F150 needs more power
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Opelousas, LA
F150 needs more power
I have a 1997 F150 XLT Supercab with a 4.6L V8 and a 3.55 differential. Up 'til now my towing uses have been <4500 lbs and was very satisfied with the towing ability of my F150. However, I'm a new RV'er for about two months and the 26ft fith wheeler has maxed out the 7000lb tow rating. Thus far, our RVing has been limited to the flat areas here in south Louisiana and the F150 gets the job done, but the acceleration is very slow and it sucks the gas, since it's running out of overdrive 80% of the time. I'm trying to delay dropping $40G for a F250 PSD for 2-3 years by increasing the performance of my F150. I've recently been reading (since my RV purchase) about the computer performance chip sets, i.e. Diablo, and was wondering if this is where I should start. I would like to be able to run 87 octane when not RVing. Which chipset would you recommend, if this is where I need to start. Also, I've noticed that the exhaust system is divided (dual) partly and crosses over under the cab; would making the exhaust system a true divided (dual) system increase the power/performance? Thanks in advance for all of your comments.
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Joined: Mar 2000
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F150 needs more power
jgmatte , well I'll do my best to answer your Q's . As far as a chip goes you go a Diablo or Superchip "flip chip" , this will allow you to have two programs made one for 87 octane and the other for 91 or 93 whichever you should decide.
On the exhaust most of the time the stock exhaust works the best for towing because of the backpressure the factory system provides maintaining low end torque. The 4.6 Ford isn't exactly low end torque happy anyway. Just get a Magnaflow SI/SO or SI/DO muffler and some 2 1/4" exhaust pipe ran out the back angled out behind the rear tires.
One thing to consider is re-gearing to 4.10's that would help your towing abilities alot, of course your looking at $400.00+ going that route. In my experience with performance/towing mods on my truck the gears helped the towing ability the most.
Here is a list of what mods I would do in this order.
#1 K&N drop in filter or some type of FIPK
#2 exhaust (Magnaflow or someother decent muffler)
#3 gears (kind oy pricey but worth the money)
#4 chip (helps a little but don't expect a miracle)
Then you can go on to the other stuff like underdrive pullies, headers, e-fans etc,etc. Everthing adds up it just all depends on how much you want to spend.
Keep on truckin' ...Mike
On the exhaust most of the time the stock exhaust works the best for towing because of the backpressure the factory system provides maintaining low end torque. The 4.6 Ford isn't exactly low end torque happy anyway. Just get a Magnaflow SI/SO or SI/DO muffler and some 2 1/4" exhaust pipe ran out the back angled out behind the rear tires.
One thing to consider is re-gearing to 4.10's that would help your towing abilities alot, of course your looking at $400.00+ going that route. In my experience with performance/towing mods on my truck the gears helped the towing ability the most.
Here is a list of what mods I would do in this order.
#1 K&N drop in filter or some type of FIPK
#2 exhaust (Magnaflow or someother decent muffler)
#3 gears (kind oy pricey but worth the money)
#4 chip (helps a little but don't expect a miracle)
Then you can go on to the other stuff like underdrive pullies, headers, e-fans etc,etc. Everthing adds up it just all depends on how much you want to spend.
Keep on truckin' ...Mike
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