New to the ODB-II world, look for a fast short list of simple mods I can do without messing up the computer.
truck is 4x4 w/ 5spd std factory everything except 31x10.5 tires I just notice its a little sluggish (partly because I am used to the big HP of my 60's and early 70's stuff) but either still looking for what I can do.
ie exhaust mods
intake mods
chip recommendations etc

 

gt40 explorer heads and gearing would wake it up....

really though, an upgrade to a 5.8 351 engine would be best....the 5.0 is just not enough for the big trucks if you're a gearhead who also has a heavy foot like myself. I'm in the process of putting a 96 5.8 into my 90 bronco that had a 5.0. In fact, if you go that route, pm me...i've got the dizzy and a few other 96 specific obd II parts that is coming off my 96 engine that I won't be using (converting back to eec IV)

 

I'm doing that swap and need the engine wiring harness if your not going to use it. I would prob buy a bunch of other stuff just to have.

 

I am not looking for tire ripping performance just mild increase in mileage and a bit more grunt nothing too crazy. if this was a pre ODB-II unit it would have the works done already. I am just not familiar with what can be done with out messing up the computer. not really interested in head swapping or entire engine swapping if I did that I would go for the 460 w/ 5spd and be done with the small block stuff all together.

 

The OBD-2 system is actually a little more mod friendly than the older system as it is tunable with a handheld device, but without goin that far this motor responds to the same type of parts/mods that an earlier OBD-1 version would, which include ignition advance at the distributor, exhaust systems, headers, 1.7 roller rockers, cams, heads, etc. The basic motor is setup pretty well to produce more power with a generously oversized intake so all it really needs is a full exhaust system and maybe a cam or just 1.7 rockers to let it breath better, and these parts won't have any negative effects on the EFI system as long as all the O2 sensors remain installed in the exhaust and electrically connected.

 

So Can I remove the cats? in favor of full dual exhaust off headers then? or will the o2 sensors trip from being out of range?
This has the tiny Y pipe with 2 cats in series with an o2 between the cats as well as the 02 in each exhaust manifold.

 

If you remove the "cats" you will get a MIL but if you have a soldering iron and a local Radio Shack you can make your own MIL eliminator. You only need one for the O2 between "cats".

Or you could just buy some.
1996-04 Mustang 4.6L/3.8L Plug In Mil Eliminators (O2 Sensor Simulators) at LRS - Free Shipping!
(not sure if this is EXACTLY what you'd want but it's a start)

 

can you just weld the bung in place and re-install the existing o2 sensor? or will it be out of range with the revised exhaust system?

 

Just wanted to add to the argument for removing cats. I have an 87 mustang lx 2.3L 5 spd. I removed the cats block the EGR removed the innerds from the intake piping and use a late model ranger roller cam shaft. car went from getting 26mi/gal to getting 40 - 43 on the hiway. not gonna happen with a cat installed not a chance.

 

It will be out of range as you call it. Lol
You'll have to weld in the bung, install the O2, and use a MIL eliminator not to get a code.
I don't believe to truck runs any worse with the MIL on but it's nice to have it normally off incase another code comes up.

 

ok so it wont go into "limp" mode with a check eng light / code? if it is that simple it would just be like driving a chev with the friggen check engine light on. hehehe not going crazy I just wanted to know what the options are for this thing. I have no experience with modifying anything on ODB-II. just wanted to pull a little more umph out of the little 302 and possibly swing an extra mile or 2 gas mileage

 

Nope. I drove my 4.9 for like 4 years with the MIL on and finally made a MIL eliminator for the most rear O2 sensor. The light went out but it didn't seem to gain any power or fuel mialage.

Yup. Lol

 

Did you gain the power or mileage by removing cats in the first place?

 

I did but the reason I bought the truck cheap was because the front cat had busted into little pieces plugging the rear cat. They thought it needed a head gasket (and so did I while buying it).
So I have no real "before" data.