Chips, Programmers, Yada Yada

[nitrofan1]

Hey Guys,

I have looked till my eyes bled but outside of chips for stock set ups what are the options for OBD I RBVs that need a custom tune? I want something that will come close to getting the max out of what I have done. I have run these mods for a few years now and I can honestly say if I drive another Ranger 4.0L manual without any testing equipment I can't tell a difference feel wise.

I plan long term for internal upgrades and even forced induction but until then? Here's what I have done:
K&N stock replacement filter
73mm Vortek mass air
63mm Central Coast throttle body
24lb Accel injectors
2 1/2 Flowmaster series 40 exhaust
5.0L fuel pump

The factory goods are 4.0L, manual trans, open 8.8 with 3.55's. MPG is good with a 20 combined though I can take a hit on those with more grunt or power.

I know I need headers badly. The stock cats are in good shape and I've read they flow pretty good for OE units. What headers are most popular and work the best? And the main question: Chips do nothing once the stock setup has been modified. What are the options for an OBD I system? I'm lazy so if you have or know of someone that does OBD I mods add links in your reply.

Thanks for any help!

 

[blh0007]

Shhhhh ... be careful around here blurting out questions/ information about bolt on mods... there are a bunch of douche bags on here that will try to beat you down for bringing up these kind of modifications. Anyways, i think changing you gears is going to give you the most (outside of doing a rebuild on your engine or dropping in a 302). just my 2c

 

[Big Jim M]

Howdy Chattanooga

If that is a photo of your ride...I LIKE IT! Good look'n ride.
RPM's make power in small engines. You want more power? Get lower gears!
For myself that 20 mpg is where I'd stop.. But if you gotta mess with it go for some gears. You WILL lose that 20 mpg though.
Big JIm

 

[fireguy12117]

have you considered internal work? from what I've read on the 4 liter, any real gains get made or broke by working on the head flow and the rotating assembly if your staying NA.

 

[nitrofan1]

If that is a photo of your ride...I LIKE IT! Good look'n ride.
RPM's make power in small engines. You want more power? Get lower gears!
For myself that 20 mpg is where I'd stop.. But if you gotta mess with it go for some gears. You WILL lose that 20 mpg though.
Big JIm

That's my baby Jim. Had her painted in 99 thanks to a landscaping truck and an asshat for a driver, so it was a freebie thanks to knowing guys at a body shop. OK, I now know GEARS are the way ta go. Unless I'm wrong 3.73's are best. Since I have an open 8.8 with standard 28 spline should I just throw in the ring-n-pinion or go for the carrier assy and make it a posi? Money is REALLY tight right now and I understand the 28 is not the best but goin out and getting an Exploder rear end I'm limited funds wise.

Thanks for the compliment too!

 

[Big Jim M]

You won't notice much difference going down only one gearset. What tires are you running? For sure a 4:11 is in order and depending on your tire height maybe lower.
Big JIm

 

[nitrofan1]

Factory Splash P235/60R/15. Did run some P235/75R/15's for a while but got a deal on the Firehawks and couldn't pass it up. 4.11's huh? K, I can do that. I do plan on different wheels next year and will probably swap the rears for P275/60R/15's with the proper offset. Want the "Meaty" look. lol