I have a 5.4L in my '99 SD 4x4. What can I do to improve performance without taking a huge hit to my wallet?

 

Try adding an aftermarket exhaust system, and get yourself a K/N air filter. Those 2 things seem to wake up the 5.4 and those mods will cost less than 500$. Summit Racing has their own dual exhaust set up for like 150$ it isn't stainless steel, but will last plenty of years. Good luck

 

If I bought one thing, it would be a chip/tuner.

 

Your best bang for the buck is a chip.

JMC

 

Which chip/tuner?

 

I have a custom 4 bank chip from Troyer Performance. They are a Superchips Dealer. I am running a 5.4 on the OEM 4.6 PCM. Mike Troyer has been tuning my trucks since 1997.

JMC

EDIT: spelling

 

If you're on a budget, you can buy a standard 1 program chip or a used Micro Tuner. If you can pay for a custom tune, I'd go that route and get a few extra ponies. www.troyerperformance.com