Most power for the money?

[Jake N]

Alright I just got my second 4.0 and it is bone stock. The last 4.0 I had was a 1994 and I did an intake (pvc) and glass-pack and thats it. That was back in high school when I did not know to much. My new truck is a 1996 and I want to get some more power out of it and was wondering what would the best bang for my buck performance mod be?

 

[97ranger4x4]

Gears!

Seriously, putting lower gears in their will give you the most usable torque out of that motor. since its a stock DD, your not going to gain anything by putting a cold air intake, exhaust, or any of the other silly stuff on there. Just make sure it is running good and keep up on maintence. The 4.0 really isnt made to go really fast.

 

[MAKG]

With a 5speed, by FAR the best bang for the buck is getting a friend to teach you to drive it correctly.

Except in 1st gear, regearing is EXACTLY the same as downshifting.

 

[Jake N]

What gears would you go with? If I put to low of gears won't it get crap for milage on the freeway? It is a DD but I do have a cabin that I would like to be able to pull a little trailer with fourwheelers or snowmobiles to once in awhile. I am also a 4500ft elevation so I was wondering if making it breath easier would be benifical?

 

[Twizzler09]

The stock intake already flows more than the engine can use, and at increased elevations theres no point in trying to increase the flow-rate when there isnt enough air to flow in the first place.

I agree with the original suggestion, re-gearing would probably be the best bet. Will you lose freeway mileage? Depends. If you know how to drive a manual, you'll know how to keep it close to its peak torque, which is where it'll get the best mileage. The fifth gear (OD) will be your best friend for highway use.

My personal choice, I'd use 4.10 gears.

 

[Jake N]

Oh and thanks but I know how to drive.

 

[fastpakr]

If you know how to drive (in the context that MAKG meant it), then gears won't help you a bit other than first gear.

 

[exbass94]

If you need more airflow, all you have to do is step on the gas some more. The plate on the throttle body will open up more, allowing more air into the engine. No aftermarket intake required. If you're not already at WOT, there's no reason you should complain about not enough airflow.

 

[almostclueless]

A good programmer?

 

[Jake N]

Alright so what I gather is that there is no benifit to an intake because the stock one will move enough air, so lets add some fuel? I just want more power and it sounds like there is not much to gain out of this motor unless I go with a turbo/supercharger and do some major motor work. I am here to learn so teach on...

 

[97ranger4x4]

Well what are your limitations? Both $$$ and time wise?

There is a supercharger kit that used to be made for the 4.0 OHV. But now it is disconinued. If you search around you can find information on trying to find one.

 

[Jake N]

Well I don't want to have to turbo/supercharge it, hell I only paid $400 bucks for it! I guess I was just hopeing that there was a couple little things I could do to make it gain a little power. I am not looking to make it crazy fast or anything I already have a fast truck that pulls like a mo fo. I just love to drive the little thing its fun of road and not a bad DD and it keeps me from putting miles on my powerstroke.

 

[Psychopete]

Alright so what I gather is that there is no benifit to an intake because the stock one will move enough air, so lets add some fuel? I just want more power and it sounds like there is not much to gain out of this motor unless I go with a turbo/supercharger and do some major motor work. I am here to learn so teach on...

You want to increase the amount of gas, yet you don't want to lower mileage?

Your engine demands X amount of air, which the air that the engine is demanding requires a ratio of gas (~14:1) for optimal combustion. Adding more gas will just make it run rich and degrade performance, that won't cause it to take in anymore air. If you want to add more gas, you need to increase the demand for air (internal mods $$$). Or shove more air down it's throat (forced induction).

I agree that gears would gain you quite a bit, but I can't really tell what you're after. If you want V8 power, it's cheaper and more reliable to just swap in a V8.

Pete

Edit:
Forgot one - Or nitrous oxide to justify more gas..

 

[Jake N]

Hmmmm.....Engine Swap......I do have a 92 cummins sitting outside, Ha ha that would be fun!! BTW has any of you put a 4BT cummins in your trucks?

Oh and thanks for all the info, It sounds like I sould just drive it the way it is and enjoy it.

 

[fastpakr]

Interesting. I just bought a '94 with a 2.3 and it gets around just fine (I put almost 400 miles of highway driving on it last night). Are you sure the truck is running as well as it's supposed to?