HI, i have a 1994 ranger s/c 4x4 5spd 3.73 rears with a 1997 3.0 in it. I am tired of not being able to use overdrive going 70 because it doesn't have the guts to hold speed. I have been considering some sort of a chip. How much can I expect to gain with 89 octane? I want to get enough power to truck down the road 70 and hold o/d at least? Any help would be great.

-K460

 

I'm surprised your having a problem doing 70 in OD, are you sure the engine isn't down on power? Low compression, needs a tune up, ect.

 

Oops look below

 

I may have been over the line by saying that it wont hold 70, its more like you have to go 70 to stay in od, but do you think a programer would give me about the power of an older 4.0 (pre 2000 or whenever they came out with the sohc one)

 

bump.....anyone

 

I wouldnt have a clue what it might be. I have a 94 ranger 3.0 5-speed 4x2 and it can hold it's own going 55mph in OD(5th gear), let alone 70mph. I can be going 85mph in 5th gear and hold it there, up and down hills.

89 octane wouldn't gain you anything. I've tried regular 89 and 89 with 10% ethanol and neither one gains you anything. The higher the octane rating, the harder it is to ignite. Thats why drag cars and others at the track use 110 octane and up to prevent detonation, which is a 2nd firing of the spent fuel.

As far as the computer goes, holler at me when(IF) you find someone or someplace to tune a 94 ranger no matter what motot!!

Try these on for size and get back to us:
K&N air filter
Fuel injector cleaner(sea foam, chevron techron)
5w30 motor oil vs. 10vs30
check and make sure your butterfly is actually at WOT when your gas pedal is floored since you've replaced the motor
Clean your MAF and Throttle body(you can find those instructions on this website)
Just do a straight-up tune-up! plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, pcv valve, on top of above!

Any one of those things will free up a little power if not already done!

 

it has the computer out of the 97 also which would be obd 2 so i should be able to buy a tuner for it, has new plugs, and it uses coils not dist. wires, fuel filter, pcv at about 3,000 miles ago when the motor was put in, and i am running motorcraft 5w30, ran some stp through the tank about 500 miles ago, tb was hot tanked and maf is new from ford and K@N filters do basicly nothing to help as another thread has stated.

 

The K&N helped free a couple ponies that I could feel in the seat of my pants, it allows it to breath easier. If not a power gain, it allows the engine to rev easier w/ less restriction. Even if the K&N way doesn't do it for you go for an intake kit(new and bigger tude filter, MAF) might not be the biggest power gain, but power is power.

 

You might want to try changing out the muffler. Go with Magnaflow if you want. Its cheaper and flows better than flowmaster....look at a cutaway and you'll see the difference.....and since the tailpipe might need to be changed as well, have your shop have it exit in front of the wheel well. Gas milage will also improve, but don't expect much H/P boost till you pass 3,000 rpm with the 3.0.