Newbie needs more performance

[flyerst]

I am new to this forum and have searched the topics, but can't really find what I am looking for fast.

I am considering buying a 1995 Eddie Bauer Exploer from my father (good price!).

Anyway, I have driven it before and it feels under powered. What can I do to it that will give some more power/torque?

I do not have $1000's to spend, but would like to do some things to up the power. What is everyone's advice for a list of mods and in what order for bang for the buck?

Thanks in advance!

 

[aldive]

First of all give it a good tune up, replacing the plugs (I recommend Bosch +4 ) as well as the wires ( I recommend Magnacore wires ). Be sure to replace the fuel filter.

On to some power making goodies: get a KKM intake system ( http://www.kustomz.com/ ), have a local exhaust shop make a custom cat back exhaust system for you. Then I would recommend changing all fluids to synthetic ( I prefer Mobil 1 products ).

And the list goes on and on and on….

Good luck…

 

[XLT_66]

Throw in a superchip or sumthin....

 

[Fischer]

KKM & Cat-Back Exhaust.

I just fitted a S&B or KKM filter charger on the ol 95 XLT last night and I noticed an immediate difference. Sounds cool too. K&M my buddy uses and is essentially the same other than the fact that the KKM is about $30 less. This should free up some torque, which is what you should be going for by the way (in my opinion).

Check out the website truckperformance.com and you can dream up at least a few G's in performance upgrades that you could add.

If you are running a 4.0 L gibson makes a nice cat back exhaust that will free up about ( jogging the memory) 12-15 horsies and 20Lbs of torque.

Just a bit-o-info. Torque is the thing to go for if you plan on keeping a steady speed on hills and the like. Diesels for instance will lets say hypothetically one will make only 150hp and 350-400lbs of torque. And they will pass you towing a horse trailer and the motor is only at 1500 rpm.

I am no expert or mechanic but if you want some guts when you stomp yer foot on the pedal, look for the items that free up troque over horse power.

:smoke:

 

[FireZeus]

I'm unsure of the exact specs, but I have the same thing. Its not a bad vehicle at all. It tows the boat just fine. (Shown below) You have to remember, you are dealing with a relatively small engine for a vehicle that weighs 4000lbs +/- and turning 16" wheels. If you want wheel spinning performance until you're down to the rims, drop in an engine like this (shown below) and bolt on a new tranny.

 

[flyerst]

OK. It's been awhile, but I did get the 1995 Explorer. Two weeks a go I had Firestone change out the spark plugs. After reading about some other spark plug replacement experiences, I figured it was worth the $50 for parts and my time.

Anyway, immediate power increase. I looked at the old spark plugs and they were down to very little electrode. Performance is better, but the fuel mileage is still low relative to what it used to get a few years back. It is getting about 14 mpg city driving. I remembered it getting 17 before. Firestone made no mention of spark plugs wires. Usually they try to recommend other services. Wires were not one they recommended. The air filter looks ok, but could probably use a K&N replacement.

Any other ideas about what could be robbing efficiency?

 

[Iggy flywheel]

Does ex ping at highway speed? Things to check is the MAF. It can be cleaned but should check the volts while driving. If u can.. MAF go out often and over looked by mech. Change the o2 sensors. Tighten the intake bolts. Clean the throttle body and plenium. Also If you have to push on the gas peddle hard to make it shift when under heavy load going up long hill, the gas peddle cable it to long. You dont get full throttle. Can check by having someone push peddle to floor should hit stop on the throttle body..........
Then I would start to look at getting performance parts. If you have to get a new MAF might get aftermarket that is a bigger bore..... Can do a search to find one about 200.00

 

[james t]

um, it got 17 mpg in town with your dad drivin. it gets 14 in town with you drivin. 1+1=2? seriously, i checked mine twice in town babyin' it (ok it is a V8) and 3 times drivin it normal, not hard. got avg. of 15.5 being easy on it and 13 driving @ what i would call normal.

 

[99explorer5.0]

I average the same as james t. I would be happier than a pig rolling in a pile of **** if i could get 17mpg of "normal" city driving.

 

[james t]

one time i checked it and i avgd. 8 mpg for the whole week. that was right after my exhaust install, and, well, i was pretty much wide-open throttle every time i drove it.

 

[99explorer5.0]

I would be more depressed than a freshly showered pig if i avg 8mpg.