I have read countless threads on intake, tuners, gears, etc. I have a few questions. The type of driving I do is mostly city 35-45mph with a little highway 65mph. All I have is the MAC boomtubes which I know offer very little in HP/torque. When I drive during the night, the car is has plently of torque, quick and sounds great. During daytime driving, it doesn't feel as torquey but still sounds good. Nighttime colder air-more power? I want a decent low end all the time, not just at night. I know it's just a 4.6, but my driving style is to shift at 2K during normal driving which is not very meaty. So, here are my questions.
Option 1- I had a good intake setup on my 01; C&L intake, 85MAF, 75mm T/B, and C&L plenum. Big torque difference over stock. A lot of you keep it simple with the 05-09's with CAI and tune. I've seen multiple CAI's; some "no tune required" some need them. I really don't want to put a tuner on. If I put one of the no tune CAI's on, a lot of what you say is that you'll feel some grunt but need the tune to get it's full potential. If I get a BBk/K&N/S&B and don't get a CEL I'm worried that I may run a little too lean with an amount of airflow over the stock perameters. I didn't tune my 01 and it's ran great aside from the occasional ping at 5K which is bad I know and don't want that on this one. To play it safe I'm thinking of the FordRacing CAI like the Bullitt (the power pack intake with a Ford calibration) but it's $670.00. If Ford thinks it's okay than it should be fine right? I know this engine can more than adequatley handle another 20hp.
Option 2- Gears. I currently have the 3.31. I'm thinking of 3.73 or 4.10. If I go this route I know I'll get in the revs and powerband a little quicker thus improving acceleration. I know the highway rev's will jump about 2100 at 65 versus the 1700 which I'm used to, no big deal. The question is if the gear swap will meet my needs? Of course gears don't add power but they'll give me a jump making me feel like I've got more power correct?
If I shift at 3K I wouldn't be bothering with these questions. I do flog my car occassionally don't get me wrong, but I think high revs all the time isn't good for longevity. I wan't it to still pull hard at when I reach 80K. So which route will be better for my grandma driving needs? I guessing cost will be near the same. Please no "use the search button" responses please, I've looked. #1, #2, or just sack up and get both. I'm leaning towards #1.
Option 1- I had a good intake setup on my 01; C&L intake, 85MAF, 75mm T/B, and C&L plenum. Big torque difference over stock. A lot of you keep it simple with the 05-09's with CAI and tune. I've seen multiple CAI's; some "no tune required" some need them. I really don't want to put a tuner on. If I put one of the no tune CAI's on, a lot of what you say is that you'll feel some grunt but need the tune to get it's full potential. If I get a BBk/K&N/S&B and don't get a CEL I'm worried that I may run a little too lean with an amount of airflow over the stock perameters. I didn't tune my 01 and it's ran great aside from the occasional ping at 5K which is bad I know and don't want that on this one. To play it safe I'm thinking of the FordRacing CAI like the Bullitt (the power pack intake with a Ford calibration) but it's $670.00. If Ford thinks it's okay than it should be fine right? I know this engine can more than adequatley handle another 20hp.
Option 2- Gears. I currently have the 3.31. I'm thinking of 3.73 or 4.10. If I go this route I know I'll get in the revs and powerband a little quicker thus improving acceleration. I know the highway rev's will jump about 2100 at 65 versus the 1700 which I'm used to, no big deal. The question is if the gear swap will meet my needs? Of course gears don't add power but they'll give me a jump making me feel like I've got more power correct?
If I shift at 3K I wouldn't be bothering with these questions. I do flog my car occassionally don't get me wrong, but I think high revs all the time isn't good for longevity. I wan't it to still pull hard at when I reach 80K. So which route will be better for my grandma driving needs? I guessing cost will be near the same. Please no "use the search button" responses please, I've looked. #1, #2, or just sack up and get both. I'm leaning towards #1.