new owner of 133k 97 scab - nuts or what
#1
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#6
Use Mobil1 5w30 synthetic, K&N oil filter (or Mobil1), K&N air filter, do the airbox mod (gas mileage/throttle response improvement $0!). Check my site: http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/airbox_mod.htm
Replace the factory "defect" y-pipe just ahead of the muffler with a flowmaster pipe (Y250300A $44.96retail 2.50" x 3.00" Y-Collector: Aluminized) and put in a good 3" exhaust system. Dynomax or Flowmaster or Gibson or Magnaflow, etc.
Change the tranny filter/fluid. See that here: http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/transmission_oil.htm check your dipstick though, might require Mercon III and not Mercon V. That spec changed sometime in 97'.
Check your air pressure and run higher like 37-40psi.
Remove things that impede airflow over the vehicle such as those dumb looking vent visors, etc. Get a tonneau cover to smooth the flow over the box if you don't have a smooth style canopy already.
That's about all I can suggest at the moment. Anyone else?
Replace the factory "defect" y-pipe just ahead of the muffler with a flowmaster pipe (Y250300A $44.96retail 2.50" x 3.00" Y-Collector: Aluminized) and put in a good 3" exhaust system. Dynomax or Flowmaster or Gibson or Magnaflow, etc.
Change the tranny filter/fluid. See that here: http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/transmission_oil.htm check your dipstick though, might require Mercon III and not Mercon V. That spec changed sometime in 97'.
Check your air pressure and run higher like 37-40psi.
Remove things that impede airflow over the vehicle such as those dumb looking vent visors, etc. Get a tonneau cover to smooth the flow over the box if you don't have a smooth style canopy already.
That's about all I can suggest at the moment. Anyone else?
#7
Nope - you're not crazy. I have 145,000 on my '97, and she still runs like a top. Never been in the shop for engine or tranny work. If its made it to 133,000 and still runs good, there should still be lots of life left in her!
The 4.6 isn't that new of an engine any more. IIRC, they made their debut around '91 or so in car applications. They were introduced in the truck line up in early 1996 when the '97 F150's debuted. In any event, they've been in the trucks for 6 years now.
My biggest mileage improvment was the cap on the bed. I picked up about 1 mpg on the freeway (no sig difference in city mileage). Otherwise, just keeping up on the fluid changes helps the mileage out too.
The 4.6 isn't that new of an engine any more. IIRC, they made their debut around '91 or so in car applications. They were introduced in the truck line up in early 1996 when the '97 F150's debuted. In any event, they've been in the trucks for 6 years now.
My biggest mileage improvment was the cap on the bed. I picked up about 1 mpg on the freeway (no sig difference in city mileage). Otherwise, just keeping up on the fluid changes helps the mileage out too.
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#8
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There are a few members here with close to 200k miles on their trucks and I think there's at least one with quite a bit over 200k miles.
With proper maintenance, it seems like the 4.6L engine can easily run over 200k miles without failure.
The way the 4.6L is performing, it might even be one of the most dependable engines that Ford has ever built.
With proper maintenance, it seems like the 4.6L engine can easily run over 200k miles without failure.
The way the 4.6L is performing, it might even be one of the most dependable engines that Ford has ever built.