What should I do to my 4.0L `98 Ford Exploder to get better fuel economy?

I recently purchase a `98 Ford Exploder with the 4.0L in it. For some silly reason the truck is only rated 19-21 MPG on the highway, and I only ever get that when I'm speeding excessively. If I drive at a decent speed, I normal get around 21-26 MPG (most commonly, 23 or 24.) But, still, that's not good enough for me. It's a light vehicle, and small enough engine. Also, the truck isn't very gutsy, I'm guessing anywhere from 160 to 200 HP.



I'm looking to spend $400 to $1000 on the truck to get better fuel consumption and more horsepower. I'm not sure if I want to (or even CAN) get a chip (I've heard good things about chips made by SuperChips,) headers, cold-air-intake, duel exhaust, or something entirely different.



What would you suggest, how much do you estimate it to cost, and what kind of results can I except? Also, what brand(s) would you recommend. Any other tips or secrets about this vehicle you care to pass on would be appreciated, as well. Thanks!What should I do to my 4.0L `98 Ford Exploder to get better fuel economy?
You really should look into performance chips, most offer 3-6+ mpg, 50+ hp, cost under $100, and install in under 5 min. Below theres a link to a chip for your Ford, this is the brand i bought. Contact them first and make sure it works on your vehicle first, better safe than sorry. Your Ford has 160hp, 225ft-lbs, and weighs 3692lbs.(If stock)

Good Luck!



http://slrmotorsports.com/shop/index.php鈥?/a>What should I do to my 4.0L `98 Ford Exploder to get better fuel economy?
Increasing power and increasing fuel economy are mutually exclusive of each other.

Just one example, introducing colder air at the inlet, increases the density and the injection system meters in more fuel. This increases power, but also burns more fuel.

It is not an increase in efficiency.What should I do to my 4.0L `98 Ford Exploder to get better fuel economy?
Fuel economy and horsepower don't mix kinda like vinegar and oil.



Inevitably you will loose some mpg to gain hp. Many products on the market claim to gain horsepower and mpg to date the only things you can do to increase hp and mpg is to increase the efficiency of your engine. A K%26amp;N air filter or intake system will increase your hp and mpg if your not loosing mileage some where else IE low tire pressure, dirty engine oil, accelerating then stopping then accelerating back up. When the engine has to adjust from the gas pedal increasing and decreasing the computer makes constant adjustments this causes loss of mpg thus the whole idea behind cruise control a constant setting without ups and downs. A chip is going to increase hp by advancing your timing and other variables and if its an automatic transmission it will increase your shift points causing loss of mpg!



Simplest answer!



More efficient air filter or air intake system

More efficient spark plug and ignition system

More efficient driving habits!



You get the picture. ;-)
It's already tuned to get the best fuel economy Ford could muster at the time. Since there are CAFE standards to be met, the auto makers have a vested interest in getting the best MPG as they can out of any vehicle.



If you're getting 21-26 MPG out of a 4000+ pound SUV you're doing better than most.



It also seems you don't know a whole lot about ICE's. Turbocharging does indeed use more fuel when the turbo is spooled up. You see, the exhaust gasses power the turbo that compresses the incoming air, of course to keep the mixture at an acceptable level the amount of fuel that goes into the mixture has be directly proportionate to the amount of air going in. So more air going in = more fuel going is as well. Furthermore most turbocharged engines have lower compression ratios for engine durability reasons, this makes them less fuel efficient when they are off the boost as well. However with the advent of direct injection compression ratios with forced induction are much higher than they used to be.



As for chips, since this a 98 model it's OBDII compliant you probably won't be using a chip, you'll be using a hand held tuner. If you program in a 93 octane tune, you may get a little more power and maybe a little more fuel mileage (nothing dramatic though). However the downside is that you will have to use premium fuel, which will negate any cash savings.



Overall there's not much you can do to get substantially better mileage out of your vehicle. Besides you're already getting much better mileage that's supposed to get.