I have a 98 F150 supercab 4x4 with a 4.6, auto and I have drove many fords and I really like my truck but it lacks power at highway driving speeds. It has plenty of power getting there but every hill I come to my truck has to downshift. I know that for the most part, all the 4.6 trucks are like this but I am looking for something that will increase my power at driving speeds.
I have free flowing pipes with only glasspacks. Adding this only helped in the low end power. I also have a hypertech power programmer 3. This helped some, enough to allow me to beat a 5.3 chevy in take off but nothing more.

 

I have a '97 F150 ext. cab 2wd with a 4.6L. I have done several things to my pickup not only to increase horsepower, but also increase gas mileage. I had my exhaust done, true dual. Also, I bought a spacer from PerformanceProducts.com which also is a great investment, called the Helix Power Tower. Not only that but I also got a computer chip from Jegs. With all of these, my truck has a lot more horsepower and gas is much better. I would recommend some if not all of these aftermarket parts. My truck doesn't shift down as much as it use to but then again, I still have yet to put on K&N Air Filter.

 

rdnck
I have about everything that you have except for the helix power tower. I am looking into it but would like some more opinions.

 

Don't waste your time with the power tower... gains are not often any more than 2-3 ft-lbs. Maybe 1 hp. At any rate, take the money for that and put it towards a K&N or Airaid FIPK. Those are the two that seem to work best on these trucks.

Just my $.02
-Flea

 

I have a '98 w/ 4.6 and when I go to Flagstaff (7,000 ft ele.) with a full truck load of camping equiptment and towing our coleman trailer it walks right up the hills 70-80 mph.

My trouble is the oft mentioned no power at low speed, off the line. This 5,000 lb slug doesn't hit the power band till 30+ mph. Little ricer cars beat me without much trouble.

 

The truck runs fine over 70mph, its 50 to 70 that sucks, I have 3.55 gears and considered changing those but the price tag on changing both sets is quite high so i steered clear of it.

 

Hi there RCONGER! Bearing in mind that an F-150 weighs in at about 6000lbs, its hard to expect ferrari performance, but obviously thats what we all want. I have a chip and cat/back on my 4.6. What you really need to do is let your truck breathe. Invest in an intake system....K/n or whoever. Its no use improving exhaust if you can't suck in more O2. I have a K&N and have been thrilled. Dont overlook the plugs and wires. I know alot of guys ignore them because they are a real pain in the a$$ on the new f150s. Also Make sure to flush your tranny fluid more frequently if you run larger tires. Hope some of this helps. Soon you'll be smoking the 5.9 RTs as well as the dreaded bowties. Cheers!

 

does anyone else have any ideas for me

 

I think the main suggetions have been hit on already. I find that my truck has plenty of oomph up high. I only wish it would get off the line a bit quicker sometimes. But 99% of the time I have plenty of power. But keep in mind my truck is much lighter than yours I beleive. I guess if you are looking for more power up high, you can always try a better flowing intake/exhaust setup.

-Brian