I have a 99 F250 SD 5.4 L, auto, crew, 8 ft, 4WD, made after the model year change in 8-98.

I am looking for any USEFUL info on mods to this engine. I went the Tornado route and needless to say, SNAKE OIL ! I want hard data, not " dreamed up prefomance gains". If you got stiffed, tell me.

F150's and LD F250 's need not reply.

Thank you in advance

 

the only modification you will be able to even feel on that land yacht you have is a supercharger.

 

Dear Space Ace,

There are *many* things that can be done for the SD F-250 to enhance it's performance. None of them are going to transform it into a Porsche, but you can certainly make a very noticeable improvement in the performance and driveability of this vehicle doing things far less radical than installing a supercharger. The installation of a Superchip will make a noticeable difference, and if you check out the Computer Chips section, you can talk to a LOT of people who have them on everything from the V-6 to the Powerstroke diesel.

Also, intake and exhaust changes can help, and those three areas, intake, exhaust, and programming, can easily add up to a 45-50 horsepower increase, which will definately be noticeable.

The Tornado device has unfortunately nailed more than a few people in the wallet, and he's right, it doesn't do anything.

One of the best aspects of this web site is the fact that you can talk to other people who can tell you what aftermarket parts do work, and are worth the money, and which ones aren't, so by paying close attention to the Aftermarket section (that's the top, or first section in this message board), you can avoid the infamous "pay to learn" syndrome.

Welcome to F150online, it's a great place to learn about these vehicles!

All the best,

------------------
Mike Troyer
Performance Products, Inc.
National Distributor of Superchips
(540) 862-9515
Email: mtroyer@compuserve.com

 

I have a '99 F-250 SD Supercab 4x4 with the 5.4L engine and 4.10 gears.

I have posted here before about my truck being slow, especially from a start. I put a superchip in my truck and noticed the difference right away. Although it is not a Boss 429 Mustang, (which I don't expect it to be), the superchip did make my truck much more enjoyable to drive. The acceleration is much more responsive and the transmission shifts are smooth. I was even happy that my mileage went up, (from around 9-10 to 12mpg).

I am totally satisfied with the money spent on the Superchip for my Superduty.

Doug.

 

a chip is a good buy for $/hp, a good exhaust system can cost a fortune installed, headers,cats,mufflers, dual system $1000-$1500, intake system K&N, hi flow throttle body $300-$500, chip $200-$300. this would give you xtra hp mike stated. probably still shy of a stock v-10, mostly on torque. i really don't think a 6-8 psi blower on a gas engine is anymore radical than a turbo on a diesel engine. a 7000lb ? truck is going to need alot more than 235hp to keep pace in traffic. as DougS stated, it was much better with the superchip, but also stated he was turning in his 99 chipped 5.4l next march for a v-10.

 

Your right MRBBQMAN, the lease is up on my SD in March 2000. I am planning at this point to order my new one with V-10 and 3.73 rear.

But I have been very pleased with the power gain the Superchip gave me with the 5.4L engine.

So I guess that means I'll have a Superchip for sale soon (code MER3).

Doug.

 

MRBBQMAN, Superchip_Distributer, Doug S.,

I forgot to mention, my Land Yacht has 3.73 gears. I am in no way complaining about the preformance of this ride. I am however a little pissed that I turned down the V-10 due to poor mileage. I must admit, from what I've seen, the engineering on this beast is unbelievable! ...ever take the door panels off?...easiest in the world!

However, what where they thinking when they made a spare tire optional? I now call FORD Road Service for any flat tires. I bet that saves them money.

I will probably look into the Superchip. The MER3 code is GREAT!! for me, but I probably cannot wait til the year 2000.

Here's another hard one. Did they put the 260HP 5.4 in the SD trucks yet? Is there a code on the chassis somewhere?

Sorry for editorializing too much!
Thanks again for the replies and keep'em comin

 

SpaceAce,

No they did not put the 260 hp version of the 5.4 into the SD's yet. And when they do, be sure to tell us if you get a SD with the 5.4 260hp version of it, and tell us if it is faster {like by how much}. That 235hp 5.4 is the SDs is way underpowered for those big lugs. Thats my opinion.

------------------
1999 Ford F150 XLT ,Cloth Seats, CD Player, 4.6 Liter Triton V8, 3:55 LS, Towing Package, 4 Speed Auto, K&N Airfilter, and soon Superchip and Airaid

Fast46Triton The Freaky, fast engine from the factory!
The 4.6 is a strong runnin engine, so dont be dissin it! Oh yeah, Shovies, watch out! This aint no ordinary truck!

 

spaceace,

The "rumor" that I have heard is that the 260hp. 5.4L will be in the new 2000 SD. I have also heard a "rumor" that the V-10 will be increased to 300 hp. I have not been able to confirm any of this yet.

We'll have to see what happens when they finally start making them.

Doug.

 

dodge probably got wind of the v-10's upgrade to 300hp, because they raised theirs to 310 for bragging rights.

 

BBQ,

What year is the dodge going to have the 310hp version? This will be a battle! Ford Vs Dodge: The V10 War



------------------
1999 Ford F150 XLT ,Cloth Seats, CD Player, 4.6 Liter Triton V8, 3:55 LS, Towing Package, 4 Speed Auto, K&N Airfilter, and soon Superchip and Airaid

Fast46Triton The Freaky, fast engine from the factory!
The 4.6 is a strong runnin engine, so dont be dissin it! Oh yeah, Shovies, watch out! This aint no ordinary truck!

 

the 99 model year has 310 hp, they are already out, the v-10 slated for the excursion (suburban killer) will have 300hp

 

IT seems everyone here has a lot of "gas" looking for some info on the desiel engine. I just got my 250 E-cab SD Lariat turbo Power Stroke last week. It definatly gets better milage than my 97 4.6 E-cab Lariat (plus it has 4 doors!)




------------------
James Thomas-->99 F250 SuperDuty Lariat

 

James, check out ford-diesel.com They have more info than you'll ever need!

 

I also have a crew cab 4x4 with 5.4. I just put on a 4-inch lift and traded in my 33's for 35x15.50's. The lariat looks great and this super duty is one of the best looking trucks in Houston. I also put in a polished billet grill which also gives it a different mean look. I too though am disappointed in the 5.4. With the 35's, I sure enough don't have much power. I am looking for anything to upgrade in power and in mileage. I wish I would have gotten the v-10. It wasn't the extra $400, but the notion that a v-10 and 4.30 limited slip gears would produce horrible mileage. Second thought, it could't get any worse.