Too many miles to modify?

[FMExplorer]

I am a newbie here (1st post) and have owned 2 different explorers over the past 5 years. Currently I have a '93 with about 110k miles (tranny replaced at 75k). Would like to get some added power but am concerned about major changes to an engine with so many miles. What is the best course to take (aside from dropping in a V8)?

Jon McLeod

 

[Cameron]

Welcome

It's never to late to modify your truck. If your engine was well maintained, there shouldn't be any reason why you couldn't modify it. One nice thing is you don't have to worry about warranty violations. Dead Link Removed


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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4

 

[FMExplorer]

Thanks for the quick response! What are some of the best ways to get some extra juice from this engine? I'm new to engine mods and am not sure what way to start. I've read about air filters, dual exhaust, chip kits and so on...

 

[EB Bauer]

Personally I didn't get much from the air filter....At least not anything that was noticeable. If you really want some nice performance, I would suggest intake mods and exaust mods. The chip is pretty nice to if you have the money. I have had these mods on my rig since about 100k miles and now I am at 247k miles with no problems! Just the general maintence.

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Scott Bauer
'91 Eddie Bauer

 

[Cameron]

If you want to get a lot of bang for the buck, you need to think about two things (excluding cost of course) and they are; breathing and tuning.

Breathing simply means getting air and fuel into an engine and getting exhaust out.
Tuning means just that. Tuning. Getting everything to work at peak performance.

Lets start with breathing.

Before you can think about intake, you need to create a way for your engine to get rid of exhaust quickly. This usually means headers and low restriction muffler. After you "opened up" your exhaust, now you can work on intake. You may want to do something as easy as a larger Mass Airflow Sensor and high performance air filter. Or, you might opt for the more radical (and expensive) supercharger. A supercharger can give you up to 50% more HP.

Now tuning:

That requires you to replace spark plugs and wires with high performance ones. Get a valve job. And while you're at it, a ring job. Put in larger injectors to take advantage of your superchargers ability to suck your gas tank dry. The sky's the limit.

I'm not trying to tell you what you should and shouldn't do, only that there is a ton of things to think about and tons of things you can do to improve your trucks performance. Surf around this site, you'll find a lot of information.

Good luck.


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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4

 

[Ira]

Hi JonM and welcome to the best Explorer site on the web. You can find an answer to just about any Explorer based question here and some that are not Explorer based.

I have a 91 and it has 170,000 miles and still running strong and uses no oil. I have done the K&N drop in air filter and also drilled holes in the airbox to help it breathe. I recommend this (at least the holes, they are free). Plugs and plug wires are another plus. If you go with a chip, make it a Superchip or none at all. Headers and a cat back system are also a good choice but a little more expensive.

That should be good enough for starts. No matter what kind of mods you make, always be sure to reset the computer after making them. If you don't, you will see the results but it will not be as dramatic because the computer is slower about learning these mods if it is not reset.

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Ira
91 XLT 4x4
What do Playboy and National Geographic have in common? Just a couple of the places I will never get to visit

 

[FMExplorer]

Ira,
I did the filter yesterday as many here have recommended. I notice a difference at initial acceleration - most of the lag is gone. You mentioned the computer chip and re-programming... how is that accomplished?

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[Cameron]

JonM,

Superchips, like most of the high end chip makers will custom program a chip for you to take advantage of modifications you have made. You need to contact them to discuss price.

Go to their web site at http://www.superchips.com/


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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4

 

[FMExplorer]

Cameron,
Thanks for the URL - went and checked out the site - seems easy enough. BTW - What is the "member" icon I see under your name?

Jon M
Fort Myers

 

[Tourture]

Jon,
The "members' designation that you'll see just means that someone has posted over 50 times to this website. The more you post, the more your status changes.

Eric

 

[Hank]

Hey JonM,

Again, Welcome to the best site on the Web. Where is FM are you at? I'm across the bridge in Cape Coma.

Like the rest of the guys said, it is never to late to start with the mods. That is as long and the exp. has been maintained well and with good materials.

