Trick My Truck - Ford F-150 Performance Products to Increase Horsepower and Fuel Economy
Ford's F series line of pickup trucks have been the most popular and largest volume leader among sales in the last 30 years. The most available line, and easily the most widely customized model, the F-150 is the benchmark among competitors. It's just the truck the competitors use as their measuring stick. With summer just around the corner, gasoline prices will most certainly make that upward movement. Whether or not we see the price levels of 2008 is anyone's guess, but why wait for the inevitable and start making that move to a more fuel efficient pick-up. It's a tough concept to grasp considering that most of these popular models are V-6 or V-8 powered. But have no fear, here are some of the top products you can buy to up not only your performance, but to also gain up to a 25% increase in fuel economy.
The least expensive and widely available add on is the high flow air filter. These filters are specifically designed to not only allow the truck's engine to breath more efficiently, but is cleanable and reusable. Therefore taking out the "replace air filter" stage out of your maintenance list. Cleanable high flow filters will also net an extra 1-3 mpg increase in even a 5.4 V8 model in a new body 2009! K&N, Airaid, and BBK have a wide range of filters and intake systems for new or older body F-150 and are affordable at only -55 depending on your application. The more involving fuel injection performance kits are a little pricier but you gain a heavier performance advantage, plus they look great!! A must have addition, and will take about 15 minutes to replace your old factory filter.
A nice throaty exhaust is a must have in that F-150. A popular custom install will give your truck a muscle car sounding appeal, all the while making the breathing more easier for your new or used truck. A quality exhaust system will dispel all the burnt gases more efficiently than a stock exhaust. Companies like Borla, Magnaflow, Roush, Flowmaster and others provide easy install kits that require no welding, and can easily be installed in an afternoon with just some basic hand tools. Most kits complete out of the box with all the hardware, clamps, bolts, mandrel bent pipes, chrome tips and such are added in plus comprehensive instructions to simplify the process. Your stainless steel exhaust will get you better gas mileage and will look and sound good on the street.
And the last basic performance add on is the performance chip. Priced at anywhere from -120, a performance chip will re-educate the computer and adjust shift points and fuel output to help you save money on gas. Plus with this modification, the truck will make better use of power when the transmission shifts in a performance algorithm. Most chips install in about 15 minutes with little effort or having to use specialized tools to do the job. Much like the air filter, this is an easy do it yourselfer, and instructions are almost always included. Don't count out a more comprehensive power programmer, there are more tunable and customizable settings to be had, but at a steeper price of course. If money is an object, stick with just the performance chip and you can't go wrong. Look out for chips by Hypertech and Superchips for the application you're looking for.
As a result, there is the small grouping of performance items that will net you better fuel economy and more horsepower in that new or old Ford F-150. In 2008, people were so taken by the hybrid craze that dealerships were selling their popular autos with that feature for many thousands more than sticker price. There are several ways of converting cars, suv's and even trucks into a hybrid that don't take that much time or the hassle of having to spend thousands of dollars. For more information on how to turn you're truck into a hybrid type vehicle and get thousands of dollars in tax credits from the IRS, please check out the link to my website below. The overall results of customizing your truck will blow away onlookers and make a huge impact on your wallets.
