Todd82TA
Elite Explorer
- Joined
- June 21, 2009
- Messages
- 174
- Reaction score
- 12
- City, State
- South Florida
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Explorer Sport 4x2
Hey guys... don't know if I've mentioned yet (I'm more of a lurker) but I donated my 2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2-door to a 16-year old with straight-As in the neighborhood nearby. The kid has over 200k miles on the original engine (he got it from me with 186k miles) and still runs, never smokes.
Anyway, I recently got a 2009 Ford Explorer XLT w/ 52k miles in immaculate shape. I really like this car, but it feels a bit slower than my old Sport for a couple of reasons... 1, it's bigger, 2. differential I assume is a different gear, 3. TBW, and some other stuff.
Either way, I'd really like to upgrade my new Explorer and get a bit more performance out of it. My primary goal is for the vehicle to run more efficiently, which means more horsepower and less fuel consumption doing the same thing it would do previously.
Some things I'm considering:
Shorty Headers / Headers: I see a bunch of headers available on eBay, and oddly enough... absolutely none on Summit Racing. Anyone know what's a good set to buy? I'm looking for something that is "direct fit" so I don't have to cut and weld... I literally just want to bolt stuff on so I can get rid of the big cast iron logs.
Higher CFM Catalytic Converters: Are there any kits that offer higher-flowing cats? I purchased the "Direct-Fit" Magnaflow cats for my Pontiac Solstice back in the day, and also for my 02 Crown Victoria, and for my 02 Explorer years ago and they were excellent... but seeing as how they are 50-state legal now (at least the one for the Explorer, I'm not sure they are any more free-flowing than the stock ones (which are still perfect).
Intake Modifications: Any improved aftermarket intake plenums / manifolds? Just looking to improve airflow to minimize resistance. Also any intake upgrades. Not looking for a cold air intake, but just something that flows better. Are some years better than others? For example, in my 2002 Crown Victoria LX, I swapped in a Mercury Marauder air box with 2004 Police intake tube and an 80mm MAF / Mass Airflow Sensor, then reflashed the ECM to get more power and better efficiency. Looking for something similar. I know they made a V8 version of this Explorer (must be pretty awesome), so can I literally swap the intake tube and air box from that? Are they essentially the same with just slightly larger diameter intake?
Thanks guys! Really appreciate any advice. I'm new to this platform. I just want to be clear, I'm pretty experienced working on cars. I've rebuilt several engines, both modern and vintage, rebuilt a couple of transverse and longitudinal turbo hydromatics (sorry, I was a GM guy for a long time), can weld, paint, etc. Just don't want you guys to think I'm coming on here looking for bolt-ons for a ricer and that I plan to race my Ford Explorer or something, hahah...
I just want improved performance and improved efficiency, and less concerned about cost and more concerned about getting the vehicle to drive as it should if the engineers weren't restricted as much by cost-cutting measures.
Thanks!!!
Anyway, I recently got a 2009 Ford Explorer XLT w/ 52k miles in immaculate shape. I really like this car, but it feels a bit slower than my old Sport for a couple of reasons... 1, it's bigger, 2. differential I assume is a different gear, 3. TBW, and some other stuff.
Either way, I'd really like to upgrade my new Explorer and get a bit more performance out of it. My primary goal is for the vehicle to run more efficiently, which means more horsepower and less fuel consumption doing the same thing it would do previously.
Some things I'm considering:
Shorty Headers / Headers: I see a bunch of headers available on eBay, and oddly enough... absolutely none on Summit Racing. Anyone know what's a good set to buy? I'm looking for something that is "direct fit" so I don't have to cut and weld... I literally just want to bolt stuff on so I can get rid of the big cast iron logs.
Higher CFM Catalytic Converters: Are there any kits that offer higher-flowing cats? I purchased the "Direct-Fit" Magnaflow cats for my Pontiac Solstice back in the day, and also for my 02 Crown Victoria, and for my 02 Explorer years ago and they were excellent... but seeing as how they are 50-state legal now (at least the one for the Explorer, I'm not sure they are any more free-flowing than the stock ones (which are still perfect).
Intake Modifications: Any improved aftermarket intake plenums / manifolds? Just looking to improve airflow to minimize resistance. Also any intake upgrades. Not looking for a cold air intake, but just something that flows better. Are some years better than others? For example, in my 2002 Crown Victoria LX, I swapped in a Mercury Marauder air box with 2004 Police intake tube and an 80mm MAF / Mass Airflow Sensor, then reflashed the ECM to get more power and better efficiency. Looking for something similar. I know they made a V8 version of this Explorer (must be pretty awesome), so can I literally swap the intake tube and air box from that? Are they essentially the same with just slightly larger diameter intake?
Thanks guys! Really appreciate any advice. I'm new to this platform. I just want to be clear, I'm pretty experienced working on cars. I've rebuilt several engines, both modern and vintage, rebuilt a couple of transverse and longitudinal turbo hydromatics (sorry, I was a GM guy for a long time), can weld, paint, etc. Just don't want you guys to think I'm coming on here looking for bolt-ons for a ricer and that I plan to race my Ford Explorer or something, hahah...
I just want improved performance and improved efficiency, and less concerned about cost and more concerned about getting the vehicle to drive as it should if the engineers weren't restricted as much by cost-cutting measures.
Thanks!!!
