What performance mods, reasonably priced (meaning no superchargers, lol) are worth the money?

My truck already has a cold air intake and an exhaust system (Flowmaster 40 series), but would little things like putting on an aftermarket fuel/oil filter be worth the money?

What other little modifications could I make that would add to the performance of my truck without putting a hole in my wallet?

If you say headers, I'll shoot you I just had a horrible experience with some defective Hedman Hedders...wasted a lot of time and money...won't be trying headers again for a while.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

--Matt

 

MSD 6a ignition, 140 bucks.

 

How tough would it be to replace the ignition system?

BTW, thanks for the suggestion.

 

The MSD is an add-on system. You don't have to replace anything. On my truck I bought the optional harness so hook-up was a breeze (1/2 to 1 hour depending on how picky you are). It'd be a breeze without the harness. Hardest part was finding a spot under the hood for the new MSD box so it looked, "nice-n-purty." I really like the system. Good bang for the buck and NOWHERE near as hard as installing headers.

Randy

 

So the installation will be a breeze with or without the harness?

BTW, thanks for clarifying that it wasn't a replacement.

Other than this MSD 6a, I'm not sure there is anything else I could do before I replace the computer chip besides a mass air flow senser, which is starting to get way up their in the price bracket.

Any more suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

One more question...do you have any pics of that home fab'd K&N FIPK? I just installed one on my truck...wanna see how yours looks

 

One of these days I've gotta get some digitals into my gallery. I'll be sure to take some pics of my homemade K&N settup for ya. By the way, the FIPK isolation bracket that I made is where I mounted the 6A. It worked out well.

Randy

 

As much as I hate to say it...headers. Getting rid of those restrictive manifolds for some headers will give you the absolute largest hp gain per dollar. I would also advance your timing a little. don't get a chip for it yet. wait til you are going to bolt on all the parts that you could want on the engine...and then have a chip custom burned for you. this will give you the most out of the computer.

 

Yeah...I knew headers were gonna be the best...just didn't wanna think about 'em for a while.

Does it really matter which headers I get? I won't be getting Hedman again. Are Pacesetter ceramic coated headers just as good as some Gibsons?

The only headers I've found for my truck (4.6L V8, 1997) are Pacesetter, Hedman, Gibson, and JBA. Wish I could get some Flowmaster or Edelbrock.

What would be your suggestion?

 

gears dude!

 

I would take the header question to the exhaust forum, simply for better/more replies. If you're going to get headers, you should probably do the whole exhaust system too. Gears get expensive to change, real expensive when paying someone to do it for you. Electric fans might be something to consider, unless you already have them.

 

I have the Gibson too and love it, my brother got his from ebay but I wanted a valid warranty(the winter salt here destroys metal) so I got it here. gibson 110001, or you can try one of the vendors here on the forum, they are allways having sales/specials. Either way its a great system and very easy to install and for the price you give it a look.

 

I have the Gibson too and love it, my brother got his from ebay but I wanted a valid warranty(the winter salt here destroys metal) so I got it here. gibson 110001, or you can try one of the vendors here on the forum, they are allways having sales/specials. Either way its a great system and very easy to install and for the price you give it a look.

 

Question: Will a standard MSD 6A ignition system fit my F-150, or do I need to get a specific model of the 6A for it? I also hear that Summit makes a decent ignition system too. The same question applies. Is the system "universal" so to speak?

 

On the 4.6 you don't use the 6A, you use the MSD DIS-4, and you need TWO of them. MSD DIS-4 Plus Distributorless 4 Channel - 62152

 

One possible answer.... (3 parts)

1) COMP Cams: Xtreme Energy™

2) BBK CNC Series Performance Headers 35150 - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing

3) 2000 FORD F-150 4.6L/281 FORD MODULAR V8 Exhaust Systems - No Universal - Automatic Transmission - 4WD Drivetrain - Two Exit Quantity - Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing