Make my 99 Explorer Sport 4L SOHC faster!

[listoff]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. Sorry if I'm doing anything incorrectly.

I have a bone stock '99 Explorer Sport (2 door) with the SOHC 4.0L engine (215 hp I think). Anyway, I'm looking for some modifications to make it quicker.

I am looking for an intake system, cat-back, and a chip. Does anyone have suggestions on what company makes the best parts for my wishes? Especially the exhaust. No one seems to make a cat-back for my model. If you actually know the part numbers too, that would be great!

Thank you for all your help.
Mike

 

[Alec]

intake: www.kustomz.com
exhaust: custom magnaflow catback, I recommend a Magnaflow muffler with an after resonator and 2.5" tailpipe.
chip: www.apten-us.com

 

[JOHN V.]

The Mac Intake is great complement to an exhaust upgrade and the Apten Chip. This intake system replaces the restrictive stock air box with an open air filter and nice chrome intake pipe. It is good for 10 hp by itself. The next level after that would be the Pro-M 75mm Mass Air Sensor.

www.explorerexpress.com

 

[Nate1]

Pretty much what they said. I have all of these mods (magnaflow custom catback, I might spend the money to change it to borla later) and you have plenty of power when you need it. An explorer is not a race car, but with 4.10s and 30" tires, my car feels suprisingly confident.

 

[JOHN V.]

Mac Intakes For V6 & V8

We now have the Mac intake for V6 OHV (97->), V6 SOHC & V8.

 

[listoff]

Thanks guys!

I'm doing my homework and checking all this stuff out. Someone mentioned going to Kustomz.com to check out intakes. While I was there, I saw the also make a chip. Does anyone have opinions on this chip? It's cheaper than the Apten - but cheaper doesn't mean better.

Also, how easy/difficult is it to change the chip? Is it just pop out the old one and pop in the new on like on the car, or do I need to do some soldering?

Finally, exhaust. Everyone seems to like the Magnaflow. Any opinions on the Gibson system?

Thanks again everyone, all the help is really appreciated!
Mike

 

[Black Magic]

I have the Open Filter Intake, Apten Chip and Gibson Exhaust...

Yea, it makes pretty good power.

 

[IronMike]

Newbie!!

K....i'm new to this AND new to the whole Ford thing! First Ford i've ever owned actually! My question is that i'm rebuilding (and keeping this time cuz I like it!!) a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0; how can I tell if it's a SOHC or OHV? Does it say somewhere or can you tell from the VIN?? Any help greatly appreciated!! ~IronMike

 

[listoff]

Mine says SOHC 4.0L right on the plastic engine cover. That's on a '99 though. Not sure how they did it in '97.

 

[IronMike]

SOHC or OHV??

Thanks..of course this piece on mine got smashed to bits during the rollover and I didn't save it to piece back together!!! Grrrrr but thanks a bunch! ~IronMike

 

[Alec]

If the air intake tube goes into the motor at an angle, it's SOHC. If it goes into the motor at 90degrees, it's OHV.

 

[bradmatejo]

Most 97s are SOHC, they switched from the OHV early in the year. Here is a handy link to find out what your VIN means:
Dead Link Removed
(I got this link from someone else on this board, so 'Thanks!' to whoever posted it originally.)
This VIN lookup works for all Fords too.

 

[EliteConcept]

if your vin # has an E in it you have the SOHC