01' Ranger Performance Mods

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Mar 17, 2005 | 12:01 AM

FirstOnRaceDay01

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01' Ranger Performance Mods

I have just bought a 2001 Ranger with a 4.0L SOHC V6 and auto trans. It has 80,000 miles on it and is completely stock as far as performance mods. I am wondering if anyone has experiance with moding this vehicle with the redily available after market bolt on parts, and which mods will give me the best bang for my buck. These are some things that came to mind: K&N Filter Kit ($250), Granatelli Mass Air ($340), Gibson Exhaust ($260), JET computer Module ($230). Also, has anyone noticed an advantage to running synthetic oils in these later model engines. Most of my experiance is with old Ford muscle so this is a little different. If anyone has any advice please post.

Thanks

Mar 17, 2005 | 08:31 AM

IB Tim

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Mar 17, 2005 | 10:29 AM

rangerxlt02

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From: Zimmerman, MN

Out of that list, a chip will give you the best bang for the buck.

I think the mass air is the worst bang on the list. A better exhaust will help a bit (like 1 or 2 MPG increase if you can keep your foot of the gas). A upgraded air filter itself will help, the kit will probably not give you anything extra.

Now I have a K&N kit on my 02, along with a Gibson exhaust, and it's a bit better. Certainly won't be challenging anyone at a light with it. Saving up to drop in a chip, or a programmer so I don't have to go through the hassle of putting a chip in.

Your other best bang would be to redo the exhaust completely, from headers on down.

Mar 17, 2005 | 08:26 PM

Ken00

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Check out our site sponser, motorhaven.com, they may have better prices.

Mar 17, 2005 | 08:30 PM

98xlt4x4

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Welcome to FTE. Forget about the MAF sensor. A chip will be the most notable upgrade, but don't get the JET, haven't heard good things about them. Motorhaven (site supporter) sells Diablo chips and programmers, and usually have sales on them. The chip will also help the tranny shift better. I would also add a tranny cooler if there isn't already one. Next I would say exhaust, Gibson is good, and headers if you have the money to spend. I wouldn't use K&N, they'll let dirt in the engine if they aren't oiled right, and if they're over-oiled, they'll ruin the MAF sensor. Then, it'll also draw warm from the engine compartment. Buy a Purolator air filter (best combo of airflow and cleaning), and remove the silencer on the airbox. I've been told not to switch to synthetic oil on higher mileage engines, but it may not be a bad idea to run it in the differentials and T-case. Sorry if that was a little long-winded... Enjoy your new truck!

Last edited by 98xlt4x4; Mar 17, 2005 at 08:32 PM.

Mar 18, 2005 | 12:11 AM

FirstOnRaceDay01

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Thanks for the advice guys. Do you have any experience with the Fram Air Hog??

Mar 18, 2005 | 06:43 AM

D-ranged2.5

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From: Michigan

Many people I know consider Fram to provide a bad product. I have used Fram air and oil filters, and I'm not exactly impressed. This isn't to say I've had any huge problems with them... I just think other companies make a better product. I'd go with the "premium" model of a different brand if I were you... (I've used Purolator and they seem fine)
Just my $0.02
Oh, and a bonus $0.02... it can be kind of risky to switch to a synthetic oil at a high mileage. I use a partial synthetic that I switched a while back (there were still quite a few miles on my engine however) and I haven't had any problems. I know people who've made the switch... how your engine takes it is almost arbitrary. There are LOTS of threads on this topic you can check out on this board...