Best regards.
hg

 

[FMExplorer]

Hank,
I am off Daniels (Eagle Ridge) in Fort Myers. My explorer is one owner and maintained superbly since day one. I am figuring on doing many mods over the next 4-6 months - performance and cosmetic. I can't go to nuts though as I sell real estate and I can't picture a 70 year old woman climbing into a truck with 35" tires!<G>

Jon M

 

[Hank]

Check under the website announcements forum. Rick had www.explorer4x4.com banners made up for sale.

Have not been to those places yet. Where are they at?

Best regards.
hg

 

[FMExplorer]

Hank,
Brick Alley is a piano bar with two dueling pianos. It kicks A$$! Because of Ft Myers wonderful zoning it doesn't get real exciting until after 10pm. Tight quarters and go after eating - they only serve liquid dinners! Dead Link Removed It can get real raunchy in there - an absolute howl! Dead Link Removed

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Jon McLeod
'93 XLT

 

[2mrchio]

My fellow Explorer owners know their upgrades! Seriously, I agree with Cameron (it's never too late to modify) and also Scott, do almost anything to help your Explorer breathe in (intake, air filter, throttle body) and out (exhaust, headers (maybe pricey)) will help it last longer.

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Brian
'93 XLT 4x4

 

[ExplorGM]

Another option is a gear change.
If you are running high gears you may get more bang for the buck by going to 3.73 or 4.10 gears. If you plan to go to bigger tires 31 and above, definitely think about regearing. Its expensive, but by the time you spend your $$ on headers, intake systems, cat backs, chips, electronics etc., you could have bought and installed your gears.
Have you tried synthetic fluids? I swear by Mobil 1. Less friction, more available power!
Rick

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Rick
95 Explorer Sport Expedition
Dead Link Removed

 

[FMExplorer]

Thanks for the input guys! I've checked into new exhaust systems - headers and cat-back - looks like the cost is around 800-900 + installation. Question about this... In order to remain legal I need to use the factory catalytic converter - does this allow enough exhaust flow to make the modifications worth it? My plans are to go with 30-31"x10.5 Mickey Thompson Baja's unless you've got some neg. feedback. I enjoy the trails, but deep mud isn't my bag. Also - I drive clients around almost daily, so if the ride is lousy I want to avoid that Dead Link Removed

 

[Hank]

Jon,

I understand your dilemma about a 70yr old trying to get in your rig. You'll have to find a happy medium where they can still get in your Exp. and also drive under it in an out of control Caddy.

Aside from some minor mods, stereo, roof rack, lights and 1" lift. My rig is fairly stock. I'm getting ready to add the KKM air filter, cat back exhaust, 31" tires and probably the JD 2" lift. I have to be fairly careful as I mainly use the rig for towing the boat. Nothing more embarassing than getting stuck on the ramp.

We usualy spend the weekend nights downtown at the clubs, Peters SkyBar, Indigo, Beat, etc. (Since I'm in love with my truck and parinoid about the FMPD I get stuck being the DD. Whose idea was it to put all the night clubs in town right next to the police station, jail and courthouse?) Once I get the window banner from Rick I should be fairly easy to spot. I'll keep an eye out for your Exp.

Best regards.
hg





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'91 EB, 4dr, 2wd

 

[FMExplorer]

Hank,
All great hangouts! Have you been to Brick Alley yet? It's similar to Howl at the Moon and Jellyrolls. What's this sticker from Rick I hear about?

Jon M

 

[Cameron]

JonM,

With your new headers and cat back, the catalytic converter will be the weak link in your exhaust system. It is still well worth it to do the mods. The catalytic converter is a small price to pay for a fresh breath of air. Seriously, when you put on the headers and cat back, your going to be pleasantly surprised at the increase in performance.


As far as the tires you want go, check out the Tires and Wheels section. There is a lot of debate on the subject of which tires are best.

One thing that’s great about this site is, if you do a little research, you can learn a lot from other peoples mistakes and misfortunes.



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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4