Is this a legitimate throttle mod for 5.0 explorers?

[King$nake]

50 Hp? Really? wtf

 

[briwayjones]

It's a legitimate mod if you have the same problem. There is a thread on here about it. I don't know about 50HP though.

 

[JoshsExploder]

ditto on that. I had a stretched throttle cable on my 4.0. I did the zip tie trick and instant HP is restored. I guess this is good if you have a heavy foot, but I wouldn't mind to undo it to get better mpg. I would estimate a 25 HP gain though.

 

[aldive]

Sorry 50hp is a pipe dream.

 

[94fourdoor]

If you watch the video closely, you can see that he says that he's just joking about the 50 horse gain... He says it just feels like it. Top left hand corner toward the end of the vid.

 

[celly]

Tongue was firmly in cheek when he made that vid. He's an EF member if you weren't aware.

 

[King$nake]

Ok cool, well in the next couple of days Im going to check my throttle valve and see how far it opens under full throttle. It feels like my truck has 'lost power' but I chalked it up to the higher mileage (130,000)

Wouldn't it be just as easy to replace the throttle cable though?

Also, I am still running stock wires and plugs and stock fuel filter, I wonder how much difference I will feel if I get all those replaced?

Im really getting stoked on getting my truck built and back up to speed. Im planning on lifting it (there is another thread here about that) and getting a MAC CAI, MAC Catback, new plugs, wires, fuel filter, headlights (my RF is weathered)

 

[celly]

Do you have TMH yet? If not, add them to your list. All those others mods you mention aren't nearly as noticeable as the headers. I got mine last summer and love em. Don't forget the SCT tuning. 5.0 Explorers are tuned for soccer moms in factory form.
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[King$nake]

TMH? as in headers? Not familiar with them, but I will look into it. Are they all custom headers or do they have a set just for our 5.0 explorers? I know from experience on this board that you (celly) knows what your talking about, so I will seriously consider TMH. I think you helped me out too waay back when I first bought this truck a few years back.

I basically want to my 302 as pumped up as I can without stroking it or installing power adders, dont really want to anything internal either - just to keep the cost down. But a full exhaust (including headers) and a tune...sounds like something I need to do, especially after I lift it. So what all is involved with the tune? Is it a dyno-tune or a programmer-type device?

So aside from the lift/suspension stuff, here is what I got planned for this beast (performance wise):

- 4:10 or 4:56 gears
- MAC CAI
- MAC Catback
- Custom catless midpipe
- TMH Headers (still have research to do on this, cost, etc.)
- Custom Tune
- New plugs
- New wires
- New fuel filter
- Either new throttle cable or the zip-tie method
- Possibly a larger MAF (is this a good mod for 5.0 explorers?)

I wonder what kind of HP gains I will see with those mods. Thanks again for all the help

 

[techboj]

Headers and a flash tuner will yield you the most performance gain but since you are planning on doing the rest anyways, I would suggest getting a good aftermarket intake, an optimized MAF and even a mustang throttle body

4.10 gears will give a little bit more "oomph" on takeoff but 4.56 may be too high unless you're planning a bigger tire

Plugs, wires and filters are all maintenance parts but going aftermarket such as magnecore wires and screaming demon coil pack isn't a bad upgrade

Stick with motorcraft oem plugs - they yield the best overall result based on a lot of member's experience

Since you are in Cali, make sure all the exhaust changes you're planning are going to pass inspection - I believe (but not 100% sure) that the TMH are carb certified but running catless may be an issue

There are forum members that sell tuners like SCT. One of them even provides custom tunes for your vehicle. Just do all your "performance" mods and then let him know what you have in your vehicle and he will provide up to 3 custom tunes --- 87 octane, for towing, 91 oct gas, etc. These custom tunes are "programmed" into a handheld device that you simply connect and update yourself.

Hopefully cost is not an issue for you. Regearing would cost around $400/axle; headers about $500 (unless you want the fancier ceramic coated), a tuner about another $400. I would love to do all these but I have to keep reminding myself that the current book value of my 2nd Gen is far less than the cost of all these goodies.

Oh, and lastly - we all think of going fast but we seldom consider stopping. Please consider a brake upgrade when you've upgraded your go-fast items.

Good luck and keep us posted

 

[Blazepet7]

Why dont you ask him hes on here with a bunch of how to videos, pretty informative too... As i have read on this site while looking for exhaust is that our second set of cats are pointless and do nothing and plus the o2 sensor is in front of the rear cats so it wouldnt throw the CE light... ALOT of guys have the TMH installed on here and most swear by them they are made specifically for our truck http://www.torquemonsterheaders.com/ when i get some extra ca$h together imma be getting them

 

[celly]

ALOT of guys have the TMH installed on here and most swear by them they are made specifically for our truck http://www.torquemonsterheaders.com/ when i get some extra ca$h together imma be getting them

BINGO

Zillions of threads on them in the archives too. Bob (Torque Monster Headers owner) posts occasionally too.

King$nake, I do remember helping you out a while back too. If I were to add anything, I would suggest you look at other options re: exhaust than MAC. It's not the "be all, end all" exhaust setup for our 5.0 by any stretch. In fact, I once researched exhaust setups a few years back and found lots of bad press on MAC on the quality front. Can't remember the specifics. They're also relatively loud.

Check out this thread for a great discussion on all things exhaust for the 5.0.

 

[King$nake]

BINGO

Zillions of threads on them in the archives too. Bob (Torque Monster Headers owner) posts occasionally too.

King$nake, I do remember helping you out a while back too. If I were to add anything, I would suggest you look at other options re: exhaust than MAC. It's not the "be all, end all" exhaust setup for our 5.0 by any stretch. In fact, I once researched exhaust setups a few years back and found lots of bad press on MAC on the quality front. Can't remember the specifics. They're also relatively loud.

Check out this thread for a great discussion on all things exhaust for the 5.0.

Excellent stuff, ya it looks like TMH is right down the road from me in San Diego. I wonder if they do installations or other exhaust parts (midpipe, etc)

I am def. adding them to my to-do list. Ive realized I have to kind of address one issue at a time, but eventually I will have everything I want. Right now I need to address this Check Engine light (and my idle is rough) after that is resolved I am going to order the MAC CAI, then I think I am going to focus on getting this thing lifted. Ive already gotten all new headlights and fixed my instrument cluster lights, but of course thats the cheap stuff haha...one thing at a time

Thank you all for your help, much appreciated

 

[briwayjones]

Also, I am still running stock wires and plugs and stock fuel filter, I wonder how much difference I will feel if I get all those replaced?

If you're running the original plugs and wires with 130,000 miles on them I would definitely start there. You would notice a difference. It wouldn't hurt to change the fuel filter also and check the throttle cable. It would be easier to just do the mod instead of replacing the whole throttle cable.

 

[King$nake]

Damn, I went out and checked my throttle body valve, its opening all the way like it should. I was hoping it wasnt so I could do this mod! oh well, saved me some time! haha