In great need of advice...how much HP could i get with....

[GA1990]

this combo: true-rev induction (conical filter) $89.95; Superchips chip $229.00; Vortech 73mm MaxFlow mass air flow $189; That vanir throttle bottle for $115, and pacesetter headers for $260. What kind of horsepower increases do you think i could expect with this? Also are there any other parts anyone would recommend instead of these? I'm on a budget, so i'm looking at the cheapest i can get. I already have flowmaster exhaust. This is all for my 94' explorer. I just wanna be able to merge onto the highway without fearing for my life because i'm about to get run over by alot of cars going alot faster. Thanks!!

 

[mattb]

From experiences with multiple explorers, if you fear for your life merging, you might want to check the gear ratio that you have. We had one with the 3.50 (something close to that) and it was a dog! But with the 3.73s the truck was great with the stock engine. No power problems with 235 size tires.

just a suggestion

 

[mike91]

You could probably get 40-55 horsepower from installing all of those products (It depends on the condition of your engine,etc). Don't really go by adding each individual component's horsepower seperately, because when they are all put in together, they tend to yeild a couple less or greater.
If you really want to go cheap, you could also consider plugs and wire upgrades (Bosch+4 Platinum plugs and Jacobs, MSD or Accel wires) The wires and plugs should run you just a little over $100 total.
You can also consider the BBK throttle body instead of Vanir - (I just learned that the stock throttle is 58mm) - the Vanir throttle is 63mm and the BBK is 66mm. I just called up Summit last night and ordered the BBK. Under $200.00 for a brand new throttle and its double the bore of Vanir; however, there's a two week back-order.
The 73mm MAS/MAF costs under $200.00 also.

[This message has been edited by mike91 (edited 06-15-1999).]

 

[mattb]

that is right on the stock size of the Tb 57/58m. What is worse is that the stock MAF is 55mm and has a screen in it.

You will get your most gain from a conical filter and larger MAF.

 

[GA1990]

So you guys think all of these mods would make a very noticable difference? For example it would keep up with (maybe even pass) my sisters 99' with 205 hp?

 

[GA1990]

So you guys think all of these mods would make a very noticable difference? For example it would keep up with (maybe even pass) my sisters 99' with 205 hp? I would be happy if it just had as much power as hers.

 

[S.Matsushige]

Is your sister's Explorer a 2wd or 4wd? It'll make a difference. Also as Matt mentioned earlier, tire size and gear ratio combinations make a difference. I have a '91XLT with 30x9.5-15 and 3.73 limited slip rear. I'm happy with the current power of my powerplant. I'm looking at doing the header route next. I'm looking for a set of stainless ones with Jet-hot coating at a reasonable price.

 

[mike91]

Wait a sec -
don't go by horsepower as a comparison between two different vehicles. Your explorer could have 225 horses when you are finished, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you can blow her off at the gate b/c you have 20 more. Other considerations are gears which transfer power into acceleration and the weight of the trucks is also key. Don't get me wrong, you will be a lot faster, but as someone mentioned earlier, a gear ratio swap could also be very beneficial.

 

[GA1990]

How can i find out what gears are in my explorer? I know it came with the towing package and the traction loc rear axle, if that helps any. It's an XLT 4 wheel drive 4 door. I mean, i know gears make a difference, but don't you think that between the two explorers, both stock, they have very similiar gear ratios? Or did ford offer a wide variety? I've gone from 3.43's to 3.73's in cars and hardly been able to tell the difference.

 

[bachelor25]

GA,

If you have the towing package with the trac-loc axle, then you have 3.73 gears. Thats about as good as it gets unless you swap to 4.10s, but then you lose the trac-loc.

For your best bang for the buck I would do the mods in this order.
1. Cat-back exhaust
2. Conical filter (K&N or KKM)
3. New plug wires and plugs
4. Larger MAF

All of these can be done by yourself with limited tools, and will cost you around $500. You can expect to gain about 25hp from the above mods, and 1-3mpg in fuel economy. I've done the first 3, and will be changing my K&N to a KKM and getting the larger MAF at the same time. Have been happy with the mods so far.

------------------
Cheers,

Andrew B.
1996 Ford Explorer 4x4 (slightly modified)
BC, Canada

 

[Tyson]

Hey all these modifications sound great, but has anyone tried them in California...I'd be interested to hear from you....