I just purchased a 1997 Mountaineer. I am currently addressing a few basic maintenance issues, but my focus will soon shift to upgrades. I am planning to use it to tow my BMW M3 to open track events starting in the spring. The BMW with tools, spares, etc loaded onto the the steel open trailer (with electric brakes) is about 6000lbs.
I have spent a lot of time searching the archives of this forum to get an idea of where my Mountie could use some upgrades to improve its ability to tow that much weight. I am not new to towing (have Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller and anti-sway load leveling hitch), but I am new to the venerable Ford 302.
Here is a brief summary of what I have learned. If you can comment on any of these items, I would really appreciate it!
Engine:
Also, should I expect any improvement in fuel mileage with all of these items?
Drivetrain:
Hopefully I have covered the important spots. Please don't hesitate to chip in any info you have that would be useful.
I will of course be replacing the P-rated tires with LT-rated tires (make a huge difference on any tow vehicle, in my experience). Since I will be buying tires and I do already own a set of PBR calipers, I am strongly tempted to fabricate brackets and buy a set of Cobra 13" rotors and replica 17" wheels. I will probably hold off on this for now.
There are obviously some folks here who know the 302 inside and out. While I am sure I will uncover any suspension issues as I start using the truck more, I would rather avoid the trial and error method of increasing torque output.
Thanks in advance, gang. And thanks to all of you who helped put this kind of info in the archives!
- -Matt
I have spent a lot of time searching the archives of this forum to get an idea of where my Mountie could use some upgrades to improve its ability to tow that much weight. I am not new to towing (have Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller and anti-sway load leveling hitch), but I am new to the venerable Ford 302.
Here is a brief summary of what I have learned. If you can comment on any of these items, I would really appreciate it!
Engine:
- Intake - any favored brand in particular? Is there any reason I should not just fabricate my own tube and add on a filter?
- Exhaust - I will spend hours and hours on the highway with this rig, crusing to far away race tracks. I am desperate to avoid a loud droning exhaust. Is Gibson still considered the quietest? I am concerned that the gains in power will be minimal compared to a dual system. In terms of looks and tone, I would love to use a dual, if only someone could show me a quiet enough system!
- Superchips programmer (I thought this was a good choice because it has towing specific fuel maps and can adjust shift points. Please tell me if other programmers or chips are preferable)
- E-303 cam with 1.6 rockers (Based on my reading, this appears to be the torquiest cam for my application. Does that sound right? I have other fast cars, so I am not looking for speed, just grunt)
- Watch carefully for a used set of FMS headers
Also, should I expect any improvement in fuel mileage with all of these items?
Drivetrain:
- Add another transmission cooler inline with the stock one, consider adding an oil cooler as well (are there preferred suppliers for these items? Are there kits, or just buy a cooler and plumb it myself?)
- Change to 4.10 gears (replacing stock 3.73s) which will help get the engine into a better part of the power curve and should keep the transmission from hunting in and out of O/D. (I am not sure yet if a gearing change will make that big a difference, anyone else have experience here?)
- Monro Sensatrac shocks (stock units are just a wee bit tired at 117k)
- Rear helper springs to improve tongue weight capacity, either Hellwig helpers or an airbag system (http://www.airliftcompany.com)
Hopefully I have covered the important spots. Please don't hesitate to chip in any info you have that would be useful.
I will of course be replacing the P-rated tires with LT-rated tires (make a huge difference on any tow vehicle, in my experience). Since I will be buying tires and I do already own a set of PBR calipers, I am strongly tempted to fabricate brackets and buy a set of Cobra 13" rotors and replica 17" wheels. I will probably hold off on this for now.
There are obviously some folks here who know the 302 inside and out. While I am sure I will uncover any suspension issues as I start using the truck more, I would rather avoid the trial and error method of increasing torque output.
Thanks in advance, gang. And thanks to all of you who helped put this kind of info in the archives!
- -Matt