small-list-digest Friday, August 28 1998 Volume 02 : Number 241



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Ford Truck Enthusiasts - Ranger, Explorer, Bronco 2 and Aerostar
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In this issue:

FTE Small - better mileage and power again
Re: FTE Small - better mileage and power again
FTE Small - Re: - better mileage and power again
FTE Small - ???Manual and auto tranny durability ???
FTE Small - The best air filter kit!!!

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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 11:42:21 -0500
From: balusek aud.alcatel.com (Danny Balusek)
Subject: FTE Small - better mileage and power again

Rob wrote:

> Doesn't the onboard computer also control spark output.

Onboard computer controls ignition timing, not spark intensity. Running
a high output coil and wider plug gaps should improve
combustion efficiency and performance (per Dr. Jacobs).

> Does the K&N work, Yes.

It probably does clean air better but as far as fuel mileage goes, forget it.
I have over five years worth of fuel mileage data compiled using various
brands of papar filters and gasoline brand/octane rating combinations. Your
results may prove different, but I saw absolutly no "measurable" increase in fuel
mileage with my Bronco II after installing the K&N. Also installed a K&N on
my wife's '96 5.0L Explorer and saw no "measurable" difference.

> My "seat-O-pants" meter is not very accurate, so I don't think I would feel a 5
hp gain. Smart modifications to the induction, exhaust and ignition systems
will add up to increase performance.

I agree 100%. People expect too much from "minor" changes. Significant
changes in performance and/or fuel mileage can require significant changes
to the overall system unless the system is screwed up in the first place,


Thanks Rob, and to everyone else that have replied to my posts,
I appreciate all of the advice and opinions that I get.

Danny B.
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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 13:25:55 -0400
From: "Russ Parker"
Subject: Re: FTE Small - better mileage and power again


>> Does the K&N work, Yes.
>
>It probably does clean air better but as far as fuel mileage goes, forget
it.



>I agree 100%. People expect too much from "minor" changes. Significant
>changes in performance and/or fuel mileage can require significant changes
>to the overall system unless the system is screwed up in the first place,



Danny, You nailed it right on the head. Too many people fall for advertising
hype. Mainly because they believe that if someone advertises a false claim
they'll get sued. Wrong. Advertising is 70% blatant lies. If one person
shows me reliable dyno figures that they gained 30HP over stock, in real
life, from putting on a muffler I vow to swallow that muffler whole! While
eating a K&N air filter wouldn't be as hard as downing a flowmaster, I would
offer the same wager for one of them as well.

A major improvement in performance is a package deal. It's all or nothing.
you gotta improve the air filter, intake(s), the head, valvetrain, the
exhaust manifold, and the exhaust system to really get any serious gains. I
learned this the hard way with 2.3s, that your not going to get any major
power by adding Hi-Flow Air Filters, throttle bodies, and upper and lower
intakes when your head will only flow 125cfm. Sure the other stuff makes an
improvement, but it's not the magic touch everyone seem to be looking for.
You either have to be satisfied with the 10-20 horses you can squeeze out of
a setup or you gotta buck up and go for the gusto.
- -Russ


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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 11:06:06 -0700
From: "Alan Wilson"
Subject: FTE Small - Re: - better mileage and power again

At 01:25 PM 8/27/98 -0400, "Russ Parker" wrote:
>
>>> Does the K&N work, Yes.
>>
>>It probably does clean air better but as far as fuel mileage goes, forget
>it.
>
>

>Sure the other stuff makes an
>improvement, but it's not the magic touch everyone seem to be looking for.
>You either have to be satisfied with the 10-20 horses you can squeeze out of
>a setup or you gotta buck up and go for the gusto.
>-Russ
>
- ---------------

I guess the bottom line is:

No, getting a K&N Air Filter will not increase HP and gas mileage
noticeably...but it couldn't hurt. But in a combination of an improved
exhaust system and intake some improvement can be seen.
Alan Wilson


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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 12:37:50 PDT
From: "Bryan Snyder"
Subject: FTE Small - ???Manual and auto tranny durability ???

Can anyone tell me just how durable the ford 5sps and 4sp auto in
rangers and explorers are, I have a 90 5sp and want to know just what it
can take. Please tell me about all your good and bad experiences and
what most often breaks and what improvements can be made. Thanks!!

______________________________________________________
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Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 15:07:44 -0700
From: "Andr E. Benguerel"
Subject: FTE Small - The best air filter kit!!!

I just purchased and installed
a True-Rev Induction Kit form
Kurtz Kustom Motorsports. I
highly recommend this kit.



It's a great kit. My kit
included a S&B Powerstack
Filter (that's far superior to
K&N) and a machined aluminum
adapter that bolts to the MAF
meter. The way the motor revs
is immediately noticeable. My
truck is still on jack stands
so I can't vouch for
"seat-of-the-pants"
acceleration but I imagine
it's noticeably better.

By the way, does anyone know
the PROPER torque spec for the
front brake caliper sliding
pin bolts. My Haynes manual
appears to be wrong. I twisted
the bolt in half.

Andre E. Benguerel

1995 Ford Ranger 4 X4 SC
4.0L V6, OD Auto, Xlt

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End of small-list-digest V2 #241
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