Hey Guys, New member to the forum and this is my first ford truck ever owned. However I have the itch to get some more ponies out of the truck so was looking for advice. Everything is stock on the truck currently, not looking to do any mods that will ward the factory warranty, yet.
Initial thoughts for easy upgrades were Intake, looks like most like the AIRraid or MAC.
Exhaust, I am looking for performance but don't want it to be obnoxiously loud do to living in an apartment complex.
Then probably a chip.
Figure those are the easiest and quickest to get better performance from the truck. What do you guys think?
For a decent power difference yes, get those 3 mods. Here is the deal with the Intakes...some dealers don't care and some do. I would call your dealer to make sure about your intake and chip. The exhaust will not matter one way or the other about warrantee...as long as it's legal anyway. If I were you I would get the MAC Intake, Diablo or SCT chip, and a Flowmaster exhaust.
If you go to the track get a limited slip with gears!! our trucks have crappy traction trusty us we where at the track two weeks ago! Spinning forever it seemed
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91 Lariat Ext Cab S/B 4x4 302 auto (broke)
02 Sport Reg Cab 2x4 4.2 V6 5 spd (daily driver)
I took mine to the dealer to have an o2 sensor replaced and they gave me a hard time because of my exhaust. They said I had voided the warranty by putting anything aftermarket on the truck. They ended up doing the work but they called it my only "freebie". Some dealers are definately more picky than others. I am very happy with the mac intake and flowmaster I have on my truck. Its not to loud and gives good performace for the money.
Badmusic,
Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiast. You appear to be a fan of GM products. GM, like many other manufacturers, builds some fine automobiles.
I do take issue with your "performance" statement however.
It is well known that Ford had problems with early 4.2L engines. Those issues have been identified and resolved.
I have 118,000 miles on my 2000 w/ 4.2. I have had a single $19 part fail (ABS sensor) in that period of time. To me, THAT is pretty good "performance"!
At any rate, sounds like you have had a bad experience with a 4.2 somwhere in the past. I'd be miffed too I guess. But, Ford does build a great quality truck, at least I think so.
It's funny you mentioned that. I just got back from the track in my town. I raced 2 different chevy's. Once was a newer V6 chevy and the other was a 98 5.7 chevy. I beat them both with my little 4.2 V6. Sorry, I'll never buy a GMC anything.
Yea I just had the same experience, I went out cruising the other night and a little GMC(just had exhaust, it was dropped and had 20's on it he thought it was bad) decided he wanted to race I was in 2nd gear at the time and I let it get a little ahead of me running about 2,800 rpms I punched it and left him in the dust by the time 3rd gear was done he didn't want anymore. Just figured you'd like to know. I have a 4.2l 5dpeed stepside w/ catback true dual exhaust, airintake and tb spacer, 18"rims, THUNDER package.
In fact the only problem we have is the early 4.2's leaking problem which is long past due for a recall. Other than that, these trucks kick arse...plain and simple.
Resolved the issue? Ford is still denying culpability in my case. I know you folks like fords, and honestly I don't have a problem overall. Their product is fine most of the time. It's their lousy customer service that irks me. I pray none of you ever get a bad ford, then you will find out how much Ford cares about their customers.
So basically, Badmusic, your original posts blasting the 4.2 were based on 1 particular truck. Even though there are numerous reports and findings on the web about the 97-98 4.2L, you either A) did not do any research into the truck, year, and engine, or B) You simply didnt care. Seems to me that anyone buying a used 97-98 4.2L without checking to see if its had a head gasket replaced, is either ignorant or foolish, possibly both. I wouldnt walk into a dealer and buy a vehicle simply because I talked them down in price.
Plain and simple,
Garrett
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Wow horizon, do you always insult the integrity, intelligence and ability of people you don't know? The dealer I purchased the aformentioned Ford from assured me the issue had been addressed.
You make too many assumptions. the errors in your reply amaze me for their inaccuracies.
1) It was not a head gasket
2) I did plenty of research.
3) If I did not care I would not be here. (duh)
4) the posts blasting were based on 141,000
owners notified, not just one truck.
"I wouldnt walk into a dealer and buy a vehicle simply because I talked them down in price. "
