Ok, so i have a 2000 2.5l 4 cylinder Ford Ranger with 140k miles on it. i want EVERYTHING that little motor has to offer. and i need help to make that happen. i need ideas, things to buy, superchips i can trust, and a internal engine cleaning method (affordable.) any ideas will be helpful. (i'm 18 and cant really afford a turbo yet)

 

"can't really afford a turbo yet"....

I would save money then if that's your plan for later. What are your plans for suspension? Going low? Going UP? ....etc.

 

It is what it is on a budget...Just drive it and save money for a cooler car/truck down the road.

 

Yea, I find it difficult to save money when I see things that would improve performance just a little. But yea I'm gonna start. And I'm going to lower 2" front and 3" back. The turbo I can save up for, but the installation is going to be a nightmare money wise. Internals, tuner and stronger differential and internal transmission gears all needed. I'm in for about 7k. Like they say, you gotta pay to play. But I'm after things that I can afford that will make even small changes. Any ideas?

 

Think wisely. If you managed to put in 7000$ to your truck, you would have a shiny engine that equalled the horsepower/torque of the 4.0 SOHC engine. You would be much better saving up for an explorer 5.0 swap and you would still have a lot of money left over. In addition, for $7000 you could buy one of the few trucks with an engine already swapped.

 

good luck modding the 2.5, its limited. also i dont think the plastic intake manifold likes boost

 

Honestly I wouldn't waste a cent on a 4 banger. Just not worth it.

 

I learned the hard way after spending about 5000$ on my Scion tC (over the past 6 years). Just random modifications and constantly changing parts because of "new" reviews and dynos showing different results. In the end, I only gained 23whp and 15wtq.....depressing huh? I could have saved that money and bought a turbo kit putting me at a 120whp gain and 100 wtq gain....better result.

With the Ranger I'm taking my time and just doing functional modifications for the driving I will do with it (pavement and some 4x4). I have read many threads on here and other forums that intakes are essentially worthless for the trucks as the OEM style is very efficient (for the 04 models at least). All I am suggesting is that you thoroughly review and think about every mod you spend money on for your truck. You'll regret it in the end if you spend the money and you don't get the results you feel you should have......you also learn to not like the vehicle much after that.

My incentive to keep my tC, though.........5-speed manual and 32 mpg (I drive 52 miles each way to work). The truck is my "relax and enjoy" vehicle.

 

e fan always a good start then some exhaust

 

i have a set of 96-ish nissan altima dual e-fans im thinking about adding to my '03 ranger 2.5l (assuming i keep it.) since i live in alabama and the absolute coldest it gets is like 20 degrees, im probly just going to hard wire them in to where they stay on so long as the key is in the ignition. most likely im just going to sell the truck, as ive no love for the ranger (got stuck with it). If nobody buys it when its finally paid in full, i wil probly just do an old v8 swap and slam it. though im partial to selling it to either get another mazda or buy a turbo for my miata.