Just got a 97 Mounty - Which mods to do?

[SVO LOU]

Guys,

Just picked up a 97 Mounty AWD, very clean and very stock. I know the Mustang side of 5.0 mods but not the Explorer/Mountaineer side.
Any suggestions on where to start? I normally would start with advancing the timing but....no distributor. Can I advance that pickup?
What are some good mods to start with in general?

Thanks.
Lou.

 

[Alec]

Intake and Exhaust is always a start. If you want to do timing and fuel curves then you'll have to get a chip or a programmer. There's a Hypertech programmer and Superchip, Diablochip, etc. Obviously you know about motors and performance, so you know to start with the small stuff (intake and exhaust) and go from there.

I hear the factory manifolds on the V8s tend to leak. I think Ford Motorsport/Racing has a decent and cheap set of headers for you.

 

[aldive]

I would start with a custom cat back exhaust and a KKM intake.

Good luck....

 

[DarkFox1]

*cough* you know what I'd say alec lol, so I'm not saying it..

IMO, save up, get yerself a supercharger, I konw it costs almost as much as a used honda, but hey, its probablly worth it.

the 5.0 is a nice engine, but the differences betrween the mustang and the X 5.0 is just enough to irritate you..

stupid 90% up at the throttle body.. lol

good luck.

btw if you get a chance, can you time your 0-60? I know its awd.. but I'm just curious.

 

[SVO LOU]

I figured I'd start with a K&N and headers. Didn't know that Ford Racing made some, I may give those a try.
What's the deal with that pickup sensor looking thing in the distributor hole? Does advancing that a little help?

Also, is there any way, electrically, to disconnect the AWD? Would that help as far as acceleration goes? Lower drivetrain losses. I don't want to drive a 4-door Mustang but a little more ummph would be nice.

Thanks.
Lou.

 

[Magicfan25]

i dont think disabling will help any, not sure that you even can. I doubt that you can. AWD will give you a better launch anyway. If its an auto, hold the brake with one foot, rev it up till it tries to move forward, let off the brake, roll it to the floor.

 

[SaleenEXP]

Originally posted by SVO LOU
I figured I'd start with a K&N and headers. Didn't know that Ford Racing made some, I may give those a try.
What's the deal with that pickup sensor looking thing in the distributor hole? Does advancing that a little help?

Also, is there any way, electrically, to disconnect the AWD? Would that help as far as acceleration goes? Lower drivetrain losses. I don't want to drive a 4-door Mustang but a little more ummph would be nice.

Thanks.
Lou.

Get some 4.10 gears and high-stall torque converter

I know on 4wd Chevy's (b/c a friend did this) theres a fuse for the 4wd you can take out so you can disable 4wd fully. I'm not sure about 4wd Explorers though, and I don't think there is a way to disconnect AWD w/o removing the front differential and other parts. Supercharge the AWD, that way you'll hook hard!

 

[LowdPypes]

money...

Rob a bank...

if ya want, you can check out some my pics or go to www.cardomain.com and look under Mercury Moutaineers. Can't miss me... There are a few others with Mounty's on here, ya just have to look for'em. Enjoy!

(and let's see some pics... This site was intended to answer questions and for everyone to show off their trucks... don't worry, we all do it)