What should I expect?

[drwambo]

I have had my 96 EB for about 1 1/2 years now. Bought it at 165K miles!! Now has almost 177K. It has obviously been well cared for. I've replaced only plugs/wires/O2 sensors. Installed K&M drop in and removed lower airbox cover. Can't justify a new exhaust yet.

Couple of problems - Most likely needs a new IAC as it runs like crap from warm starts most of the time.

Tranny now takes a second or so to go from R to D on cold start on cold mornings. Not too worried about this - works fine after that.

Enough background - now to the question:

At highway speeds, when I stomp on it, the tranny kicks down and the RPMs pick up, but it takes like a week to go from 65 to 80. Low end and mid range torque are fair. This may be completely normal, as it's the first X I've ever known. However, I used to have an 84 ranger 4cyl that could have dusted this thing.

Do I just need to get used to a comfortable vehicle that is terribly underpowered (in my opinion), or should I look more closely at the transmission or engine?

Love the truck, HATE the performance.....

 

[Alec]

I'd look into changing the fuel filter and cleaning the MAS. At that kind of mileage, there may be many parts that are starting to fail, if they haven't been replaced yet. 2 other performance related parts that come to mind are the FPR and TPS. Also, I'd change all the fluids if you haven't done so already.

I also suggest trying to drive another 95-97 OHV V6 to compare.

Do you know what differential gears you have? There's a gear code on the driver's door sticker.

 

[aldive]

I would definately add a custom cat back exhaust.

Good luck.....

 

[drwambo]

According to the axle code, I have a 4.1 rear end I think. It DOES have the tow pkg and the aux tranny cooler.
Additionally - I've changed every fluid in the vehicle short of brakes. They're fine. E brake doesn't work though. Never has. Cable gets tight, calipers seem to move, but no E brake.

 

[Alec]

Definately get the Ebrake looked at. It could be causing problems with your normal rear brakes. The 4.10 rear would explain sluggish highway performance. By that time the motor is already reving pretty high and it doesn't have as much power left compared to if you had higher gearing.

Also, when you floor it on the highway, does it downshift then move, or does it just slowly accel? If you don't feel a downshift, try taking it out of OD before you punch it (little shifter button).

 

[Bronco III]

That sounds like a good strong machine.

 

[drwambo]

It downshifts fine - if anything too much in my opinion. Just cruising around town, it will kick out of od at a higher RPM than I would like.....