"New" '05 Escape

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May 9, 2006 | 11:31 PM

jcp123

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Joined: Jul 2005

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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX

"New" '05 Escape

Hey guys...we just got an '05 Escape V6 AWD and an '05 F150 Screw as "stablemates" for my Bronco. What can y'all tell me about the Escape? What are some of the problems with it and what especially should I keep a close eye on? I've heard the 4-speed auto tranny the backed the twin-cam 3-liter up with is something of a POS...any truth to this? Also, any recommended mods as far as power/gas mileage goes?

May 9, 2006 | 11:58 PM

seamonkey49

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Joined: Mar 2005

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I've had a great time with my '05 XLT. I take it off-road a lot, so its getting a workout. I highly recommend four performance addons:

1. SCT XCalibrator computer tuner (If you only do one mod, do this one!)
2. Weapon-R air induction + cold air kit (only one I found for the Escape)
3. Performance exhaust--I picked a Gibson that makes less noise.
4. Franz oil bypass filter (wefilterit.com)

I am now getting 33% better MPGs (from 15 MPG up to 20 MPG) and about 25% more HP (200 HP up to 250 HP), based on my dyno kit.

In addition, I have upgraded the brake pads and replaced the factory Continental tires with Hankook Dynapro AT RF08s.

Last edited by seamonkey49; May 10, 2006 at 12:02 AM. Reason: more info

May 10, 2006 | 12:47 AM

jcp123

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Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 542

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From: Milpitas, CA; Tyler, TX

It's my Mom's putt-putt and shares occasional ski duty with my Bronco, so we don't need anything too major modswise. I'll take those last two under serious consideration, they seem dead on.

How is it off-road? I had thought the F150 and Escape seem to do everything my Bronco was bought for with the exception of being able to get around in the sandy soil here for property maintenance...could the Escape's AWD handle that? I hadn't even considered it much of an off-roader, especially in this sandy stuff.

BTW, what part of the bay are you in? We just moved from there.

May 10, 2006 | 01:13 AM

bananaboat

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Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 464

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From: Texas

Google on CD4E - the Ford/Mazda tranny used for 12 years. I've never had any problems with my two Escapes but I wouldn't suggest pushing it's limits.

May 10, 2006 | 02:53 AM

seamonkey49

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Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 94

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Adding the SCT Xcalibrator has given my Escape much better low end torque, as well as smoother shifting, which is one of the reasons I highly recommend the tuner.

May 15, 2006 | 05:06 PM

DoctorCAD

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Joined: Feb 2004

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Sorry, you may theoretically have 250 HP in your V6, but you most likely have about 180 real world HP. Even blown Escapes don't put down 250 HP

Also, only a K & N filter and I get 24 mpg with my V6 on the highway

I don't think there are nearly enough ads on this site yet.