Power Tuners? or Re Flash

[Stage 2 Dan]

Hello everyone I have a couple questions about a power tuner vs having the computer re flashed.

This is my first OBD2 build so please forgive me about any stupid questions.

I am building a 1999 ranger w/ 1999 explorer 5.0 swap. I am planning on improving the exhaust, either Torque Monsters, or the New OBX copys. High flow cats, and probably a large 3" muffler. I was told that this would cause problems with the factory tune?

I am planning on using 1.72 roller rockers with the factory cam on this 150k mile engine. I have been told that the 5.0 explorer valve springs are weak, I was planning on upgrading these before I drop it in

I was told the 1999 explorer had 17# injectors?
Would there be any advantage to upgrade to 19# or 24# injectors? I realize that the Mas air would have to be changed. Could I use a Mass air off a 5.0 Mustang as long as it is a OBD2?

I have to pass the visual emission test and the OBD2 data check.
Would I be better to have the ECM re-flashed by a tuner, or just purchase a Diablo, or some other type?

Thanks for everybody`s help on this project.
Dan.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Ranger swap

. . . I am building a 1999 ranger w/ 1999 explorer 5.0 swap. I am planning on improving the exhaust, either Torque Monsters, or the New OBX copys. High flow cats, and probably a large 3" muffler. I was told that this would cause problems with the factory tune?

Your exhaust changes probably will result in a slight decrease in low end torque and a modest (+15 rwhp) increase in max rwhp. The noise increase will be much greater than the power increase. The stock tune can easily handle the airflow increase.

. . . I was told the 1999 explorer had 17# injectors? Would there be any advantage to upgrade to 19# or 24# injectors? I realize that the Mas air would have to be changed. Could I use a Mass air off a 5.0 Mustang as long as it is a OBD2??

I think you have 19 lb/hr injectors unless you have a vehicle originally sold in Calif. I think they were 13 lb/hr to meet strict emission standards. Your stock injectors should be fine for the minor improvements you're planning. If you changed the injector flow rate then you would need a tune even if you didn't make any performance changes. The MAF sensor only needs to be changed if the stock one approaches the maximun airflow it can measure. Yours should be OK for the mods you're planning. If you change the MAF sensor then you'll need a new tune with the correct MAF transfer function. The MAF sensor is an analog device and has nothing to do with OBD-II.

I have to pass the visual emission test and the OBD2 data check. Would I be better to have the ECM re-flashed by a tuner, or just purchase a Diablo, or some other type?. . .

What does the OBD-II data check consist of? If it's just for DTCs you'll probably be OK once the PCM has a chance to adjust the fuel trims if required. If you delete your post-cat O2 sensors you'll fail. Is there no visual inspection of the engine compartment to determine if the stock engine has been replaced with a larger or supercharged engine? Based on your questions if you make a change that requires retuning I suggest you get a local tune by a qualified tuner. If you plan on making mods in stages that require retuning (high flow heads, high lift cams, forced induction, etc.) you may want to consider purchasing a flash tuner ($400) and find a qualified remote tuner.

 

[Stage 2 Dan]

RE tuners

Thanks for all your help.
Yes I am planning to modify this in stages. The first I want to get past is the Emission Police.

A friend of mine had told me that the ECM on the test vehicle must match the vehicles VIN# for the clean air test to be valid????

I personally don`t believe this because how does the ECM know what vehicle it is in. As you had said as long as there are no DTC and that the ECM has logged in data, and all of the supporting systems are operating correctly, I should be good to go.

Am I off my rocker to think that one could have a moderately modified 5.0 Ranger that would be OBD2 compliant at the 225-240 hp level? And be OBD compliant with a rear mounted turbo at the 350+ HP level?

What size rear mounted turbo w/ intercooler would be a good choice to use on this application? I am not looking to rotate the earth on its axis, just wake up this little 5.0.

I had figured that if I keep the cam choice, and injector size reasonable, it should be possible to sneak pass the emission police. I realize that a competent tuner is the key to this success.


Thanks again.
Dan.

 

[2000StreetRod]

Clean Air Car Check

I took the time to look up the Clean Air Car Check:

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles requires testing of vehicles located in Lake and Porter counties and is part of the overall plan to improve air quality by reducing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Testing is performed every two years.

"The Inspection and Maintenance (I/M 93) Test is used to test model year 1981 through 1995 or newer vehicles. During this test, an inspector drives the vehicle on a treadmill device called a dynamometer. The test simulates driving on a road. While driving, the vehicle's tailpipe emissions are captured and analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the vehicle's emissions control equipment. It is important that a vehicle subject to this type of test has an exhaust system that is intact and leak free. The vehicle also needs properly functioning brakes and should not have any major fluid leaks.

For model year vehicles 1981 - 1995, the emissions check has three steps. During the first step, an inspector will complete a basic visual inspection for leaking fluids and conditions that may present a safety problem. The inspector will verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for trucks or vans. The lane inspector will then inspect for the presence of a catalytic converter and conduct a gas cap pressure check. The motorist will be asked to exit the vehicle and proceed to an enclosed, climate-controlled waiting area.

During the second step, the vehicle is placed on the dynamometer, a treadmill-like device, and secured in place. The lane inspector will enter the vehicle and "drive" the vehicle, following a drive trace projected on a screen in front of the vehicle. "Driving" the vehicle on the dynamometer simulates normal driving situations, including accelerating, decelerating, braking, and stopping. The vehicle is operated between speeds of 0 - 33 mph. Emissions are collected as the vehicle is driven. If a vehicle does not pass the emission test during the first testing cycle, a second-chance test is automatically given. When the test is completed, the lane inspector exits the vehicle. (NOTE: During the second step, a well-maintained vehicle may be able to "fast pass" after the first 30 seconds of the emissions test.)

During the third step, the motorist returns to the vehicle. At this time, the inspector presents the vehicle emission test results."

My interpretation is that if the exhaust test fails on a vehicle with modifications to the exhaust (larger diameter, different configuration, turbocharger, etc.) the vehicle will not be allowed to be registered no matter how much money is spent to decrease emissions.

I see requirement regarding the PCM for 1995 models other than the emissions meet the standard.

 

[VR4]

I have an 01 with torque monsters, scrubber cats removed, dual 2.5 in single 3 out borla muffler. No issues at all with obd2 monitors. No issues with fuel trims at all.


Currently waiting on valve springs to finish this cam swap. I fully expect to get a p0300 after I finish.