Expy Intake Questions
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Expy Intake Questions
I'm the proud new owner of a 2001 Expy 5.4 XLT.
I'm interested in power, but more concerned about mileage. So I'm thinking about getting a Airaid Cold Air Intake, a Poweraid Throttle Body Spacer, Grantelli Mass Air Flow Sensor, a Tornado, a Gibson Exhaust, & a SuperChip. Does this sound like a winning combination?
Here are my concerns:
1. With the increased cost for Premium Gas using the SuperChip, should I realistically expect to save overall due to an increase in HP/Mileage? or should I leave out the SuperChip?
2. Is the Gibson Exhaust Noisy?
3. I've read the Horror Stories about K&N. Is Airaid the best Intake? I've been told so by a few people. Should I be concerned about dirty oil with Airaid? How does it pull air from the Fender as opposed to hot air from under the hood?
Thanks! Baze
I'm interested in power, but more concerned about mileage. So I'm thinking about getting a Airaid Cold Air Intake, a Poweraid Throttle Body Spacer, Grantelli Mass Air Flow Sensor, a Tornado, a Gibson Exhaust, & a SuperChip. Does this sound like a winning combination?
Here are my concerns:
1. With the increased cost for Premium Gas using the SuperChip, should I realistically expect to save overall due to an increase in HP/Mileage? or should I leave out the SuperChip?
2. Is the Gibson Exhaust Noisy?
3. I've read the Horror Stories about K&N. Is Airaid the best Intake? I've been told so by a few people. Should I be concerned about dirty oil with Airaid? How does it pull air from the Fender as opposed to hot air from under the hood?
Thanks! Baze
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Joined: Oct 2000
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Hey Baze, welcome. All of your contemplated mods are "cool" but don't expect any real mileage gains. In fact, the superchip will probably give you the most improvement, but at the cost of more expensive fuel.
The Gibson is not obnoxious. It has a nice rumbling tone under acceleration.
The Gibson is not obnoxious. It has a nice rumbling tone under acceleration.
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Don't forget the Tornado! Another waste of money, yet I still see there's no shortage of takers. I was leaving Poop Boys the other day and they had a whole stack of them just waiting for those eager to pay something for nothing in return. Well maybe not nothing, you will get an education.
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How much will all of those mods cost? I would put the total towards a supercharger/transmission upgrade instead. If you still decide to pursue your original plan, I would ditch the Tornado. You would get the same performance gain (0) from purchasing and installing Yosemite Sam (Back Off!) mudflaps.
Don't forget the basics, such as fresh sparkplugs.
Don't forget the basics, such as fresh sparkplugs.
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Buzzard, Thanks for the Welocme, Buddy.
Hkiefus & Paul, I'm getting mixed info about the Tornado. It makes Logical sense that it would work, for the same reason that a Throttle Body Spacer would - making a vortex, and forcing more air in, but I have only heard one person say it does any good. Any idea why logic doesn't meet reality with that thing?
Good point, Paul. That's the topic of my next post...Plugs, Wires, etc. What's the best for a 2001 w/ the 5.4?
Hkiefus & Paul, I'm getting mixed info about the Tornado. It makes Logical sense that it would work, for the same reason that a Throttle Body Spacer would - making a vortex, and forcing more air in, but I have only heard one person say it does any good. Any idea why logic doesn't meet reality with that thing?
Good point, Paul. That's the topic of my next post...Plugs, Wires, etc. What's the best for a 2001 w/ the 5.4?
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The good/bad news is that your 5.4 does not use conventional spark plug wires, using instead a system consisting of eight separate coils mounted above the plugs (known on the board as coil-on-plug or COP system).
The greatest argument against the Tornado is that no automobile manufacturer is using it. If it worked, every single gas-sucking SUV in the country would be equipped with four of them.
The greatest argument against the Tornado is that no automobile manufacturer is using it. If it worked, every single gas-sucking SUV in the country would be equipped with four of them.
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From: Hendersonville,NC
I put WMS velocity tube on mine. Its a 3.5" tube and uses your existing filter box and has a 3" tube to replace the 1 that runs into the fender opening. I am not sure about any improvements because I put it on right after I got the Exp.. I also insulated the the tube and airbox.
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Logistics Pro
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From: All over Texas
Originally Posted by Baze
That's the topic of my next post...Plugs, Wires, etc. What's the best for a 2001 w/ the 5.4?
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Originally Posted by Baze
Hkiefus & Paul, I'm getting mixed info about the Tornado. It makes Logical sense that it would work, for the same reason that a Throttle Body Spacer would - making a vortex, and forcing more air in, but I have only heard one person say it does any good. Any idea why logic doesn't meet reality with that thing?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: All over Texas
Too, I think the throttle body controls the airflow to the intake manifold and only allows a certain amount of air through. Now if you install an aftermarket (~75mm) TB and port/polish the elbow then you'll have something.
The most bang for the buck is definitely in the Superchip. I bought one of the tuners a couple years ago and love the performance/flexibility it offers.
The most bang for the buck is definitely in the Superchip. I bought one of the tuners a couple years ago and love the performance/flexibility it offers.