4.6 litre performance
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 306
Likes: 0
From: Prince George, BC Canada
4.6 litre performance
Great posts guys.
Just a question, most of you seem to have the 5.4 litre. For those that have the 4.6, have the increases been as noticeable? Does the same 10% figure seem to apply?
I've got a 97 F-150 4x4 supercab shortbox. Auto transmission with 3.55 rear end. I have a K&N filter and cat back exhaust, but want that little extra. Firmer shifts would definitely be nice and more mid throttle response would be also. Does the chip help with power throughout the RPM band or only at certain points?
My truck can be found crusing the town or pulling a boat out of a lake, so more general perfromance upgrades are what I desire.
Does the chip really help that much? What about warranty problems for Canadian vehicles?
Just a question, most of you seem to have the 5.4 litre. For those that have the 4.6, have the increases been as noticeable? Does the same 10% figure seem to apply?
I've got a 97 F-150 4x4 supercab shortbox. Auto transmission with 3.55 rear end. I have a K&N filter and cat back exhaust, but want that little extra. Firmer shifts would definitely be nice and more mid throttle response would be also. Does the chip help with power throughout the RPM band or only at certain points?
My truck can be found crusing the town or pulling a boat out of a lake, so more general perfromance upgrades are what I desire.
Does the chip really help that much? What about warranty problems for Canadian vehicles?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 2
From: OK
Despite the rising costs of fuel and the relatively poor mileage associated with any full-sized 4x4, my wife absolutely refuses to let me pull the Superchip out of her Expedition. I'm sure you'll like it just as much. 
Neal
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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.
2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, and Prime #155 wheels.
http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo
Neal
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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, 2000 "XLT" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars.
2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg., tinted windows, Line-X bedliner, and Prime #155 wheels.
http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 1999
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
It certainly works on the v6!
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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe.
DAMN FLEXING DOOR CRACK!
Ford Engineering, reinforce the curve in the door! The cracks will stop.
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98 SC/XL/4.2/5 speed/3.08/MoonLight Blue Metalic/Mobil One Synthetic/235.70S.16 Michelin XC LT4/AR-136 Wheels/Chrome Nerf Bars/Bug Shield/Aluminum Tool Box/K&N/Superchip/NOS maybe.
DAMN FLEXING DOOR CRACK!
Ford Engineering, reinforce the curve in the door! The cracks will stop.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Cougar Guy,
I've got a 4.6 in my 98 SC, 4x2, K&N FIPK, Flowmaster, Jacobs ignition. I noticed the difference in acceleration and of course the better trans shifts.
After a year I had my chip out for a couple of weeks and the truck felt sluggish comparitvely speaking.
The Superchip is definitely the best buy per HP out of the go faster enhancements I've done.
I've got a 4.6 in my 98 SC, 4x2, K&N FIPK, Flowmaster, Jacobs ignition. I noticed the difference in acceleration and of course the better trans shifts.
After a year I had my chip out for a couple of weeks and the truck felt sluggish comparitvely speaking.
The Superchip is definitely the best buy per HP out of the go faster enhancements I've done.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Somewhere in CA!
Cougar Guy,
Hey I've only had mine in less the 24 hours but the improvement was immediately noticable. She shifts better and the power is there gain more of the in the seat of your pants type. I am very happy with this investment and don't regret a thing. If I had another truck I would Superchip it as well or of course a stang. Not sure if there's one for a Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 but if there is she's next!.
T
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1997 F150 4.6L, Flare side,American Racing Baja 16X8's, Goodyear Wrangler's LT305/70/16's ATS, Flowmaster 50 series, 3" cat,3.5 Suspension Lift kit, Tinted Windows, Superchip
Hey I've only had mine in less the 24 hours but the improvement was immediately noticable. She shifts better and the power is there gain more of the in the seat of your pants type. I am very happy with this investment and don't regret a thing. If I had another truck I would Superchip it as well or of course a stang. Not sure if there's one for a Chevy Monte Carlo Z34 but if there is she's next!.
