Howdy from Florida.

I joined this board when I bought a 97 with a V-6. Learned a lot and have helped a lot when I got to know that engine.

Those days are now gone. I recently became the new owner of an 01 (XLT Xtra Cab) with a 5.4 now. I just put 2000 miles cross country on it and was VERY pleased with a returned 18.2 MPG at 75 MPH with a mildly loaded bed.

Besides that I now have low end power. I am not knocking that little V-6 at all. Its the little engine that could. But we have a whole different deal here now. 75 MPH is 2K RPM and I never get out of OD to pull hills. *Big Grin*

As usual stock sucks and I will be tweaking up this engine as well. I'd like any suggestions as to the best responding mods to cost ratio. Real time results and any inputs you'd care to offer.

My most likely path will be in no particular order.

A. Electric Fan (Cheap way to free up hp)
B. Intake. Please give advice on which ones work and which ones don't.
C. Chip. Same inputs as above.
D. Exhaust. I may do a Cat back at some point but not in a huge hurry to spend that kind of money considering the return, UNLESS someone can enlighten me.

I probably will not desire any mods that will require an octane boost, so the chip may be crossed off the list. I would however like some of the other performance benefits (i.e. Shift point changes) that the chip controls.

Any and all inputs from others who have been here are welcomed.

I was really happy to see the mileage I got as that was the main concern I had in getting the 5.4. But I always will strive to improve it.

 

A chip might not be out of the question. Check with Mike T in the Computer Chip area.

You will want to open up the intake and the exhaust to get the engine breathing better. You can go the inexpensive route and put just a K&N filter and drill a few holes in the intake housing. And you can swap out the stock muffler with a free flowing muffler. Or you can put a AirRaid Kit and Catback kit on. You also need to check out the electric fan kits that are out there. The fan mod is one of the best bang for the buck mods that there is. Underdrive pulleys are another good mod.

Much past these and I am out of my realm of experience. You might want to shoot Neal an email on what works and what doesn’t.

 

I put the Air Force One cold air on my truck and it seems to work just fine. I also put on a magnaflow muffler SI/DO and had it dumped right before the axle. Got the muffler and put in for $130. It is not real loud b/c it is the longer one. Not real sure of the power or mpg improvements but I went to the deer lease w/ 600lbs of corn and a bunch of other stuff in the back and got about 18mpg doing 80+.

 

Being in Fla where it is hot and humid I would consider getting a FIPK that is inclosed. I have the Volant and am very very happy with it. (You can put a K&N filter in it!) I do believe that the K&N now comes inclosed.

Just do a bunch of searches on this board for each mod you are considering and you will be able to come to your own conclusions!

good luck-

 

The fans are a great mod, but I would do them a little later, as they can be a bit pricey.

I'd go with a good intake (K&N, AF-1 or Volant), exhaust (Magnaflow-header back), and the chip. It'll put a BIG grin on your face.

As far as the transmission goes, I'd recommend a Factory Tech Valve-Body. I bought mine from Mike T and I've loved it every day since. GREAT way to get good shifts without having to buy a chip (although I do have the SuperChip Flip-Chip as well).

Headers, MAF sensor and a few other mods may require a re-tune, as they will cause a lean condition if not tuned. Keep that in mind when modding (i.e. buy headers, MAF, THEN chip).

Finally, don't go with anything but a SuperChip... you'll be disappointed if you do.

-Flea