the quote from the box
"Ultra-Fit:Match OEM lengths to within 1 inch"


Good luck

 

[Concept156]

Well, all I have to do now is buy the bare minimum for my dorm and I will be able to afford some of these things
When I get some of this stuff done, I will post the results. See-ya later.

 

[leebo]

Good Luck sir

email if you have any other questions