I have a 2001 5.4 auto SD. I would like to do some "bolt-on" upgrades. What works? The later 5.4's have more HP than the earlier ones, will they still benefit from a chip? Thanks for any help.

 

Yes, they will benefit from a chip.
In my opinion, the chip is the one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get some more out of your 5.4
It was a very noticable upgrade on my truck.
I really didn't "feel" any noticable gains with my gibson cat back or my K&N FIPK, I'm not saying there wasn't any, but to me if there was , it wasn't noticable.
I'm sure a set of top shelf headers and a real dual exhaust would be beneficial.

 

Yeti's right. The chip is the absolute best mod I did. The exhaust is O.K. I have a Gibson cat-back. What I wish I did, now, was keep the stock pipe and just replace the muffler with something high-flow. I'd say either go with just a muffler or go with Yet1's setup. Headers and dual exhaust. Anything inbetween won't be too noticeable. A catback is primarily for sound.(IMHO) Although I did feel some top end gain, for a truck, you want low end. Look into modifying the intake. Don't spend the bucks on a full FIPK. Do a search and you'll see what I mean.
I'm planning on doing shocks and tires soon. Then it'll be an electric fan kit. Then for something completely different. I've got an idea brewing to do a TRUE ram-air set up. Basically relocating the MAF and filter to a hole in the hood. No bends. One straight shot from the hood to the throttle body.
I'm down to 3 types of tires, Michelin, BFG, and Bridgestone Dueler. It all depends on which is going to get me through the mud and snow the best and still get some high miles.
Shocks are also down to 3. Rancho, Bilstien, and Pro Comp. Probably will be Rancho.
And last but not least is the big one. SUPERCHARGE!!! A few companies make them for our trucks. You can bolt on 50% more hp for only $5000. Approximately. Welcome to the world of mods. Hope you got deep pockets.

 

I just got my 06 260 and have been looking into upgrades. What chip are yall running? I was thinking about Flowmaster muffler and a chip.

 

a chip is the biggest waste of money on a 99-04 5.4 motor! The two valve heads and horrible intake wont flow enough air, if you want a pick me up save roughly $2200.00 and get a gear swap. Ive had three different types of tuners two canned tuners and a custom tune filed SCt and they all do nothing for the 2valve 5.4 motor. Others on here have done the same on their 5.4 and all come to the same conclusion THEY SUCK. Only thing that helps is the proper gear swap for the height tires you run, im running 4.30 gears on 255/85r16 tires and its perfect for the tire i have NOW. Problem is i want to go to 35's but i know for a fact the 4.30 will not be enough for 35's especially since i tow a trailer and i use 4wd in heavy topsoil/sand New Jersey farm mud

 

A gear swap would give you more usable power for the dollar over any other mod listed. 4.30 or higher. It dosent matter how much power you have at the fly wheel if you loosing it to a under geared chassis. A 200hp truck geared properly would feel like a 300hp truck that isnt geared properly. The cat, muffler and y pipe are the biggest restriction in the stock set up. A cat back addresses the muffler and you pay for pipes that probably arnt giving you any gain over stock. Headders are nice but if the y pipe restricts the flow youve gained nothing again. Tuning is great but know that there is only so much that can be done. It isnt going to be as dramatic as a turbo diesel tuning wise. A gas engine you will likely pick up 15-30 hp and if your lucky that would be rear wheel hp. While the numbers are low the way the engine makes power is the key. If it added only 75hp at redline the tuner would be worthless but if the tuning increased the powerband from idle on to redline then it would likely be more benificial. Dont however think a tuner or exhaust or even a cai is going to give you some magical fuel mpg improvement. As I post this 2 or 3 people will testify to something like 3 or 5 mpg better with a k&n and a exhaust. Ive done alot of different bolt ons on various different trucks. Intakes make them louder because you hear the air rushing in. Exhausts make them louder exiting the truck. Tuners improve drivability. And now that you spent a thousand dollars for a marginal improvement you want to justify the cost. With gears you wont be havibg to justify the cost you will notice the difference

 

ive had it all on my 2004 F350 with 5.4......... K&N cold air kit, throttle body spacer both are now removed. Had a problem on my brand new four stroke dirt bike, K&N let dirt through so i removed all my K&N products and went stock and standard foam filters. Spacer was removed because the truck wouldn't idle correctly.
I installed Gibson headers felt nothing added nothing, the y-pipe made i could feel a little better low end but no more MPG. Changed cat and exhaust didn't feel nor see any MPG increase, STILL best thing i did was gears gears gears

 

Another think you could so is search around for a lightning supercharger. They can be had for cheap and I have seen plenty of complete kits.

 

problem is the mass air etc is different and needs custom wiring and then tuning, and the two builds ive seen they both were not happy with the power outcome afterwards

 

this thread is 12 yrs old

 

Good catch!

 

I guess people have been seeking power out of the 5.4 forever

 

They are a mod motor you really cant mod.

 

even thou i feel these 5.4 2 valve engines are dogs, i dont use it to race, i use it to tow. if i wanted something fast, i would sell the truck and buy a mustang. like SuperDutyScaler pointed out, it does great in the sand and swamps of new jersey.