I have a 1998 F150 XLT STX single cab with a 4.2 V6 4x2 and auto transmission. I bought it used with 10000 miles on it and the only thing it has is an clifford intellaguard and a bug shield. So what I wanted to know what kind of engine interior and exterior improvements that I could do that would give me the most bang for my buck. Any info would be greatly appreciated please include brand names and where they could purchased.

 

Two of the more common, but effective peformance upgrades would be adding a cat-back exhaust system, and a K&N air filter to help the engine breathe better...I used the Gibson cat-back on my truck; but Borla, Flowmaster, and a variety of other manufacturers make good systems. There was a pronounced horsepower and performance gain, as well as a moderate mileage gain with these items installed on my truck...I have the 4.6 Triton, but I'd expect similar gains with the V6.

As far as appearance goes, well, I wouldn't mess too much with a damn nice looking truck. I've seen a lot of guys go overboard with the acessories and make their rides look pretty tacky. One thing I would recommend is that if you're going to add a soft tonneau cover, spend the couple of extra bucks and custom order the charcoal grey color....the trucks look really gaudy with the black tonneaus matched with the grey bed rails and rear window trim.

Have fun decorating,
Bill

 

i have a 96 bronco...am about to insulate the air tube from the grill to the manifold with insulating material....the battery and starter have factory wraps already...try under drive pulleys too if you intend to push it on the street...not too expensive...and a Tuffy security console for your big $$ items inside.
Good luck,
Al

 

As far as exterior bang,wheels and tires do the
most for ext appearance. A 2in front,and 4in rear
suspension drop works wonders with improving the
stance. and from there a custom grille and body
colored custom bumper cover make it a knockout.
I am in the slow but enjoyable process of doing this to my 98 ext.cab. Another thing I have noticed
is that some people are removing the side body
moldings,this really cleans up the overall look of
the truck in my opinion,but it all depends on where
you have to park. and how often you want to repair door dings. If you decide to do this use an adhesive remover like Sticker shock(brand name)that
won't harm the paint. I've actually seen people pull the trim off without it and they ended up pulling the side panels out enough to distort the metal. Good luck,and have fun.

 

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I also have a '98 f150 stx, except i have a 4.6 triton V8. For the engine, I would recommend either an Iceman air intake system or a K&N air filter. Both work great, but i prefer the K&N. Along with better air flow, you will want better outflow. I put the 40 series flow masters on mine with dual sport tips exiting in front of the right side rear wheel. It made a sportier apperance. You can buy a performance ship for it, but that should come last. To make it work best, get the intake, the exhaust, and headers. If you don't already have enough mods that count, you're just playing around with a chip, it won't really give you all that you could have. If you really want speed and power, get a cam, the only downside is the cost. They're an extremly expensive mod. A supercharger or a turbo would also work. I just put a super on mine, and now i'm reaching horsepower above the lightning.
As for the body, ground effects have given my truck a great look. A new hood would improve along with the ground effects, or running boards, both look stunning. Cervinis has some great hoods. As for any other body improvments, go get a "Truckin'" magazine and flip through, they've got advertisements that can really help decide. I don't know any of the names for these parts right off, but this mag will really help. Also think about the color style. Mine is black, so the windows are tinted as much as possible, with blackouts for the front and back lights. Everything about it is black. Carefully plan how you want it to look and it will pay off. Color means a lot to makeing a custom truck look good.

 

I love ford, but I got to ask you, how in god's name are you pushing more hp than a lightning with the mods you talked about? I mean, maybe you forgot to mention other things you've added. Here is my reasoning. take two F-150's. One with a 4.6 V8 (like yours) and one with a 5.4 V8. The 4.6 stock puts out roughly 230hp, and the 5.4 puts out (i may be wrong) about 240. I may be off on the numbers, but my point is, the larger 5.4 generates more hp, or else everyone would just go for the 4.6.

Now, you say you have a 4.6L V-8 with a supercharger, etc. The lightning has a 5.4L V-8 with a supercharger as well. Based on this alone, the lightning should in theory, and does in fact have more hp...about 370 for this past model, and in 2002, 380 hp. I cannot see any possible reasoning behind your statement, or think of any reason why you would produce more hp than the bigger engine lightning.

I am not trying to start a controversy, nor am I saying you are wrong. Perhaps you have more mods that you didn't mention which create the hp. If so, please let me know, because I too am looking for better mods. I have a 99 f150 regular cab short bed V6. I added gibson cat back true dual exhaust, diablo chip, paxton blower, k&n filtercharger, splitfire plugs and wires. The truck was stock 205 hp, now on the dyno is running 290 hp. I am very pleased at the increase on the little 4.2 L i got. The pick up is phenomenal..i've beaten several camaros and mustangs off the line. Passing on the highway is a snap...i'll be doing 70, and then floor it and in a matter of seconds (literally) I'm at 90 mph and passing that unsightly dodge ram!!! Anyways, have a good one, long life king ford!

 

Suggest putting a K&N air filter on it, can get from JC Whitney. I also have a 1998 XL 4.2 auto but extended cab. Am installing cruise myself and changing bench seats over to the 60/40 split seats with center console. Have installed bug shield and bed protector myself, put mud flaps on rear to protect my new boat I pull with it.