Mods

[John J]

I just bought this Explorer '98 V6 SOHC 4WD 4DR and I'm power hungry. I've never modified an Explorer before and since you guys have some experience, I have some questions.

1. Which chip? Several companies to choose from but who tells the truth about performance gains? One company offers stage 1 and stage 2. What's the deal there. Do they really add 10%+ in HP and torque?

2. Which company has the best air induction system/filters?
KKM and KN are the only two that I'm familiar with. Do they truly add power?

3. Hows about exhaust? Gibson, Borla etc. I'd like a system which includes headers, cat and back. Where do I put my money on this system? Which company has the best?

4. Let's talk superchargers. Where can I find a step by step formula for adding power and performace in a systematic way?

Thanks a million, JJ

 

[jgriffin]

Hi JJ
I do not have experience with the chip, but from what I have heard you should go for the superchip or hypertech. I have heard good about both, but I have heard bad about the jet, so i don't recommend it.
As for the induction I have KKM and I like it a lot. It adds a deaper sound and better throttle response. It is very easy to install and it is less expensive than the K&N.
Gibson and Borla are both good depending on how much you want to spend. The Borla is stainless steel, but it is higher priced.
Borla does not as of yet have headers for the newer explorers, but you can cet good ones from BBK or JBA.
Not sure about the supercharger. BBK is supposed to be making one and I am not sure how close they are to selling it.

 

[John J]

Mods 98

Thanks for the response. I noticed that you have upgraded your stereo. The stock one in my Exp is average. How's your sony?
JJ

 

[leebo]

I'd like to start off by giving you a hand on your purchase of your explorer. I'm sure it will give you years of enjoyment as mine has mine. I can help you with some of your questions but not all.

1. HYPERTECH. I put this chip in mine about 3 months ago and I love it. It has added power that now allows me to light up the tires and also added about 3 mpg. I love it for the extra power that helps me get my butt up the hills.

2. K&N. Its cheap and pays for itself. Never replace the air filter again....I'm in. The question is do you just want to put in the "Drop in" filter or go all out and replace the air-box. I'm not sure which one is better but I've stuck to just the drop in.

3. I will warn you.....headers for the Explorer are a pain in the butt to find. Try doing a search on the site and I'm sure you'll find something. If money is no problem I'd go with the Borla. It's better made but you'll pay extra too. I'd also look into a Flowmaster if I were you. That's what I plan on installing on mine in the future.

4. Look at the "Explorer Express" web site. They sell superchargers and I'm sure you can find some info there.

I can say this though...you've missed some of the lesser mods. You also can replace the MAS sensor for about $350 or so as well as a new throttle body . Both are simple bolt on mods that can help you no matter what you want.

 

[jgriffin]

The only thing I have in my system that is sony is the head unit and one 4 channel amp. I like both of them. I got the head unit because it had things i needed like three rca outputs and a seperate sub level. The amp with the built in crossover helps a lot because i can get the lows out of my components and enough power to make them loud.