bolt on power ?
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Senior User
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bolt on power ?
my 96 xlt is getting up there in miles (184k) and i was wonderign if there is anything besides a total rebuild to boost the power ups some. it runs fine and there is nothing wrong with it.it does how ever need a tune up.i see these micrchip things on ebay and wonder if they are a gimmik or what.alos anyone ever sued "RESTORE"
thanks.
thanks.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Computer mods are ok if you really think you need 'em but I've never been a big fan of messing with the OEM hardware/software. Any computer that can be started and shut down as often, fed erroneous info,exposed to extreme temperature changes, bounced around off-road and still operate as reliably as the one in my truck should just be left alone! It works hard enough without me starting it on a new diet of aftermarket information.
Personally, tune her up... spend the money on OEM quality or better ignition components. Use high quality fluids and additives to clean up the years of crud build up inside her powerplant. The power will come back. And if its not enough after that, then look into improving airflow through the engine. Induction and exhaust restriction are the two biggest power inhibitors in vehicles equipped entirely with OEM parts. So improved intake and exhaust flow is the quickest road to increases in power if you ask me.
Personally, tune her up... spend the money on OEM quality or better ignition components. Use high quality fluids and additives to clean up the years of crud build up inside her powerplant. The power will come back. And if its not enough after that, then look into improving airflow through the engine. Induction and exhaust restriction are the two biggest power inhibitors in vehicles equipped entirely with OEM parts. So improved intake and exhaust flow is the quickest road to increases in power if you ask me.
Last edited by greystreak92; Mar 16, 2006 at 12:22 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
I use Lucas FI cleaner exclusively in every vehicle I own. I notice the improvement after just a month or two but I usually only use it about one every three months or before I head out on a long trip. Engine cleanup there are a number of products, none of which have perfect track records. I suggest a search of the forums on this one.
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thanks again, i use lucas oil stabilizer when i change the oil and love the product. i will try some of the fi cleaner. now withthe fi should i do it every couple of tanks since i havent done it ?
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for my 96 xlt I added a K&N FIPK stage II kit upgraded the ignition coil to a MSD, new plugs, new wires, and plan on doing an electric fan conversion soon as well as headers and new exhaust. just the few things i have done so far has been a noticable difference.
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From: Gateway to the West
Originally Posted by twisted
thanks again, i use lucas oil stabilizer when i change the oil and love the product. i will try some of the fi cleaner. now withthe fi should i do it every couple of tanks since i havent done it ?
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Gateway to the West
Cap and rotor, I use Motorcraft. Wires, there are a LOT of high quality products out there, compare and go with what suits your budget best. (The insulator is a bigger selling point for me than anything else since amperage loss through the insulator is usually the biggest drawback to wires). Plugs, I avoid what I like to call the "designer" plugs like splitfire, Bosch +2's & +4's. There really is no substitue for the plugs that were designed to go into the eninge in question so, Motorcraft or Autolite (race proven in Ford products) would be my suggestion.
