I have a 2.5L 1998 Ranger Step Side XLT, and i want to add more power to push more air out of the exhaust. The reason is because i want to put flowmasters on it, but everyone ive talked to says that 4 cylinders dont push enough air through to make that signature sound that flowmasters have. I've thought about getting a cold air intake, a high flow catillic converter, Flowmaster headers, and then flowmaster exhaust pipes. I guess what im asking is, Will this work??

 

it will help but you won't see the results that you want

here are some more options
electric fan
underdrive pulleys
replace hood and front fenders with fiberglass (to reduce weight)
different rear end ratio and limited slip
new cam


lots you can do

 

Your best bet is to drop in a small block, haha. If that can't punch enough air through your exhaust then I don't know what to say. BTW, I never heard a 4 or 6 cyl (or 10 cyl for that matter)with flowmasters that sounded like the V8 sound I believe you're looking for....I don't think you'll quite get that sound regardless of what you try and do. But, if I were you, I would first try gears or a cam- best bet on performance!
Good Luck
Scott

 

Look at it this way every mod you would do on a v8 car is going to net you half the power.For example you would get around 10HP from headers and ex in a V8,but twith a 2.3/2.5 ranger expect half that.It is the 5 here 5 there that makes a whole package/picture.I have just started playing with my ranger now due to gas prices.Doesnt pay to run around with my full size 4WD.I did the electric fan on a manual switch.Prolly worth 2-5 hp 2 1/2" exhaust cat removed,2-5 HP My next project will be long tube header again 2-5 hp So add it all up prolly making around 10 hp more than when i started.That would be a 10% gain overall.
So its the little things that add up unless your going to bolt up a supercharger/tubocharger or NOS.

 

One thing that people seem to forget is losing some weight (on the truck that is). Every 100lbs lost is approx 1/10th quicker in the 1/4 mile. And any rotating mass that is cut is twice as good. I took the spare tire out and replace the heavy rear bumper with a roll pan and it feels like it has more snap.

You have a big 4 cylinder so a flowmaster wouldnt sound too bad. Wont be no v-8 but it will have a nice tone to it.

 

you guys like the sound of flowmaster? I personally cant stand it, Thats why i got Banks for my F-250 it was really expensive but it sound just a little meaner than stock but it doesnt over do it.