T
------------------
1997 F150 4.6L, Flare side,American Racing Baja 16X8's, Goodyear Wrangler's LT305/70/16's ATS, Flowmaster 50 series, 3" cat,3.5 Suspension Lift kit, Tinted Windows, Superchip
Member
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Beamsville, Ontario, Canada
welcome to the board, cougar guy! Install the chip!
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'97 S/C XLS black/silver 157" WB, 4.6/auto, 3:08, home made custom stainless tube grille, terminator muffler, phantom sweep wiper switch(factory installed), a few billet aluminum goodies (the list grows), airbox mods, TPS tuned
email: bazils@hotmail.com
http://content.communities.msn.com/bazilspix/PhotoAlbum
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'97 S/C XLS black/silver 157" WB, 4.6/auto, 3:08, home made custom stainless tube grille, terminator muffler, phantom sweep wiper switch(factory installed), a few billet aluminum goodies (the list grows), airbox mods, TPS tuned
email: bazils@hotmail.com
http://content.communities.msn.com/bazilspix/PhotoAlbum
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: Michigan - sportsman's paradise
I ove my chip call this guy he will help you out.Nothing more to say there are plenty of post here to support the superchip
IMike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html
,
------------------
*2000 blk xlt f150
*5.4 4x4 3.55 ls
*sc orp pkg
*tow pkg, 17 inch wheels
*herculiner,remote start
*flowmaster, air box mod
*bfg ko's A.R.E. cap
*sony 10 disc cd player
*k&n air filter
*superchip
****mods to come*********
harley davison hitch reciver plug.
removing stock cab steps& installing westins.
IMike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html
,
------------------
*2000 blk xlt f150
*5.4 4x4 3.55 ls
*sc orp pkg
*tow pkg, 17 inch wheels
*herculiner,remote start
*flowmaster, air box mod
*bfg ko's A.R.E. cap
*sony 10 disc cd player
*k&n air filter
*superchip
****mods to come*********
harley davison hitch reciver plug.
removing stock cab steps& installing westins.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 240
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON,TEXAS,HARRIS
Ditto to all of the above, you should even get better gas mileage if you keep your foot out of it, which at first is hard to do. The only down side is premium gas. Definitely the best bang for the buck.
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98 Nascar Edition, Superchip, Airaid, Flowmaster 70 series, bedliner, in bed tool box, Profile bug deflector and window vents, Class III receiver hitch.
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98 Nascar Edition, Superchip, Airaid, Flowmaster 70 series, bedliner, in bed tool box, Profile bug deflector and window vents, Class III receiver hitch.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
From: Tacoma, WA, USA
Here's one more vote from a 4.6L driver. Yes, yes, yes, yes - it makes the 4.6L run better, shift better, mileage is better, grins are better.
In spite of the recent increases in fuel costs - I'm NOT pulling my chip - no way!
Tom in Tacoma
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1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the factory bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, Lund Premier Tonneau, K&N, Body-color painted Throttle Cover, blue wire-looms, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers up front, Polk Audio speakers in back, Superchip, Flowmaster 'Delta-Flow' w/ 3" pipe. On the way - Clear turn signal lenses. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
Go check out http://communities.msn.com/SS97FordsPics for the second best website for F150's
[This message has been edited by TColegrove (edited 03-06-2000).]
In spite of the recent increases in fuel costs - I'm NOT pulling my chip - no way!
Tom in Tacoma
------------------
1998 F150 XLT S/C 4.6L Auto, 3.55LS, 4X2, Moonlight Blue, all the factory bells & whistles except for leather seats. Lund Deflector, Lund Premier Tonneau, K&N, Body-color painted Throttle Cover, blue wire-looms, Pentaliner S/R, Window tint, factory side-steps, Infiniti component speakers up front, Polk Audio speakers in back, Superchip, Flowmaster 'Delta-Flow' w/ 3" pipe. On the way - Clear turn signal lenses. Tom in Tacoma (Washington not Toyota)
Go check out http://communities.msn.com/SS97FordsPics for the second best website for F150's
[This message has been edited by TColegrove (edited 03-06-2000).]
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 1998
Posts: 13,385
Likes: 4
From: Virginia
Dear Cougar Guy,
Welcome to F150online!
