I have a 2003 F150 Crew Cab, 5.4 with 6600 tow package. I have a 5000 lb trailer and would like to increase power and economy to better climb the 6 & 7% hills. I’d like to know if anyone has had experience or suggestions on the following items including specific brands and increase in fuel mileage and horsepower: Headers, cool air intake, duel exhaust (is stainless really worth the extra $) and Hypertech Power Programmer or other management system. Thanks

 

I had a '02 f150 fx4 w/tow package. I put in a K & N air filter (pain in the butt to keep MAF clean) and a Superchips programer. Truck ran a lot better and picked up about 2 mpg on the highway. Used more gas in town 'cause I couldn't keep foot out of it.

 

Stainless is only worth it is you live where there's a lot of salt on the roads, or you frequently have people looking under your truck!

A programmer will definitely help, more than an intake will but in combination they both help (the intake mainly on the top end). With the headers, I recommend getting an SCT Xcalibrator2 so it can be custom programmed for them: http://www.motorhaven.com/catalog/ca...er_page_1.html

 

Lots of folks say the cold air intake is a waste, but most seem to agree on the programer. I think I'll go with one to start and see how it goes. Did you have to switch high octane? Thanks!

 

No salt here in AZ, heck we havn't had rain in 130 days! Most everybody seems to think the programer will help. Do you have one you've used? Will headers really help? Without duals? Thanks for your help

 

The tuner has 3 settings, 89 octane performance, towing, and 92 performance. I ran mine on the 92 octane setting. Forgot, I also put a Magnaflow muffler on in place of the stock muffler. Headers wouldn't do much good with out more engine mods to make it worth the cost.

 

Thanks for the info. I read that some of the chips and programmers only have high octane settings. This helps.

 

What is your rear differential gear ratio?

If it's too tall, gears may be a good solution for you.

My tow package came with 3.31, was a real dog. 4.10 helped out a lot for me. 3.73 is a good compromise for the load you're pulling, assuming you don't have this ratio.

 

3.55LS 6% hills I'm doing 50mph at 3500rpm!

 

3.73 won't make enough of a difference to be worthwhile, IMHO, if you've already got 3.55s

I was really impressed when I jumped to 4.10, should have done it when the truck was new.

 

Most everybody agrees with you regarding the 4.10's. Sounds like a project!