hey guys,

i am trying to compile a list of performance mods for the 4.2L. but i am not talking your basic chip, intake, and exhaust which everyone loves to get (me too. check out my sig) as well as suggest. i am talking about anthing that is slightly uncommon. any info on it like price, warranty voiding problems, or home made devices would be great too. the bottom line is i am going to have chip, exhaust, and Intake done soon and am looking for more ways to juice up the performance...all while trying not to void my warranty. thanks for any suggestions in advance.

A

 

upgrade to a 3" exhaust pipe

just before the muffler, insert a butterfly valve whose surface area blocks off enough so that the 3" pipe acts like the stock diameter pipe. This should keep your low end torque up.

NOW the tricky part, attach an electronic actuator that will rotate the butterfly valve as engine rpm increases. About 2500 to 3500 rpm the valve should probably be all the way open so that you can take advantage of your hi-flow exhaust system.

TAda, you now have variable exhaust timing.

ALSO, if you really want to get advanced, when you're off the throttle or when cruise control is on, have the butterfly valve stay open (this shifts the torque curve back up so you produce less torque @ idle and cruising RPM's, which will mean less fuel consumption)

If you think i'm kidding, just look @ dyno results before and after exhaust upgrades. HP @ high rpm is up but initial torque is down.

 

Since there isnt any adjustment nuts on the throttle cable and the stock throttle cable is very loose i crimped the wire together with a piece of metal then reinserted the wire stop into the throttle bracket again so theres no play in the throttle cable so as soon as i push the gas it goes with no lag. It may sound ghetto but it worked real nice.

 

Throttle Cable Mod on Ranger

Here's a less permanent way of doing the throttle cable mod.

Keep in mind that this is only necessary if your throttle valve doesn't open fully when you floor it. Putting too many zip ties on will put undue stress on the system and possibly cause breakage OR it can end up holding the butterfly valve open when you're completely off the gas.

 

HI!... I had a lot of play in my F-150's throttle cable as well. I designed and built my own throttle cable adjuster. It is now sold as the "HPP" throttle cable adjuster. :

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...4-793-6947.jpg

 

yea mines not permanent, if i wanted to go back to stock it would take like 2 mins but i did make sure that its not so tight to where its holding the throttle open.

 

how much does the butterfly cost ?, including everything you need to do it and how hard is it to install?

 

The buttefly valve could be taken from any junkyard throttle body. You'd have to find some way to mount it in an exhaust pipe.

If you don't have a dyno to measure its effectiveness, I wouldn't suggest speeding the time and money.

 

1.7 rockers
70mm throttle body
forged rods
clevite bearings
...etc.

this are kinda uncommon... but i'm doing them all

 

Um.. define "uncommon".

What about hydrolic lifts?? Or a wing on top of the bed? Hmm.. "Powered by Ford" sticker? "Gonzales" in back window? Gold plated rims.. hehehe.

 

Not exactly uncommon, but an electric fan will free up a few ponies and give a better mileage.

 

Get your heads ported that will give you the biggest returns, outher than nitrous or a blower.

 

what's the $/(change in hp) ratio for ported heads? (sounds like it would be very high to me)

 

Ported heads will give you only 20-25BHP. With a cost of ~$600 + getting engine rebuilt with new valve seals and labor will be in $1k+ range... so if you do this yourself your looking at about $25 Per BHP.

I'm only expecting ~25BHP with my heads w/ larger exhaust valves.

 

Talleywacker or dirt bike dave,

where would you suggest getting a electric fan and for how much? thanks.

A