As you can see from the responses from others here who have every engine available in the F-150, the Superchip works equally well regardless of engine. And yes, the same 10%-12% power gain applies to all the engines in the F-150. That is the type of result we see in most normally-aspirated gasoline engines, whether it'a a GM truck or a Ford truck. You see, we're doing the same type of tuning to each of these vehicles, which is to tune them specifically for premium gas, and so that tends to give the same basic result in terms of percentage gains on many vehicles. So there is nothing inherent in the 5.4 that makes the Superchip work better on them, it adds the same basic power gains for all engines in the F-150. For the 4.6 specifically, it's 26 horsepower and 40 lbs./ft. of torque.
As a matter of fact, these F-150's the same 3 basic areas give the best bang-for-the-buck results, and they are: 1.) Optimze the programming with the Superchip, 26 hp. on the 4.6 2.) Reduce restriction on the intake side, using either the Airaid or the K&N airbox elimination kits available right here in the F150online Digital Marketplace, 12 hp. on the 4.6 3.) Reduce restriction on the exhaust side using a good cat-back exhaust system, about 10-12 hp. on the 4.6 They have those here too in the Digital Marketplace.
Each Superchip is made for your specific vehicle, so we will need your computer code to supply you with the correct Superchip. To locate your computer code, simply open your passenger door, and look in the front part of the door frame, in between the door hinges, and there should be a sticker with 3 letters and a number, like YSL2, IMP4, NAB4, TBL2, HAL4, etc., there are many different codes. If your code sticker is missing from your door frame, you can go right to the computer, which is in the cabin on the passenger side, just above the passenger kick panel. It is held to it's mounting bracket by a black pressure clip. Simply pull that clip off (the computer won't fall out), and look on the back of the computer where the clip was covering, and there will be another code sticker right there. Once you have your code, you can place your order using our online ordering system, the URL for which is below in our signature line. You can also access our F-150online ordering system by clicking on our banner ad, that appears in rotation at the top of these pages.
With regards to any impact on new vehicle warranty from the Superchip, here in America there is none, thankfully, because we are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which makes it *illegal* to deny a warranty claim or viud the warranty of a vehicle just because it has aftermarket parts on it. The automaker has to *prove* that the aftermarket part in question was in fact the sole cause of a related parts failure; they must also furhter prove that had the aftermarket part not been installed, the related part would not have failed, and that is extremely strong protection. It doesn't allow us to do anything we want, it's purpose is to basically implement a set of fair play rules. Meaning, should you install a supercharger, well, in all fairness you can probably kiss your powertrain warranty goodbye, because superchargers generally add enough power to push numerous components beyond their design limitations. So the idea is to allow you to do modifications that don't put an unfair burden on the automaker, while allowing you some freedon to personalize your vehicle, so it all gets down to just what exactly does the part actually do to the vehicle. Since the Superchip does not overstress any components beyond their design limitations, they don't void warranties. Since you are up in Canada, I honestly do not know if you have similar legal protections. The Superchip can easily be removed, thus restoring the vheicle back to it's original factory programming, and you can easily do that prior to service to avoid any poenttial problems, and the Superchip is made to be easily removed and replaced many times.
Good luck with your truck, and please do hang out with us here when you have the time!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 03-06-2000).]
Welcome to F150online!
As you can see from the responses from others here who have every engine available in the F-150, the Superchip works equally well regardless of engine. And yes, the same 10%-12% power gain applies to all the engines in the F-150. That is the type of result we see in most normally-aspirated gasoline engines, whether it'a a GM truck or a Ford truck. You see, we're doing the same type of tuning to each of these vehicles, which is to tune them specifically for premium gas, and so that tends to give the same basic result in terms of percentage gains on many vehicles. So there is nothing inherent in the 5.4 that makes the Superchip work better on them, it adds the same basic power gains for all engines in the F-150. For the 4.6 specifically, it's 26 horsepower and 40 lbs./ft. of torque.
