What to do?
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What to do?
Hello everybody - this is my first post! I have an '06 F150 Crew Cab, FX4, 5.4 bought in California. BTW - This is the BEST vehicle I have owned in many, many years. That said, I have some questions.
I'm moving in a couple of weeks to Ft. Collins, Colorado. I believe there are no or few smog restrictions there (there are fairly strict regs in the Denver area, though). In the interest of gaining more power, what can/should I strip off smog-wise (for those who don't know, California smog regs are very restrictive)? What should I add (CAI, exhaust, etc...)?
I don't want to spend a ton of cash as I use that for my track car, but I sure would like to know if I can get significantly better performance for a small investment. Thanks in advance for your help!
I'm moving in a couple of weeks to Ft. Collins, Colorado. I believe there are no or few smog restrictions there (there are fairly strict regs in the Denver area, though). In the interest of gaining more power, what can/should I strip off smog-wise (for those who don't know, California smog regs are very restrictive)? What should I add (CAI, exhaust, etc...)?
I don't want to spend a ton of cash as I use that for my track car, but I sure would like to know if I can get significantly better performance for a small investment. Thanks in advance for your help!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,365
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From: Ketchikan, AK.
i would definately look into getting an edge programmer. many of us fte users love it. exhaust is always nice too... the edge works really well with the magnaflow systems. as for a cai.... some here love them, and others say the stock setup allows for plenty of air to get to the engine. try doing some searches... you will find a ton of info and opinions !!! welcome to the boards !!!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: CO
They did lift the emission inspection requirment in Larimer County this year, but if you ever move to Denver County or others that still require them, you'd be kicking yourself. They may be still running the portable "sniffer" stations too that can supposedly pick up offending vehicles, but I haven't seen them for awhile.
You can't really go tearing a lot of stuff off these days anyway without the PCM ralphing up an error code, so I think you'd be happy with the things matt suggested.
You can't really go tearing a lot of stuff off these days anyway without the PCM ralphing up an error code, so I think you'd be happy with the things matt suggested.
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VFRMan: Good points. I don't need racecar speed, just thought a few 'allowed' changes would make the drive better.
mattd17: Thanks. I did a search here and found that those same mods have worked for others.
Thanks everyone for the input.
Cheers
mattd17: Thanks. I did a search here and found that those same mods have worked for others.
Thanks everyone for the input.
Cheers
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Stripping emission components to gain power is mostly a thing of the past...it kind of went out with those pelletized bed catalytic converters of the 70's. On a modern vehicle stripping emissions equipment will make minimal, if any power and may actually cost power as the computer goes into limited function mode due to errors created.
As others have said, you have much more to gain by installing a programmer, CAI, or cat-back exhaust than by the classic 'gutting the cat' or other home brew mods.
As others have said, you have much more to gain by installing a programmer, CAI, or cat-back exhaust than by the classic 'gutting the cat' or other home brew mods.
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Sorry, I don't think I was clear. I didn't mean to imply removing components would be necessary, although I admit I'm lagging a bit in the tech department. I figured a better-flowing intake and exhaust, along with proper 'reprogramming', would probably do the trick. If I'm reading this correctly, it seems I'll need to get checked out on 'programmers' - apparently technology past me by since plug in 'chips'.
Thanks again for the info.
Thanks again for the info.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE Georgia
CAI, Catback, Tuner
those three will get you the most bang for your buck. and they're all 50 state legal. I think the CAI may/may not be Cali legal, but most say right on the box if yes/no.
If you've got ~$5,000 to drop, the Rousch Supercharger bolts in without modifications and maintains your 3yr/36,000 powertrain warranty...even if you install it. It'll get you from 400-500 RWHP depending on your tune and boost.
btw, gutting the cats will get you a CEL and actually make you lose HP.
For the normal person, the Edge is the way to go. It comes with 3 pre-programmed tunes and will wake your truck up. A X-Calibrator2 or Livewire from SCT with custom programming will gain you the best results, but you need dyno tuning done in conjunction with these.
those three will get you the most bang for your buck. and they're all 50 state legal. I think the CAI may/may not be Cali legal, but most say right on the box if yes/no.
If you've got ~$5,000 to drop, the Rousch Supercharger bolts in without modifications and maintains your 3yr/36,000 powertrain warranty...even if you install it. It'll get you from 400-500 RWHP depending on your tune and boost.
btw, gutting the cats will get you a CEL and actually make you lose HP.
For the normal person, the Edge is the way to go. It comes with 3 pre-programmed tunes and will wake your truck up. A X-Calibrator2 or Livewire from SCT with custom programming will gain you the best results, but you need dyno tuning done in conjunction with these.