Performance Change Question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 17, 2004 | 09:42 PM

I-OWN-1-2

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Performance Change Question

Hi Guys/Gals,

I'm a newbie with a few questions about performance improvements.

I own a 93 extended cab with a 351 (5.8). I'm looking to find a little more power.

1) I have a set of Lightning factory headers. I noticed they do not have an EGR valve connection like the factory manifolds. I was planning to weld a fitting to allow for the hookup but I was wondering what Ford did different on the Lightning EGR hookup?

2) Also, has anyone made this swap and is it worth the effort?

3) I plan a K&N filter. Seems to me that any changes to improve intake flow and exhaust flow are always worth performing. For those that have used a K&N, what are your thoughts on the performance change?

4) I noticed people selling resistors to fake out the computer feed. This looks simple and cheap. Has anyone made this change and if so do you know the spec (ohmic value) of the resistor and where it is installed?

5) I've been researching performance chips and understand most people are happy with the change. I also understand some require an octane change and some have two settings built in to allow the user to switch depending on their last octane purchase. Are there any other down side issues with a chip change?

Thanks for your time and responses.

Mar 18, 2004 | 12:07 AM

EPNCSU2006

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,557

Likes: 44

From: Concord, NC

Well I can answer a couple of those - The lightning had an EGR crossover through the intake manifold, the same as a mustang. The resistor chips to fool the computer are a waste of money. Don't buy one - the computer was designed to operate best under sensed conditions, and if it doesn't sense one condition correctly, it is going to cause driveability problems. I've got a K&N, and can't really tell that the filter alone did much of anything, but combined with a cat-back exhaust and a tune up when I first bought my truck, got the mileage from 12 MPG to around 14-15.

Mar 18, 2004 | 04:34 PM

speedyredford

Junior User

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 60

Likes: 0

The resistor chips are a waste of money as EPNCSU2006 stated. They go in place of the incomming air temperature sensor and fools the computer into thinking the air is colder, so the computer puts in more fuel into the mixture. This seems like a good idea, but you will most likely not feel a great if any horsepower increase, and it is never a good idea to mess with computer sensors. The performance chip is a great idea, yes you have to increase octane rating to premium(93or92) but this is only a dollar or two, and if you can keep your foot out of it, they give you better mpg. Go for the exhaust as well, Ford factory mufflers are known to choke 302-351's.

Mar 20, 2004 | 10:40 AM

I-OWN-1-2

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Thanks guys for the responses. I do plan the exhuast change and modifying the the headers for the EGR connection. Having an electronics degree, I had reservations about the resistor mod, but wanted to learn more. Having seen one since this positing it is a poor attempt at increasing power and a low quality installation. No way I'll go in this direction.

Owning several Ford small block and big block motors, I would agree with speedyreford on factory exhuasts.

Thanks

Mar 20, 2004 | 10:51 AM

I-OWN-1-2

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 4

Likes: 0

Hey EPNCSU2006, I looked at your "User's Gallery" and saw that you and I only live about 10 miles apart. I'm just off 751 toward Jordan Lake near Jean’s Berry Patch.

Small world. Thanks for your response.

Reply Subscribe