As a matter of fact, these F-150's the same 3 basic areas give the best bang-for-the-buck results, and they are: 1.) Optimze the programming with the Superchip, 26 hp. on the 4.6 2.) Reduce restriction on the intake side, using either the Airaid or the K&N airbox elimination kits available right here in the F150online Digital Marketplace, 12 hp. on the 4.6 3.) Reduce restriction on the exhaust side using a good cat-back exhaust system, about 10-12 hp. on the 4.6 They have those here too in the Digital Marketplace.
Each Superchip is made for your specific vehicle, so we will need your computer code to supply you with the correct Superchip. To locate your computer code, simply open your passenger door, and look in the front part of the door frame, in between the door hinges, and there should be a sticker with 3 letters and a number, like YSL2, IMP4, NAB4, TBL2, HAL4, etc., there are many different codes. If your code sticker is missing from your door frame, you can go right to the computer, which is in the cabin on the passenger side, just above the passenger kick panel. It is held to it's mounting bracket by a black pressure clip. Simply pull that clip off (the computer won't fall out), and look on the back of the computer where the clip was covering, and there will be another code sticker right there. Once you have your code, you can place your order using our online ordering system, the URL for which is below in our signature line. You can also access our F-150online ordering system by clicking on our banner ad, that appears in rotation at the top of these pages.
With regards to any impact on new vehicle warranty from the Superchip, here in America there is none, thankfully, because we are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which makes it *illegal* to deny a warranty claim or viud the warranty of a vehicle just because it has aftermarket parts on it. The automaker has to *prove* that the aftermarket part in question was in fact the sole cause of a related parts failure; they must also furhter prove that had the aftermarket part not been installed, the related part would not have failed, and that is extremely strong protection. It doesn't allow us to do anything we want, it's purpose is to basically implement a set of fair play rules. Meaning, should you install a supercharger, well, in all fairness you can probably kiss your powertrain warranty goodbye, because superchargers generally add enough power to push numerous components beyond their design limitations. So the idea is to allow you to do modifications that don't put an unfair burden on the automaker, while allowing you some freedon to personalize your vehicle, so it all gets down to just what exactly does the part actually do to the vehicle. Since the Superchip does not overstress any components beyond their design limitations, they don't void warranties. Since you are up in Canada, I honestly do not know if you have similar legal protections. The Superchip can easily be removed, thus restoring the vheicle back to it's original factory programming, and you can easily do that prior to service to avoid any poenttial problems, and the Superchip is made to be easily removed and replaced many times.
Good luck with your truck, and please do hang out with us here when you have the time!
------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com
Online Superchip ordering system:https://www.f150online.com/scpp/index.html
[This message has been edited by Superchips_Distributor (edited 03-06-2000).]
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Buena Park, CA, USA
fireblade,
I read that you had the Jacobs Ignition System before you got the superchip. What improvements did you notice. I am also considering the Jacobs system and am especially interested since it doesn't require supreme gas.
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JEM's Gem: 2000 F150 XLT Amazon Green Ext Cab 4.6 auto, K&N filter, Penda SR Bedliner,
Future: Gibson Dual Sport,Gibson Headers,Pace Edwards Roll-Top,TracRac, AMSOIL dual remote bypass filters
I read that you had the Jacobs Ignition System before you got the superchip. What improvements did you notice. I am also considering the Jacobs system and am especially interested since it doesn't require supreme gas.
------------------
JEM's Gem: 2000 F150 XLT Amazon Green Ext Cab 4.6 auto, K&N filter, Penda SR Bedliner,
Future: Gibson Dual Sport,Gibson Headers,Pace Edwards Roll-Top,TracRac, AMSOIL dual remote bypass filters
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,628
Likes: 0
From: Clemson SC US of A
I had the very same truck and I can say the 4.6L 4X4 NEEDS the chip! Makes it a whole other truck.
I have an used (computer code:IMP4) Superchip for sale off of my 97 4.6L F150 BTW.
cphilip@clemson.edu
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2000 F-250 Super Duty, Super Cab XLT, Oxford white with grey cloth captains chairs, 5.4L Triton V8(260 HP version!), 4R100 4 Speed Automatic Transmission, 4 wheel ABS, Deluxe Aluminum Wheels, Trailer Towing Package, Class IV Hitch, Reece load distribution system, Escort Sensor II Electronic Brake control, K&N filter, "White-White" head lamps.
