Can i make my ranger faster

[94maskedranger]

I have a 1994 ranger 3.5L V6. I am wondering is there anyways to get more speed and horsepower thats not going to break my bank. I already have a custom injection kit, custom (not stock) spark plug wires, and a complete straight pipe set up: 1.5 in pipe off of the headers all the way back, no catalytic converter or muffler in the way. Needless to say it has a nice little rumble to it and it can move on down the road pretty quick.. is there anyway i can increase my acceleration or top speed without running me broke?

[racsan]

3.5? there was a 3.0 v6 and later a 2.5 I-4 but ive never known of a ford 3.5 V6. you could increase the low-end by putting in lower geras, but the top end will drop off, anything beyond 70 is a bit much for the ranger chassis anyhow, its a small truck, not a mustang. it just isnt ment to go stupidly fast. the suspention and brakes are far from whats safe at high speeds.

[94maskedranger]

well it might not be the original engine i bought the truck used. it can definately handle 70 without a problem i run up and down the interstate quite often at about 75 or 80. i have maxed the truck out and i was pushing it around 115 or 120, and the brakes don't have a problem stopping it, i just replaced the pads and rotors. i guess i would just like a way to get it to accelerate faster and run lower rpm's at higher speeds. it idles at about 500 and running 80 is 2500 rpm. i know bigger tires than the 15's its got on there now could help with that but i was wondering if there was anything else. like would it be worth my time to invest in a supercharger or turbo, or is that kinda pointless right now. i plan on one day having this as a show/drag truck, i just thought i might start working on the smaller things now.

[wendell borror]

If has the 3.5, thats a 265 hp engine, should have plenty of power. However, I'm betting it's the 3.0. Find out for sure and let us know. If it's a V-6, it should be either the 3.0 or 4.0, but we need to know. Ford did come out with a 3.5 in the last couple of years, it's a dohc engine that makes 265 hp, A lot of us wish we had one in our rangers.

[michigan66]

Bigger tires will lower you RPMs, but it will take you longer to get up to speed. Its the same effect as going from a 3.73 rear end to a 3.45 one. You may also lower your gas mileage with bigger tires or a lower ratio.

[sfcwoodret]

Performance tune it. Smaller wheel size/lightweight rims. Equal weight distribution for maximum traction. Better suspension. Performance wires and coil. Drop weight off the front end. Performance tires made for speed. Shorty antenna to cut air resistance. If you get those done let me know for more suggestions.

[wendell borror]

We really due need to know which engine for sure, because the different engines react differently to mods, it's not one piece fits all with these ranger V-6's. There's more stuff out that will enance a 4.0 compared to the 3.0. I've done a few ranger engine hop up's and can help you if I know your engine size. If you do indeed have the 3.5, you don't need mods, just a good set of brakes to slow that powerfull beast down and maybe a parashute attached to the tailgate.

[Bear River]

Believe it or not, but running it with a cat will make it quicker. I've seen cats shave 2 tenths of a second off track cars.

[wendell borror]

I believe it. I've lost lowend torque by removing the cat on my jeep. It runs much better with the cat on and it's legal.

[94maskedranger]

alright so i did a little digging around, the engine is a 4.0 not a 3.5 like i was told, the tires are 217/75R14's. i also know for a fact that the exhaust is straight off of the headers, because the guy i bought the truck from had cut off the muffler system and right where the bed meets the cab he had took a glass pack that he had cut open and hollowed out and called it a tip. i didnt like this because the exhaust was blowing on the rear shocks so i had that cut off and ran 1.5 inch pipe back and angled out under the right side of the bumper. on the subject of mod's i have found a turbo i am thinking about purchasing, and i am thinking about dueling out the exhaust. the debate on glass packs is still up in the air but i really dont want to be pulled over for "disturbing the peace" because my truck rumbles a little to loud. any more suggestions?

[94maskedranger]

oh and my truck is a Ranger STX one i havent really seen that many of or really heard of until i bought this one.

[wendell borror]

If you want a good dual catback with a nice low rumble, try the gibson daul sport or split catbacks......gibson performance.com. As far as real mods for the 4.0, check with super six motorsports and morana motorsports. They can really get your 4.0 up and running. Tom Morana even has a 4.5 stroker kit for the push rod 4.0. A lot of good information on those two sites.

[piotrsko]

turbo's and dual exhaust aren't compatible unless you buy two turbo's, one for each side. don't really need two, unless you need to make more than 20 lbs boost which would tend to shred the crankshaft out of the engine.

You can split the exhaust after the turbo for that dually look. not much gain however. Turbo's lose that rumble since they are kind of a muffler, but straight pipes will attract cops like honey does flies. turbo's do have a jet noise which really distinctive and annoying.

I myself prefer a "sleeper" car since the puzzled look is very amusing as you leave the other guy in your dust.

fast cheap (kinda): Nitrous oxide and a wet or dry fogger system. that will add HP until you explode the engine, BUT OH MAMA, will it be fast for a while.

[94maskedranger]

yea i already have straight pipes i think the dual would be overkill and now that i know that about the turbo i think i'll leave it single exhaust, i was considering a nos setup but that is still in the not so near future. the truck is kinda already a sleeper because the little tuner cars that pull up beside at the red light dont know what hit them when they want to race and i leave them at the light. i'm getting serious about the turbo, and maybe some other minor things, better air filter, shaving the handles, antenna, and tailgate. i am also considering putting 16's where it is now sitting on 14's. nothing too major for now, just looking to up the performance so i can leave those cocky little tuners staring at my taillights. i am also considering getting a performance chip. any suggestions?

[wendell borror]

You will need to get a JET chip, as the bama engine programers only work on the 96 and later OBD II rangers.