87 octane tune

[RegularGuy]

I've hit a bit of a wall in my research, I'm attempting to figure out what the best route would be for my setup, the drivetrain is stock and will likely remain so for the life of the vehicle. I've heard there to still be an improvement engine wise, while also making the transmission gear hunt less. My main interests are getting it off the line better and remedying the gear hunting while at low throttle

I'm also not really interested in messing with the tune once its on there, so purchasing a SCT X4 (or similar) seems unnecessary unless its the cheapest option....

What are my options here? Is there somewhere I can take the truck rather that would save some cash (and be correct the first time instead of requiring re-tunes)?
On a completely stock ranger would any of this even be worthwhile? If I can the get the trans to act a little better that would be nice

The truck is an automatic 2007 FX4 lvl2

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Remove automatic.

Replace with manual.

Problem solved.

 

[adsm08]

Not sure what you mean by getting it to hunt less. I know what gear hunting is, but I have rarely experienced it on a 5R55 trans in any form. Maybe start by checking the gear ratio, and seeing if the tires have been upsized.

Tuning without engine work rarely has any sort of benefit to a gas engine. Diesels are different.

In your case a shift kit and maybe a tune to change the transmission shift strategy would be in order, but that's likely all the good it will do.

 

[RonD]

2007 Ranger with 4.0l SOHC won't have a J3 port on its computer(PCM) to do live tuning, 2004 was last year on most Fords

4.0l SOHC runs 9.7:1 compression ratio which means it WILL ping/knock on 87 octane fuel, so Ford added a Knock sensor so you can run 87 octane, but at reduced power

If you run 91 or 93 octane you will have more power, nothing to do with "the tune" just that the knock sensor doesn't need to change the spark timing as much

 

[RegularGuy]

@adsm08
The issue I've been having is that while attempting to maintain a constant speed up my rather steep hill (25mph) unless I turn off overdrive the truck will continuously switch gears.
I read somewhere that its possible to increase the throttle input required for downshifting which eliminates this problem.

As for the truck, its an all stock FX4... 31x10.5r15 tires, 4.10 gears, I spent the better part of two years trying to find one in the right color that hadn't been adulterate

@RonD
In that case, would it be recommended to run 91 as a baseline? What do members with the sohc typically run? Thus far I've preferred the engine performance of my 93' ohv everywhere except freeway.
Anything moving towards the feel of the ohv would be a step in the right direction as far as I'm concerned

 

[RonD]

The 4.0l OHV had 160hp
4.0l SOHC has 207HP with 91 octane, maybe 180HP with regular 87

So you may have another issue
Have you checked if throttle cable is tight, not stretched
Put a stick against the seat holding down gas pedal, pop the hood and see if you can open the throttle farther manually

If you have a compression gauge test a few cylinders, at least one on each bank, SOHC should be 170+psi, its 9.7:1 ratio
Maybe you had a gear slip on one of the cams

 

[RegularGuy]

Am I incorrect in believing the ohv had more bottom end torque? It's specifically the bottom end, right off the line that's struck me as lack luster.
I haven't done a compression test as of yet although I know there is some slack to be removed from the throttle cable.

In either case, I would suppose it wouldn't hurt to replace the plugs and posse as the previous owner failed to provide a list of completed/required maintenance

 

[adsm08]

I currently own two OHV 4.0s and one SOHC, all in vehicles with 3.73 gears, and the SOHC is in my Explorer, which is heavier right off the bat. I also had another 4.0 SOHC Explorer a few years ago.

I have no power issues with it. The launch isn't quite as peppy as the Ranger or the B2, but they both have manuals, the Explorer is an auto, and like I said, has a higher dry weight.

I'd say catch up on any missed maintenance, get your throttle cable situation dealt with, and then re-evaluate the situation.

You can get a tune written that would basically leave the engine control software alone and change only the transmission's shift strategy. That is something that may be worth looking into.