4.9 Six Towing Mods
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
4.9 Six Towing Mods
Anyone have any tricks for increased tow power on these engines? I just bought a 96 Econoline with a Quigley 4X4 conversion in it. I will primarily use it for my business with some highway towing to my vacation home 375 miles away. Good fuel mileage and reliability are a must.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: The KeyStone State
Why would Ford put a six in that beast?, hint hint. (Mines a 1988)
What gears/ transmission and tires are on your truck?
These are the two best things you can do for the EFI big six.
A sensible aproach to replacing the exhaust system with an aftermarket hi-flow cat and 2.5" pipe throughout will really enhance topend power.
Please do not install a flowmaster muffler(unless you like resonance),
An OEM canister style muffler is adequate.
Installing an aftermarket cam will bring out a moderate performance gain.
These should fine with your computer.
Crane p/n 503905 should give decent gains.
Also Crower p/n 19212 is a little less rich blooded than the Crane.
Summit sells either of the cams, though I'd pick the latter for better relibility and mileage, even though it cost about $35 more. (then again I've got to contend with a motor that has 214K)
Plus depending on local emissions inspection, too radical a cam may cause problems.
Replacing the original phenolic cam gears with a steel set, will improve reliability too.
-J-R-
What gears/ transmission and tires are on your truck?
These are the two best things you can do for the EFI big six.A sensible aproach to replacing the exhaust system with an aftermarket hi-flow cat and 2.5" pipe throughout will really enhance topend power.
Please do not install a flowmaster muffler(unless you like resonance),
An OEM canister style muffler is adequate.
Installing an aftermarket cam will bring out a moderate performance gain.
These should fine with your computer.
Crane p/n 503905 should give decent gains.
Also Crower p/n 19212 is a little less rich blooded than the Crane.
Summit sells either of the cams, though I'd pick the latter for better relibility and mileage, even though it cost about $35 more. (then again I've got to contend with a motor that has 214K)
Plus depending on local emissions inspection, too radical a cam may cause problems.
Replacing the original phenolic cam gears with a steel set, will improve reliability too.
-J-R-
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Thanks Yakk,
The van has 265/75 tires now but I'm going back to the stock 235/75. Who makes a good exhaust that is emissions legal and bolt on? Can I eliminate one converter and still pass inspection and not have computer problems? There is one O2 sensor between the OEM converters. This year has the split exhaust manifolds with a sensor in each also.
I know what you mean about Flowmaster I had one put on my wifes Explorer hoping to pick up some MPG and power whitch I did but towing on the NE Extension on the long climbs you get the resonance you talked about.
The van has 265/75 tires now but I'm going back to the stock 235/75. Who makes a good exhaust that is emissions legal and bolt on? Can I eliminate one converter and still pass inspection and not have computer problems? There is one O2 sensor between the OEM converters. This year has the split exhaust manifolds with a sensor in each also.
I know what you mean about Flowmaster I had one put on my wifes Explorer hoping to pick up some MPG and power whitch I did but towing on the NE Extension on the long climbs you get the resonance you talked about.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: The KeyStone State
I'm pretty sure Gibson makes a cat-back exhaust with a 3 inch tailpipe.
But 3" is too much, plus you'll still have the original cats.
If they(NJ) only plug into the diagnostic port to check your emissions, you may be safe to remove the second one. So long as the mechanic doesn't notice the missing cat.
Otherwise just have both replaced with an aftermarket cat.(If they use dynamic smog testing equipment.)
The best bet for exhaust would be a privately owned shop that bends their own pipe.
-J-R-
But 3" is too much, plus you'll still have the original cats.
If they(NJ) only plug into the diagnostic port to check your emissions, you may be safe to remove the second one. So long as the mechanic doesn't notice the missing cat.
Otherwise just have both replaced with an aftermarket cat.(If they use dynamic smog testing equipment.)
The best bet for exhaust would be a privately owned shop that bends their own pipe.
-J-R-
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
