Research

Samorkand · #1 (**permalink**) 03-18-2012, 11:02 PM

Since I bought my pickup last year I've tossed around several ideas of what direction I want to go with it. I did order a tuner last week from 5star. Heres a few other things im looking into and would greatly appreciate any input you all may have.

1. Gear change. From what I've read and seen here a gear change will be a HUGE benefit to me. I have 3.73's in it atm and am seriously considering doing this. Only real issue is the enormous cost involved. I checked around and seems 1500 to 2k is the normal Labor cost alone. Ill keep mulling this one over.

2. PI Heads. Not entirely sure on this one. Trying to read more and research what exactly this is all about. Seems like a good deal just havent read enough about it. Where do I even find them.

3. Exhaust. Ive listened to numerous clips on Youtube and Im one of those that likes the way the V10 sounds. Ive seen on here a few have done True Dual exhaust and liked it or hated it. I'd like to dual mine but unsure what to look out for that could be a problem.

4. Headers. Not sure. I just dont know enough about headers to really decide. Ive heard there are expensive ones that are awesome and cheap ones that arent. I want a set that I bolt on and forget about.

5. Cold Air Intake. I know putting them on my Mustang and my Expedition made a difference. Reading here there doesnt seem to be a definate yes or no. Or whats best.

6. Phenolic Intake Manifold Spacer. Just ran across this tonight havent read much about them yet. Good? I know ive read about them on smaller engines and seemed to be good.

7. Larger Throttlebody. Another thing I just dont know enough about.

8. Ignition Upgrade. Anything? I havent run across any options really.

9. Cam. I found a post on here about a guy making cams. Anyone tried them. Good or bad luck?

10. New Engine? I have a 1999 F250 with 173k. Should I even mess with this one and hunt down a newer 3v engine to mess with. Or can I even put a 3v in it. Where can I find New engines. Not used 100k ones an actual new one.

11. Throttlebody Spacers. Gimmick?

I love this pickup. I have every intention of keeping it a very long time. Unless it gets totaled im keeping it. So im looking for stuff to just make it better. If any of you have any little tweeks or things I may have missed please by all means tell me. Any and all help greatly appreciated.

jh818 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-18-2012, 11:26 PM

For the money you're going to put into gears and PI heads, why not look into trading it in for a newer truck with the 3V and Torqshift transmission and 4.30 gears? You'll have a newer truck.

This is probably not what you want to hear, but it's worth considering.

Not really sure you can put the 3V in. It's a drive by wire and bolted onto a different tranny.

Samorkand · #3 (**permalink**) 03-18-2012, 11:35 PM

I'm going to look into finding a frontend and rearend already geared the way I want. My cousin did that on his trail blazer and saved lotsa money. Forgot to add that on the previous post.

Appreciate the reply.

Boss08v10 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2012, 08:59 PM

I would say that after the gears and tune just enjoy it. The rest will be fun to tinker with but will be of little additional gain over the above two.

A/Ox4 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-20-2012, 01:47 AM

If it were me I would do the tuner, and maybe the headers. I dont like the sounds of the V10 (surprise surprise.. a 7.3 guy...) but if you can find an exhaust you like get it!

PI heads were an improved design that flowed air better. Improved performance a bit, but not worth the swap IMO. Forget about a cam, and spacers and a throttle body. Not really worth it IMO either.

CAI... Meh. Small gains. Mostly "on paper" gains and no real worlds differences.

I wouldnt worry about gearing unless you get larger tires. I think youre ratio is going to be WAY off with 4.30s and smallish tires (going off your avatar picture)

Samorkand · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2012, 08:18 PM

I got my tuner from 5Star. I tried the performance mode on it and was kinda cool. Went on a trip later that day and put it all to economy and im really happy with everything so far.
Thinking I'll get the CAI just because.
I got under the truck and checked out my exhaust and low and behold i'ts all been changed already. No CATS. Dualed to a single muffler and single out. So i'm not even gonna worry about it.
Really appreciate the input I got. Thanks.

critterf1 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-13-2012, 09:10 PM

Don't waste your money in the CAI. The stock system is more than adequate.