Quick question, I have a 99 3.0 with 69,000 miles, took the airbox off and now have just the filter (K&N) and the top portion of the box attached back to the hose. The filter has been inverted and attached with silicon to the top portion of the airbox. The "new assembly" is mounted to the frame. I am wondering will this adversely effect the engine? I notice that above 3,000 rpm in 2nd and 3rd I seems to have more get up and go, it also has a much more distinct noise at the higher RPM. Has anyone else done this? Will I damage the MAF sensor?

Cheers

 

Welcome to FTE!!

As long as the filter is tightly and permantly sealed to the box you should be fine. I do have some concerns. 1) You will be pulling hot air into the engine from the engine compartment, cold air makes more power. 2)Some people have problems with the filters being over oiled and the oil contaminating the MAF. 3) If the silicon doesn't hold you will be pulling in unfiltered air.

 

Thanks for the reply, great reading to all over this site!!

Alan

 

I did an air box mod my self on my truck. I cut 2 square holes in the lower air box. One in the front of the box facinf the headlight and one on the side facing the fender. I figure one in front to catch any air when driving and side to catch anymore. I also removed some kind of skirt mounted to the bottom of the light. To get more cooler air into that area. I hope to get 1 or 2 MPG more.

 

i've got a 2003 4.0l ranger edge... will a k & n air filter enhance performance?

 

Hi flyingmonkey,

I put the filter in to increase mpg, it has been in there for over a year (with regular cleaning) so I cannot remenber if it gave me more acceleration, it seems to me that more airflow = better engine performance. The filters can go the lifetime of the truck with proper cleaning.

 

Yes, but do not expect miracles.

Now, combine the K&N with a well built catback and you will ~definitely~ feel the difference!

. . oh, and your fuel mileage will improve too (as long as you keep your foot out of it).

I did the K&N, a 2 1/2" single catback, and am convinced it is the best money I have spent on the truck - bar none.

HTH

 

Can you shed some light on what a "catback" is and the aproximate cost? I am new to this.

Cheers

 

No problem at all shamrogue, 'sorry for assuming you did.

"Catback" is basically slang for an aftermarket exhaust system that replaces your current one from the rear of the catalytic converter on back to the terminus - thus "catback".

Unfortunatey, picking the "right one" is as much preference as science - for the most part -. What you will need to keep in mind is that the larger the pipe, the less the exhaust backpressure held in the system. *Too much* back pressure is bad - *too little*, is bad too.

See where the gray area comes in? Bends in the tubing restrict flow. How those bends are made greatly effect the restriction in a given tube size. If you pull a lot of weight, or tow, or just want a lot of low end power, think conservaitive. If you want a drag racer that will see "6000" RPM, think b.i.g.

. . this is a subject well worth a few hours research in the archives on as it will most definitely address the last part of your question directly; price.

HTH.

 

Thanks, will be "busy" at work tomorrow doing some additional reading!!

 

No problem at all Man, and again, Welcome to FTE.

 

Hi ctfuzzy,

Does a CATBACK have a muffler incorporated into it's system?
Would it be legal to use in Connecticut?
________________________________________________
‘90 Ranger XLT: 2.3L, EEC-IV, EFI, DIS, 2wd, Mazda 5sp

 

Yes a Catback will have a muffler to match the exhaust system of choice. The tail pipes should be mandrel bent which means they are smooth all the way through and do not neck down due to being bent by a ram.

A lot of restriction is formed by the exhaust pipe and all the curves and bends. Go to a local shop that does high performance exhausts talk to them. I had mine built to include a new cat converter and 2.5inch exhaust from the "Y" to the tail pipe tip. It cost me $350 for everything installed, a cat back can run a couple of hundred also and you still have the OEM cat which may have a restriction built in. On mine it went in at 2.5 inches came out the cat at 2 inches.

look at gibson exhausts (I have theirs on my F250) or some of the others out there, maybe flowmaster.

 

Hey Wolfen,
I am thinking it would be. As I understand it emissions compliance is the "father" of the catback.

In a few states you may not "tamper in any way" (quote) with the original catalitic converter unless it fails, and then a certified repair facility has to replace it and sign off on it.

HTH.
P.S. on my 98 4x4 4.0 OHV the pipes from the two heads literally converge into the cat - on the passenger's side. Thus the inlet is an approximately a 4"x2" oval. I thought that was rather ironic .

 

Have you noticed . .

I'm doing a terrible job of staying on topic