Cheap ways to improve performance?

[Rob19]

so im new to the ranger station, i have a 2000 ranger 4X4. It is my everyday vehicle but i need a new project so i thought i would work on it a little, what are some inexpensive way to improve performance, It already has aftermarket rims and tires, and an aftermarket off-road suspension.

 

[Ak907Girl]

Port and pollish port and pollish, take a rotor and clean clean clean. Every engine likes everything to be nice and smooth. Just do basic stuff first, checking all the fluids, filters, and cleaning all the sensors and stuff. Basic routine stuff is good, my ex did all thr routine stuff when i got my ranger and we ended up having to change the serp belt, timing belt, spark plugs, spark plug wires, u joints (those are a pain in the donkey!!!) And found out i needed a new alternator.

 

[Rob19]

My truck runs great, thats not the issue (although I did have to replace the timing belt last summer). I want to improve things like top speed, straight line acceleration, handling, fuel mileage (especially fuel mileage), and horse power.

 

[MrE_Powers]

if you lower it it will handle better and get a lil better gas mileage.....but bottom line is you have a truck. they arent for saving gas. but they are way better then a prius when you need furnature moved

 

[Rob19]

I didnt expect to get prius-ish gas mileage I just wanted to improve the mileage a little

 

[wrecking-crew]

Easiest and cheapest way is to keep up with the maintenance. Cheap way after that is exhaust and maybe an intake.

 

[Rob19]

I already put an aftermarket exhuast on it, sorry i forgot to mention that, but thnx i was wondering about an intake

 

[Gotta_gofast]

You won't notice anything from an intake.

 

[Rose2300]

underdrive pulleys

Yeah intake wont do anything

 

[RustedRanger]

Synthetic oil...Lucas oil treatment...high flow air filter...and if your truck has many miles add Restore to the oil. I did these things and with 165,000 miles on my 2.9L I get 22 mpg avg (mostly highway and back roads) Just by adding Restore to the oil I gained 2 inches of vacuum. These things don't add a huge amount but they add up even on a small motor. Other then these things the only other difference from stock is a 30" long glasspack.

 

[Ozwynn]

Its not a diesel. There are no cheap easy mods to gain performance and mileage. Best bang for the buck on performance is v8 swap. Best bang for the buck on mileage is a turbo 2.3L swap. Just port and polish, tri-y header, underdrive pulleys, re-gear, and clean everything........ Don't waste your money on a cold air intake.

 

[03ranger30]

I have heard that 5.0 swaps are "relatively" cheap compared to all the money you would spend on the six banger you already have.

 

[4.0B2]

I have heard that 5.0 swaps are "relatively" cheap compared to all the money you would spend on the six banger you already have.

Same way with a 4.0 swap for 2.9's when looking for power

 

[03ranger30]

Yeah but if you're looking for power I would just go with the 5.0, but that's just me

 

[Ak907Girl]

man, and people wonder why I LOVE my 2.3L 2wd 93. Lilly get 25mpg IN TOWN! 30 on the highway. Parks highway, Alaska is 367 miles from Fairbanks to Anchorage, I get 355 miles on ONE tank (15gallon). Plus it's a manual. I HATE automatics now that I have a stick. Plus, Girls now how to drive a stick better. ;-)