Cheap Performance Mods?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: south carolina
Cheap Performance Mods?
Hello guys, I just got a 2005 F-150 with the 5.4 and I have been like a kid on Christmas morning for the last week. I was wondering if there are any cheap, low budget performance mods you guys would recommend? I would like to boost hp numbers but I am more concerned with mpg's. Any info would be appreciated.
Senior User
Joined: May 2010
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From: Somerset, KY
The Gott's mod is one most of the guys around here have done. It simply replaces the stock air intake snorkel which is only like 1.5in wide with a 3in wide piece of PVC. It's really simple and cheap (about $10). However, MPG and HP gains will be minimal. You may see some, you may not. Most of us (at least I) notice a little but more quicker acceleration. There isn't really a whole lot of other mods you can do for cheap. The next big step if you want some noticeable response is to get a SCT X3 or Edge tuner with custom tunes. It will really wake your truck up. However, you are talking a couple hundred bucks for one of those.
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I have the K&N air filter which I really like. I dont really know if it is much of a performance mod without headers but it does make a little more noise when you mash the throttle. I like the idea of having a very clean filter all the time and it doesnt take much to clean and re-charge them. They are about $50.00 on e-bay. 
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From: NC
Headers and properly sized true dual exhaust system - yes, you will probably see a performance improvement (but only if you get custom tunes).
MPG improvements? Probably not.
The least expensive performance modification is a used SCT XCAL3 and custom tunes. Total cost should be around $300.
MPG improvements? Probably not.
The least expensive performance modification is a used SCT XCAL3 and custom tunes. Total cost should be around $300.
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From: Seneca, SC
So let me get this straight, the rebadged edge tuners are the gryphon ones. And they can have custom tunes put on them?
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Only PHP can write custom tunes for the Edge platform (CS, CTS, Evo). PHP has named these "Gryphon".
Thus I have an Gryphon CTS. It is the exact same HW as the Edge CTS, but it has custom tunes and IT IS NOT CARB certified.
The old Edge Evos are a different story. Those units have to be sent to PHP to be 'unlocked' to accept custom tunes.
Make sense? If not, I suggest you browse PHP's website and forums for more detailed information.
Thus I have an Gryphon CTS. It is the exact same HW as the Edge CTS, but it has custom tunes and IT IS NOT CARB certified.
The old Edge Evos are a different story. Those units have to be sent to PHP to be 'unlocked' to accept custom tunes.
Make sense? If not, I suggest you browse PHP's website and forums for more detailed information.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: RVA
Only PHP can write custom tunes for the Edge platform (CS, CTS, Evo). PHP has named these "Gryphon".
Thus I have an Gryphon CTS. It is the exact same HW as the Edge CTS, but it has custom tunes and IT IS NOT CARB certified.
The old Edge Evos are a different story. Those units have to be sent to PHP to be 'unlocked' to accept custom tunes.
Make sense? If not, I suggest you browse PHP's website and forums for more detailed information.
Thus I have an Gryphon CTS. It is the exact same HW as the Edge CTS, but it has custom tunes and IT IS NOT CARB certified.
The old Edge Evos are a different story. Those units have to be sent to PHP to be 'unlocked' to accept custom tunes.
Make sense? If not, I suggest you browse PHP's website and forums for more detailed information.
...you're in South Carolina right? You should call up and look into 5 Star Tuning. You're likely within a few hours of Mike Butler. He can custom tune your truck on a chasis dyno for not much more coin than the SCT X3 with tunes he's built. I'd seriously look into that one if you truely want a custom experience.
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Joined: Jan 2012
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Underdrive pulley for the crackshaft pulley. Usually cheap if they are made for you truck. A good tune up can make a good difference also! High flow muffler to replace the stock restrictive muffler also! also the stock muffler are very heavy!
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Seneca, SC
Charlie's advice is good, but I just realized something...
...you're in South Carolina right? You should call up and look into 5 Star Tuning. You're likely within a few hours of Mike Butler. He can custom tune your truck on a chasis dyno for not much more coin than the SCT X3 with tunes he's built. I'd seriously look into that one if you truely want a custom experience.
...you're in South Carolina right? You should call up and look into 5 Star Tuning. You're likely within a few hours of Mike Butler. He can custom tune your truck on a chasis dyno for not much more coin than the SCT X3 with tunes he's built. I'd seriously look into that one if you truely want a custom experience.
What is 5 star's website/info? I used to take my diesel to DP Tuner in Georgia when I had it.
Love me some custom tunes, they make a world of difference. I just didn't realize that there was a shop that could do it that close to me.
EDIT: Found their information.
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Stewart
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From: Seneca, SC
They are 3 hours and 55 minutes away from me. Unless I plan a trip to the beach soon, then I will be simply ordering from them or edge. I would love to have this truck customed tuned, but I would rather not drive 8 hours round trip to have it done. It wasn't that bad when I had my diesel as I could be DP in about 1 hour 45 min.
five star does have some pretty competitive pricing so I will be weight my odds between them and edge.
The only thing I don't like is that the edge evo and the SCT are very close in price with the edge being a little cheaper. The plus with the edge is that it comse with dash pod and the digital controller. The SCT tunes are just a flash pack. I would like to have the controller so I can know what the truck is doing at all times.
five star does have some pretty competitive pricing so I will be weight my odds between them and edge.
The only thing I don't like is that the edge evo and the SCT are very close in price with the edge being a little cheaper. The plus with the edge is that it comse with dash pod and the digital controller. The SCT tunes are just a flash pack. I would like to have the controller so I can know what the truck is doing at all times.