ive moved up (well it depends on how you look at it) from a 97 s10 with the 4.3/5-speed combo to an 03 f-150 xlt extended cab with the 4.2 auto combo.

now i expected the 150 to be a dog compared to my chevy, just the fact that its 2000 pounds heavier gives that away, so i dont have a problem there, and i LOVE this ford, but ive got two questions:

1) is there any way to get this thing to move a little quicker off the line? i know there are tons of bolt-ons out there, but im asking more about what has actually worked for you guys?

2) will it handle a 3.5" lift and some bigger tires? or do you think it'll put to much strain on the motor without lower gears?

thanks for any help i get and so far i love this forum.

-Devin

 

To answer question no. 1 yes, SCT 9100 Programmer from Troyer, looking at 20+hp, electric fans 10+ hp, underdrive pulleys , I have them and think they gave more than an intake, next would be a good exhaust ( I have the Magnaflow si/so 15609), a nice intake like MAC or your choice. To your second question you would be undoing everything that you have done above by lifting the truck and adding bigger/taller tires. Being all F150 S/C with the V6 are two wheel drive why would you want to lift it 3.5-inches? As a extra you could go and add 3.73 or 4.10 gears, if you have factory 255/70/16 tires (if in doubt check door sticker or spare) you will have the 3.55 rearend which isn't all bad. If you have 235/70s you could have the 3.08 or 3.55 rearend. Performance wise the lift/bigger tires will cost you dearly.

 

I agree with bratman. I put 265/70/17 on mine, (4.2 5sp) and I could feel the loss of the line.

 

if ur gonna get big tires, u HAVE to get new gears. 4.10's or 4.56's and ull be happy

 

will the computer have to be reflashed for the lower gearing or should it be ok?

i just like the way they look lifted, thats all.

 

I own a 2003 F150 4X4 with a 4.2. has plenty of power for what I need, no, im not going to win any races, or beat anybody out on a green light, i picked the 4.2 for the gas milage, but found out later there's not much difference in milage between all the engines, the best I can do is 18 mpg. Guys with V8 Chevys claim they are getting 22 mpg, I don't know if thats true or not. I almost purchaced a Chevy, but the test drive scared me away the way the body rattled and the dash board seemed to move around when I hit a bump, that truck just felt like everything was loose and falling apart.

 

Get the gears,lift and tires first, the 9100 can be programmed to make the speedometer read right.