[Dansj]

I've been reading these boards for a while and I enjoy learning from the many informed people.

Of course more horsepower/torque is nice, but I'm interested in the impact of mods on milegage and reliability.

What modifications increase hp without negatively affecting reliability and mileage?

For example, an easy first upgrade is a performance air filter. Please excuse my ignorance, but does this work by basically allowing more air in? If so, couldn't this potentially allow more bad particles in the engine as well, possibly decreasing long term reliability?

Thanks for any help.

[Tedz Pony]

Can't help you there, but I have the same question, so thanks for posting.

[Marcus GT]

My understanding is that a "tune" will help with the mileage but the problem is that it also increases the HP and "fun" factor to the point that your right foot becomes more heavy on that peddle therefore negating the improvement on MPG.

Just crunching some numbers, I figure it would take me about 10 years to pay for the CAI/Tune modifications IF I didn't have "fun" with my car. Then, whats the point?

I will probably do the JLT 2 CAI - SCT 2 Evo tune in the near future just for fun.

[brnrkm]

any mods that will;
- improve the volumetric efficiency of the engine, (low restriction air cleaner/mufflers, tuned headers etc.)
- reduce parasitic loss, (underdrive pullies, electric water pump, synthetic fluids, manual transmission )
- reduce rotating mass (alum. flywheel/driveshaft, lightweight wheels)
- further fine tune the fuel metering (tuner)
will also improve fuel mileage providing, what Marcus says, you can keep your foot out of it.

My electric water pump gets me about a 1 MPG improvement and as such will pay for itself in about 100,000 miles. But I get to enjoy that 10+ or so "free" horsepower all the while. I do run the chance of it failing, but the Ford one will fail someday anyhow. trust me, it will.
By contrast, underdrive pullies will offer similar benifits but the risk is different. You "may" have charging issues, you "may" have cooling issues. you may not.

Yes, a new higher flow aircleaner may allow more particulates through but once it isn't new anymore (dirty) it will clean just as good or better than paper and the break-in period is acceptable. Plus if you get an open air filter element you get to dump the intake muffler (aircleaner box) in trade for a nice BOOOOWAAAAA sound when you romp on the gas. Money well spent in my book.

Just stick with simple, tried and true well thought out mods and buy the best equipment (for the price) you can from the best vendors you can find and it's all good.

[stlwagon]

Agree... Tune, CAI & exhaust are good for starters. Will add 20-35 rwhp and won't impact mileage (may even see a slight increase). But, once you start getting more agressive (gears etc) you will start to negate any mileage gains.