I just recently bought a used KB for my Expedition. I was wondering if anyone has the instruction manuals they could email me before I try calling Kenne Bell. (I kinda lost my voice so I don't wan't to call quite yet)

Hkeifus, If you read this, do you still have your manual?

Thanks,
Steve

 

Yes I do, but our applications are different and the instructions differ. From a component by component perspective they are very much the same; however the specific instructions for extending wiring, routing hoses, etc. will be different.

I've got to say that the manual is VERY specific for the application (You have a 5.4 Triton SOHC and I have a 5.4 Intech DOHC). With that said, call the KB guys; they are really nice and will be glad to sell you a manual (something like 35-50 dollars and worth every penny).

I'd be glad to provide whatever advice I can and I' start with:

1) Read the manual 3 times. I dentify all of the parts/steps BEFORE you begin.
2) Make sure you have all of the parts necessary according to the instructions and order what you do not have from KB. (hoses, wiring, clamps, etc.)
3) Do all of the ancillary work first (wiring extensions, mount FMU and Boost-A-Pump).
4) Get the Denso plugs, and 180 degree thermostat.
5) Plan on the weekend for the main install; take one day to disassemble then rest. Take the second day to mount the big parts. (When its 'down' is the best time to replace the plugs.)
6) Follow the manual exactly. If this is an older unit it may come with updated instructions.
7) Get at least a fuel pressure guage; without it you will be blind. If you can, get the pillar and a vacuum/boost and fuel pressure guage.

 

hkiefus

Why do you recomend the denso plugs over the motorcraft plugs? Better preformance, longer life

 

Thanks hkeifus,
One of the reasons I wanted the manual was to check what I might need. It didn't come with a belt or a chip,so I'm pretty sure I need both of those. Then I was planning on calling Kenne Bell to order whatever I might need.

Did your kit come with any gaskets?

I guess I'll call first and ask what I might need.

Thanks for your help. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions soon.

Steve

 

MapMan: I'll tell you a little bit about my lack of modesty. I am an excellent engineer. But What I don't have is the first hand experience that the folks at KB have, so I'll use what they suggest. It is their product and the Denso's are their suggestion. This is not to say that I do not do a significant amount of rengineering. But only after I have collected sufficient emperical data. There is a group of guys over at got-pressure.com that have a significant deal of experience as well. One of them suggest that NGK plugs becuase the ground is a thin wire that will burn off causing a misfile and therefore will prevent more significant damage. Likewise, there are others that insist the Motorcraft are just fine. The only evidence I have thus far is that where my motor would flatten out at 4800 - 5250, it now remains strong until shift. (My motor was new with plugs 2-3K miles before I did the SC install, so I waited a bit. I can say every piece of advice/direction I have had from KB is correct, so that is where I start. Some guys suggest canning the FMU and BAP from the get go. I've got it running acceptably with them.

 

Whilly, start by getting the manual. I don't know about your excitement but trust me when I say that if you get your ducks in a row before you begin tearing things apart you'll have a much more positive experience. The KB guys will be able to get you each and every part you desire. You can of course just go to Ford (or your favorite parts house) for the gaskets and other standard parts. Likewise, you can ask them for the belt size and pick that up too. I can tell you my belt size, but again our applications are different.

You are going to need that chip and you may be in luck, I have an extra. But you will have to send it to them for reprogramming. You are going to have to locate your 'catch codes' and supply it to them with the chip for your correct burn. This costs $199 as I recall.

Now, you are going to get a bit of advice: again I don't know if this applies to your application or not.

1) In step ~48 of ~50 of reassembly you are asked to mount the chip. When you remove the PCM you are asked to locate two small (about 1/16) inch square capacitors/resistors (I can't remeber which) on the PCM circuit board. If they are absent KB says the chip will not work. I had pulled my PCM weeks before the install and they were there. How sad I would have been to be two steps away from running only to have to send my PCM to KB for two weeks while they installed them.
2) To each his own. I did NOT like the shift points KB put in. Read my post in the SC forum to see my entire story of my install for details. I'd suggest retaining the stock programming.

Number 1 above is why I suggest reading the manual three times and studying and simulating each step before you begin. If you don't mind having your ride down for several weeks then just jump into it. For me, half the thrill was 'the perfect install' and given the care with which I planned it, you will see if you read the story that I still had kinks to work out and was in fact ready to take it off and give it away at one point (if it wasn't for the encouragement from the boys at my dealership). If they had only said that "oh yea they all suck and are hard to get right" they would have had them one free SC. But I did not give up.