What next?

[SeanM]

Ok. I need some advice, and I figure, that is what you guys are here for. Anyways. I have made the following mods to my '95 XLT 4.0L V6 OHV:
Flowmaster 40 series Cat-back
K&N FIPK
Bosch 4+ plugs
Splitfire ignition wires
Now for my question. I am wondering what to do next. I have a few ideas, but I think I've narrowed it down a bit. I want either headers or a high-flow cat. However, I am not sure that the next mod to do is either of these. I need some guidance as to the next mod that I should do. I am looking to spend no more than $500. Any input I would consider most valuable. Thanks a lot guys.

 

[-=DaemoN=-]

How bout that hi-flo cat and maybe a chip. That would be under $500.

 

[Cameron]

SeanM,

Unfortunately you can’t legally replace a functional catalytic converter. Of course that rarely stops most people. Anyway, the cat is not all that restrictive. I wouldn’t worry about replacing it until it becomes the congestion point in your system. I would recommend that you install good quality headers.

Do you have an automatic or manual transmission? If you have a manual transmission, you won’t see as big of an improvement with a chip as you would with an automatic. One of the primary benefits of an after market chip is they alter the shift points. If you do decide to get a chip, go through Smarty Parts. You can find a link to their site from the main page of this site.

Good luck.

 

[leebo]

Ever thought of some new hubs and maybe a few 4x4 toys??? I'm not sure what you use your truck for though. Just a suggestion.

If your not into off-highwaying I would suggest the chip. I love mine and can see a HUGE difference.

 

[Brian1]

I would go for the headers. They would go good with your air intake and cat-back.

 

[flyguy]

Those cats are not restrictive? I dont know about that. I know swapping out those cats on mine made all the diffrence! Them cheap too! As far as replacing.. If you want to be legal.. just give em a good stabbing with a screwdriver! Then they have to be replaced! hehe

nick

 

[Cameron]

No, I said "the cat is not all that restrictive" I'm not trying to imply that they are not restrictive at all. I just think that if you have a limited budget ($500), the money is better spent on headers and maybe a chip then replacing a functioning cat.

When you replaced your cat with a low restriction cat was it in conjunction with the install of headers and/or a cat back? The reason I ask is that most of the people I know that race street cars don't bother replacing the cat because those that do say the tenth or two they pick up in the quarter just isn't worth it. Although, I havent replaced mine so I'm just taking their word for it.

Peace

 

[flyguy]

I replaced it after I had put on new pipes and a flowmaster. The flowmaster was sounding terrible until I got a high flo. My muffler guy told me it would prolly sound like crap until I replaced my 2 cats with 1 high flow.. he was right. anyways... I do agree with you about headers or a chip being a better purchase though... but you can get a high flow cat pretty cheaper than either of those items.... oh well

nick

 

[SeanM]

Ok...As for the question whether or not I have an auto or manual transmission, I have an automatic. Secondly, I just want to make sure. Everyone agrees that a set of headers(most likely Borla) and a chip(I don't know which type, please help me out with that in your next few replies) would be a good power increase? And should I be worried about running to rich or to dry? I don't wanna blow up my engine. The chip won't mess up the fuel mixture will it? What type of chip should I get? What type of headers??(good, not crappy; I am willing to sacrafice a few $$ here)
Thanks guys....hopefully you'll have even more good info for me. Later.

Peace
_________________
'95 XLT 4dr 4.0L V6 OHV Auto
Flowmaster 40 series Cat-back
K&N FIPK
Bosch 4+ Platinum plugs
Splitfire ignition wires

 

[leebo]

I guess its not 4x4 toys you like...so I would surely go with the chip. I have a Hypertech chip. It's an easy install and I was able to notice the difference as soon as I reset the computer. I am very happy with this purchase. I does mess with the fuel to air mixture but it does it on its own and only improves performance.

I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[SeanM]

Thanks leebo. Anyone else? Oh and I'm not sure who said it, but it IS LEGAL to change your catalytic converter as long as your car has over 50,000 miles on it. Anybody else have any warnings/suggestions? And no, I'm not concerned with 4x4 toys, as you say. I want more POWER!!

Sean
___________________
'95 XLT 4dr 4.0L V6 OHV Auto
Flowmaster 40 series Cat-back
K&N FIPK
Bosch 4+ Platinum plugs
Splitfire ignition wires

 

[Cameron]

SeanM,

It’s very easy for me or anyone else for that mater to tell you what you should and shouldn’t buy with YOUR money. But the fact remains that it’s your money and your truck. You need to do a search on this site and see what people with an Explorer like yours that added components you’re interested in have to say about them. But you know what they say about opinions? Opinions are like butts. Everyone has one and they all stink. That being said, here is my opinion:

Headers will do nothing negative to your truck. They only free up HP that is already there being eaten up by a restrictive exhaust manifold. Opening up your exhaust is the first thing you should do. This will facilitate the mods to come that will increase the air/gas going into the motor. As you search this site, you will find three types of power gains:

1. Freeing up HP. That is to say, opening your intake and exhaust to free up HP that is already there as in headers, cat back and K&N air filters.
2. Adding HP. That is to say, using bolt on components to add HP to your motor as in superchargers, chips and NOS.
3. Non-HP related power gains. The kind of power gained by gear changes and weight reduction for example.

Anyway, that’s my 2 cents worth. Hope it helps.

 

[SeanM]

Well, I guess my next question would be: What type of headers should I get? Borla, I just found out, discontinued their headers. I really wanted Borla, but I guess they're not available anymore. Any suggestions?

Sean
__________________
'95 XLT 4dr 4.0L V6 OHV Auto
Flowmaster 40 series Cat-back
K&N FIPK
Bosch 4+ Platinum plugs
Splitfire ignition wires

 

[Cameron]

Try this place.

http://www.rpmoutlet.com/macexp.htm