Need some advice.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2009
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Need some advice.
I have a 2004 F-150 stx with a 4.6. I had installed K&N cool air intake, 40 series flow masters, and have a Diablosport Predator on 93 octane. It seems fast but not fast enough. Im not for sure what kind of gear is in the rear but you guys think i should install 3.73 limted slip to it? Also has anyone tried to install some long tube headers? Thank you.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
search the forum for your answers.
sorry to be callous sounding...but this topic has been beat to death on a weekly basis since 2004.
you have 3.55 gears in your rear 8.8 axle currently. you need at least 4.10 gears to notice a difference. 3.73 are too close for any significant gain.
and LT Headers are worthless unless you are running a forced induction setup. $1,000 roughly for maybe a 10 HP gain
sorry to be callous sounding...but this topic has been beat to death on a weekly basis since 2004.
you have 3.55 gears in your rear 8.8 axle currently. you need at least 4.10 gears to notice a difference. 3.73 are too close for any significant gain.
and LT Headers are worthless unless you are running a forced induction setup. $1,000 roughly for maybe a 10 HP gain
Senior User
Joined: May 2008
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From: Americas' hat (Canada)
There are still numerous things you can add to gain some extra horsepower, but after the usual intake/exhaust/computer upgrades, you're looking at either a high dollar HP bump (supercharger) or multiple upgrades which will give you maybe an extra 30 HP in the end.
As Tylus said, you would want to switch to a 4.10 gear to really notice a difference. With that, you'll notice a major difference in fuel mileage as well. If that isn't a concern, then go for it.
If you're still yearning for more power, and haven't added the supercharger, there are numerous things you can do. Upgrade your C.O.P.'s, install a larger injector, switch to an electric fan. Just don't expect a significant difference with these things.
I'd just buy a supercharger and be happy with it. You'll love it.
As Tylus said, you would want to switch to a 4.10 gear to really notice a difference. With that, you'll notice a major difference in fuel mileage as well. If that isn't a concern, then go for it.
If you're still yearning for more power, and haven't added the supercharger, there are numerous things you can do. Upgrade your C.O.P.'s, install a larger injector, switch to an electric fan. Just don't expect a significant difference with these things.
I'd just buy a supercharger and be happy with it. You'll love it.
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how safe is a supercharger? I think im just gonna go with a with new gear and still leaning towards long tube headers cause of my exhaust manifold is cracked. Hate the popping noise
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
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From: SE Georgia
Problem with LT's is the money. A decent setup will run you upwards of $700. A good setup will be $1,000 or more
vs. maybe $150 for a OEM manifold.
and the LT's will net you 10-15 HP with custom tuning.
superchargers are very very safe. 8-9 psi on a 4.6 2v will net you about 400-450 crank HP. keep it below 10 PSI and decent tuning, and your motor will last forever. I ran 6 PSI on my 5.4 3v and it was a pure blast.
are you 4x4 or 4x2? runs about $1,500 for new gears installed on a 4x4...1/2 that cost for a 4x2.
I highly suggest you do do gears first. If 4x2...Ford Racing has 4.30 gears for your axle. It would give you a huge punch in the performance area...and if you run slightly oversized tires, help compensate for them
vs. maybe $150 for a OEM manifold.
and the LT's will net you 10-15 HP with custom tuning.
superchargers are very very safe. 8-9 psi on a 4.6 2v will net you about 400-450 crank HP. keep it below 10 PSI and decent tuning, and your motor will last forever. I ran 6 PSI on my 5.4 3v and it was a pure blast.
are you 4x4 or 4x2? runs about $1,500 for new gears installed on a 4x4...1/2 that cost for a 4x2.
I highly suggest you do do gears first. If 4x2...Ford Racing has 4.30 gears for your axle. It would give you a huge punch in the performance area...and if you run slightly oversized tires, help compensate for them
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Junior User
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mines a 4x2 i think stock tires are 235/70R17 now i have sumitomo AT 265/70R17 and have a set of AR681 Element rims 17x8
I have the money for LT and i will go with some new gears. Then maybe supercharger by next year
I have the money for LT and i will go with some new gears. Then maybe supercharger by next year
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Westford, MA
Just kiddin.I own a 92 LX,sometimes it's a sickness.
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Yea but i love it when my truck will out run a 5.3 or a ss chevrolet truck. Where all guilty i would think 
well anywho i am getting a mustang by next year when the new 5.0 releases if it does anyway. Should be sick. I need to post some pics of my truck for you guys
well anywho i am getting a mustang by next year when the new 5.0 releases if it does anyway. Should be sick. I need to post some pics of my truck for you guys
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Roush has that supercharger still listed for $2400 Tylus. I've been seriously looking at them myself. But at 54 I dont know if i need all that power any more. My 5.4 turns out pretty nice as it is. Plus with speeding tickets starting at $130 here in florida it might be cheaper to leave it alone. LOL
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
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From: SE Georgia
if you ask them for $2,300 they'll take it...I've seen it periodically listed for $2,100 about 1-2 times a month.
btw, yes...you do need the power. Turns the 5.4 into a snarling beast that will roast 275 width tires. I've seriously considered figuring out how to adapt it to my Expy. She needs a bit more go
btw, yes...you do need the power. Turns the 5.4 into a snarling beast that will roast 275 width tires. I've seriously considered figuring out how to adapt it to my Expy. She needs a bit more go