Keeping my 05' efficient and like NEW!

[Kate Andreozzi]

I have a 2005 XLT with 43,000 miles. I keep up with basic maintenance, but would like to know what I can do to improve gas mileage, horsepower, etc. I have new tires, use synthetic oil, and keep the filters fresh, but my buddy said I should install a K&N air filter or air intake to keep it running efficiently.



I want to make sure I have my Trac for a long time, any suggestions? I appreciate any input!

 

[Chris Rice]

Hey Kate, there are many more that know much more than I do on here. But it sounds like your doing good on keeping it new, the maintenance is important if you keep on top of all that it should run for a while. I would say put on a K&N or Airaid or similar air intake, and that will help out some with mpg and everything. I put an airaid on mine and love the quicker throttle response, I also did my exhaust. I am getting the xcal2 tuner soon and cant wait. I've heard that is everyone favorite mod and also the one that helps out the most. There is so much you can do, have fun!

 

[scott degroot]

If you want to keep you ST in the best condition possible and as problem free as possible do not modify it in anyway.

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

I have to partly disagree with L1Tech in that the modification that are needed are the shocks, front end links and rear sway bar.



As far as improving performance and gas milage are concerned I will defer to the expertise of L1Tech who is a certified ASCE mechanic.



The mods that I personally have had no problem with are as follows:

Cold Air Intake

A single-in / duel-out cat back exhaust

ZabTeck throttle body

SCT XCalibrator

A good Synthetic oil in the engine, transmission, and differential



The best thing to improve gas milage is no jack rabbit starts, excellerate gently, and set the cruise control when ever possible.

 

[Jim parnell]

using the cruise control is not always the best way since it will over compensate throttle adjustments depending on terrain. Going up a long steep hill CC will apply too much throttle to maintain the set speed (as designed) when using your own right foot, you can control the throttle adjustments a little/lot better. sudden/heavy application of throttle under CC will hurt your mpg's. On flat or relatively flat ground, CC works good for mpgs, just not in mountainous areas.

 

[Andy Cabrera]

Kate,



Efficient & Sport Trac is a contradiction of terms LOL

The Gen 1 ST's are heavy & underpowered with a V6 therefore the suck gas.

And I we say here in Hampton Roads,

"It is what it is!"

That said,



I have done, some modifications to my 2002, none have really given me any earth shattering

MPG improvements. Especially in return for the expense. I have an air intake in mine and I see no big difference. (other than it is noisier)



I also want to echo the previous advice, if you do not want to drop your mileage, drive it like an old lady.

Punching it will eat gas BIG TIME.

You should get about 400 mile per tank driving locally.

One thing I can advise you NOT to do. When time comes due to change the spark plugs DO NOT use Bosch. Always stay with the OEM plugs. I found out the hard way!!!



Good luck with the Trac, look forward to you posting some pix.

 

[Chad Beaver]

I have an 04 ST SLT with about 113,000 miles. I changed the spark plugs and wires at 100,000 miles and noticed a 2-3 mpg increase. I used OEM plugs and wires as recommended by my mechanic. I haven't changed anything else....yet. LOL. I love my truck and it runs great so I don't want to mess anything up.

 

[Rodger Tellefson]

jimp,



I do get more consistant gas milage when I use the cruise control that when I do not use it.



cabrera,



Get an SCT XCalibrator and you will see a difference; at least I did.

 

[Johnny O]

The mods that I personally have had no problem with are as follows:

Cold Air Intake

A single-in / duel-out cat back exhaust

ZabTeck throttle body

SCT XCalibrator

A good Synthetic oil in the engine, transmission, and differential

Dittos.

I have had K&N replacement filters in several vehicles including my Trac and never saw an increase in mpg from that alone. I never tried a cold air intake.

The best bang for the buck to improve mpg is a better exhaust system. My '08 has a K&N and cat-back exhaust, it is EPA rated at 19 highway but if the road is flat and I keep it to 70 or less I will get 21-22 mpg.

Otherwise just maintain it according to the manual. Don't neglect flushing the transmission and also change the transfer case lube if it is a 4x4. I would change the spark plugs sooner than the 100,000 miles that the manual says.