Programers and Chips Vs. Exhaust and Intake

[Nate_DNR]

Ive noticed a bunch of conflict on this subject..I have a 1998 ford ranger with a 4.0. I want just a little more power and torque. I'm not looking for a top end beast if anything i want more low end power. I work at a sawmill in the summer and pull trailers of lumber so i need more low end not top end. Now to the point, I've heard good arguments for both programers/chips and exhaust/intake. I don't know which one i want to go for. So i need some convencing, i would like to see some good arguments for both sides so i can choose which one i'm going to do.

 

[Big Jim M]

ONLY regearing will do what you want! All of the choices you mention will give more torque and horsepower at higher rpm..if any at all.
Changing the gears will give both torque and horsepower at all rpm.. regear.
Big Jim

 

[Z3CHYD]

I'd say if you were choosing between the two, go Intake/Exhaust. For intake, just get an oem replacement filter, and for exhaust, practically anything outflows stock and it's pretty much up to you what muffler to use. I wouldn't use the programmer chips,because all they do is make the engine run harder, wear out parts prematurely, and take away limitations that the stock computer had to keep you motor lasting. Basically you gain horsepower and torque for awhile, but is it worth the premature failure of stock parts trying to make horsepower they weren't designed to make? Intake/Exhaust for sure over the two.

 

[Gotta_gofast]

My vote for gears is still in the air until you post up your current gear ratio and if its a 4x4 or 2wd. If you have, say 3.73:1 gears on a 4x4 its going to cost you a lot for 4.10s and you're looking at a mild gain in pulling power. However, 3.55:1 in a 2wd pick up, swapping to 4.10:1 gears is an honest improvement for the money.

Now, if your truck has an automatic transmission, I suggest an aux trans cooler working WITH the stock cooler. If your truck is an auto, I also suggest the use of a quality programmer. They will pull more torque (at the expense of premium fuel) but they firm up the shifts. Firm shifts while towing/hauling are better for your trans than sloppy shifts.

And a note about intake and exhaust mods. Most all intake and exhaust modifications will net you more high-mid-range to high-end power at the expense of low end grunt. I tow toys with my truck so I opted for a dynomax 2.5" single exit exhaust system for its better flow (without sacrificing my torque) it has a mild exhaust note (because I hate mono-tone drone loud exhausts give off while towing) and its cheap.

In the end, you'll read through this thread and your head will be spinning from all the mixed opinions. You might be better off doing what YOU feel is important to your truck. After all, its your money and your truck.