I have an used (computer code:IMP4) Superchip for sale off of my 97 4.6L F150 BTW.
cphilip@clemson.edu
------------------
2000 F-250 Super Duty, Super Cab XLT, Oxford white with grey cloth captains chairs, 5.4L Triton V8(260 HP version!), 4R100 4 Speed Automatic Transmission, 4 wheel ABS, Deluxe Aluminum Wheels, Trailer Towing Package, Class IV Hitch, Reece load distribution system, Escort Sensor II Electronic Brake control, K&N filter, "White-White" head lamps.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
L1C,
Acutally, I had the chip first. Had to take it out to test why my truck was running funny.
Anyway, the Jacobs ignition seems to have about 1/3-1/2 the HP of the chip. It did run smoother and seemed to pull better at freeway speeds. Gas mileage has gone up about 3/4-1MPG. But it doesn't do everything that the advertisements claim, (1.7MPG increase and "massive" gains in HP).
At the time I bought it I just wanted to enhance the performance of my truck, and it seems to have done that. But..... not like the Superchip!
Acutally, I had the chip first. Had to take it out to test why my truck was running funny.
Anyway, the Jacobs ignition seems to have about 1/3-1/2 the HP of the chip. It did run smoother and seemed to pull better at freeway speeds. Gas mileage has gone up about 3/4-1MPG. But it doesn't do everything that the advertisements claim, (1.7MPG increase and "massive" gains in HP).
At the time I bought it I just wanted to enhance the performance of my truck, and it seems to have done that. But..... not like the Superchip!
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Buena Park, CA, USA
Thanks Fireblade,
So would you still get the Jacobs Ignition or would you just get the superchip? Where did you get your Jacobs from? directly from Jacobs? Did you get increase in your mpg with the chip? (after you were able to resist the ehavy foot!)
I just got 21 mpg highway, (17mpg in town)with my basically stock 4.6L. What is your mpg?
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JEM's Gem: 2000 F150 XLT Amazon Green Ext Cab 4.6 auto, K&N filter, Penda SR Bedliner,
Future: Gibson Dual Sport,Gibson Headers,Pace Edwards Roll-Top,TracRac, AMSOIL dual remote bypass filters
So would you still get the Jacobs Ignition or would you just get the superchip? Where did you get your Jacobs from? directly from Jacobs? Did you get increase in your mpg with the chip? (after you were able to resist the ehavy foot!)
I just got 21 mpg highway, (17mpg in town)with my basically stock 4.6L. What is your mpg?
------------------
JEM's Gem: 2000 F150 XLT Amazon Green Ext Cab 4.6 auto, K&N filter, Penda SR Bedliner,
Future: Gibson Dual Sport,Gibson Headers,Pace Edwards Roll-Top,TracRac, AMSOIL dual remote bypass filters
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Canada's TROPICAL paradise
Hi Cougar Guy - glad to see another BC'r on board.
I'm on the Island, near Victoria.
I've done some mod's, but not the chip - YET - it will likely be my next.
The ONLY problem is - you MUST use Prem. gas & you know what that costs in B.C.
But seeing you live in P/G - you can probably afford it <GGGGG>
------------------
98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Lund Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,BEEP,BEEP roadrunner floor mats.
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.
I'm on the Island, near Victoria.
I've done some mod's, but not the chip - YET - it will likely be my next.
The ONLY problem is - you MUST use Prem. gas & you know what that costs in B.C.
But seeing you live in P/G - you can probably afford it <GGGGG>
------------------
98 F150 S/C 4.6 2wd Vermillion/Silver,HD Tow Pkg, Boards, Vents, Lund Bug Chaser, DIY "breezer" Tailgate, 5th whl hitch, Tool box, 16" OEM Mag's,BEEP,BEEP roadrunner floor mats.
Mobil1 /Wix Oil filter/ K&N / air box mod.
In looks & go - Chevy - like a rock.