So i have a '99 ranger 2.5L MFI 4-Cyl and i want to mod it so its both great on gas and a little sportier. i already have some ideas.
Adding an air intake and changing the injectors.
i have some decent sized wheels on it right now too so i was thinking of putting some lighter wheels but i don't know if the size of the tire made a difference.
also a friend of mine said making the exhaust pipe along the bottom a little bigger would help the engine breathe better thus helping power and further more fuel economy.
i am a newbie i'm 20 and this is also my first car and my work truck(its also sporting a ladder rack) but since i get paid mileage the more fuel efficient the more money i can get to spend on it later.

 

air intake does give you 1.0 to .5 more mpg. make your engine sounds a little meaner. but i would not buy one at retail price. check craigslist or a cheaper one off ebay. cause it does give you a little "mod" but doesnt really oay to buy a new one. and if you need more mpgs. take off the ladder rack and the tailgate. its help in a little way

 

yeah well i wouldnt mind a meaner sound and id apreciate a little boost in hp too. i need the ladder rack and tail gate for work. so thats a non negotiable. any ideas about the exhaust and tire stuff

 

The lighter wheel will help alot, in both respects. Your pretty much spot on with your thoughts now. But aftwards start looking into the ignition. The 3 keys of an engine is fuel, air, and spark. If you increase the injector you will probly not be able to burn it well and could kill you cats faster. If you get a hotter coil pack and wires and team it with a really good plug you will probly get good results.

If t were me in your shoes I would get the wheels, do exhaust and intake, then the ignition. Since your driving it for work the tail gate and rack probly have to stay on, but maybe look into a wind faring like you see on snowboard/bike racks. This should help with drag and wind noise.

 

another way to help save gas is to not motor around all crucial like i do. i burn gas..i have this disorder. when i was born i guess my foot was made of led or something like that. ha

 

haha yeah i know what you mean i get throttle happy sometimes too. but i tone it down. and fourliter dan thanks alot glad to know im not too of base. if i get a light rim should i one down on the size of tire does it make alot of diffrence

 

*tone