I have a 97, F-150, 4X4, 4.6 5 speed, Supercab, flareside. What I am wanting to know is how (as everyone is) to get more horses out of the engine. I have put a K&N and a cat back exhaust, and spark plug wires and was wondering what the next line of gain is? I was wondering if anyone knows of a company that makes headers for this model, and also any other "cheap" aftermarket products. I have not won the lottory so cheap is the key word here. I have read about the chip and either can't believe it or think it is more for automatics because of the improvement in shifting on autos. The other reason is that I can't believe that timing advance and the other improvements are worth 300.00 + dollars with a gain of horses in the 20's if that (and people that say it gains in the hundreds, are either driving a Chevy or on Crack). I am willing to spend the next 2yr saving my money for a super charger if that is the best way to go. Any gain in horses is appreciated,

Carrhartt30

 

Hello Carhartt30, I got a Superchip for Christmas and I'll be installing it on the weekend and I'll report back on how well it works with a 5speed. Others with a 5speed have been happy with it and I hope to be one of them too! As far as other upgrades JBA makes headers for the 4.6. You say you have a K&N. Is that a filter only or the FIPK? If it is a filter only you might want to upgrade to a FIPK. Other simple mods are to replace the Y pipe in the exhaust, underdrive pulleys, and electric fan.

 

Glasspacks???? hey they sound good! well, i don't know about on a 6.....

 

Superchip I would agree should be next!!

And I can see we will get along Carhartt's are the ford of outer wear!!!

 

Chip, exhaust and intake I've heard are the three "best bang for the buck" mods. The gains for a Superchip are supposed to be like 10, 12%. If you've got 220 hp that would give you more than 22hp. The intake and the exhaust and intake should bring your gain to more like 15%.
I am happy with the gains with these three mods. I want more though. The blower gives more significant gains. The gain for the money seems to work out.
When looking for inexpensive mods, under $300 for 22hp is a pretty good deal, If you ask me. The blower will cost ten times as much (at least) and give gains of 30% (low end) to 100% (big dollars).
I think what I'm trying to say is get the chip!

Tom

 

I bought some Pace setter headers from JCWhitney.com for $150... still haven't gotten them on, but will update you guys on power... they're black, but that's still not bad for the price.

-Flea

 

Definitly a y pipe next! What cat back system do you have?
Is the K&N filter a fipk? If not, the Air Force 1 is the best.
Headers? I just installed headers and found some gain. But for the price? It is not a good bang for the buck! I personally would do the chip towards the last of your projected mods. because Mike T. will need to burn the chip accordingly to you current mods.
See my sig. The K&N is a good unit except that it is made of plastic. I am on my second tube.
Good luck and enjoy doing your mods.
Don't let the cost of the mods. get you down. Not all of us, including myself can afford to start pouring money into a vehicle that we are still making payments on. Also don't let the mods. get in the way of what is more inportant in life, i.e. family, yourself,etc.

 

Welcome to the boards!!
Before you buy, PLEASE don't be afraid to ask. There is a wealthy of info here at your disposal! Most, if not all knows what works and what doesn't. This in itself will save you $$.

 

Nitrous!