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Old Mar 15, 2006 | 11:46 PM
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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.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 12:20 AM
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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.
 

Last edited by greystreak92; Mar 16, 2006 at 12:22 AM.
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 02:15 PM
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Most chips require the use of premium fuel too. I have one and it works good, but with gas prices so high anyways, it spends more time in it's cardboard box than in the truck.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 03:54 PM
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thanks guys, can you recomend a good quality cleaner for the engine and injectors. thanks.
 
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Old Mar 16, 2006 | 07:03 PM
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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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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 12:23 AM
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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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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 01:41 AM
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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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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 01:44 AM
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oh and don't forget the rotor and cap
 
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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 12:48 PM
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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 ?
I'd try every other tank for the next few just to see how much improvement you will really get. When the improvements "level off" you can probably get back to a schedule of your own liking. Like the oil stabilizer, the stuff WORKS.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 01:38 PM
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when i replace the plugs and wires/cap and rotor should i use motorcraft parts or after market ?

thanks again.
 
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Old Mar 17, 2006 | 08:47 PM
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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.
 
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