Gen 4 performance Upgrades

[Aussie67]

unless the test looks for the strategy code then it will pass. Most just look for all the required sensors to be operational. This would be a good question for you smog test guy. Unless you have e85 around and your stuck to 93 you should get around 75 WHP. BUT the big advantaged of the tune is the torque you gain as well. Get a X4 or livewire SCT device a 3 bar map and colder plugs gaped to .026 - .028 to start. These are all basics you will need for any further power gains. If you have E85 then you can get some of the tuners to do an E30 tune on the stock HPFP. Just a tune for 93 fuel wakes these cars up a lot.

Thats great info! Thanks so much!!

 

[Aussie67]

California is a whole different ball game. They have much stricter laws. For exhaust, 95 dbA is the maximum limit. Deleting components like resonators or third cat, or replacing cats or mufflers with high flow components may push you over that limit. They also have smog checks. First they get a visual inspection of all emissions equipment (third cat delete is a no-no). Then they get a tailpipe test. When they plug into the car, it must be running factory software or a CARB approved ECU tune. They check the Calibration ID (CalID) and Calibration Verification Number (CVN). All of your modifications that involve emissions have to have a CARB EO #. So if you put an intake on, it has to be tested and certified. Tuner, same. Exhaust/Cats, same. They are getting worse every year. They are banning small gas engines after 2024, all cars, SUVs, and pickups have to be zero emission after 2035, and all large diesel truck sales will be banned in 2036 with existing trucks having to be zero emissions by 2042.

Geez talk about a buzz ****! I'll add upgraded exhaust system with cats as part of it. The guy I use will pass me. He does on my 94 MTX & that's got a full dynomax walker exhaust system I had put on 2010 & smog guy says as long its not too loud he'll pass my cars so no holes or deleted cats! My '94 MTX barely passes the noise test but passes without anything done on his part! The tune for my Gen 4s will have to go back to factory settings for smog & the intake will have to be changed back to factor for the smog test it appears!
Thanks for the info! Much appreciated!!

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Geez talk about a buzz ****! I'll add upgraded exhaust system with cats as part of it. The guy I use will pass me. He does on my 94 MTX & that's got a full dynomax walker exhaust system I had put on 2010 & smog guy says as long its not too loud he'll pass my cars so no holes or deleted cats! My '94 MTX barely passes the noise test but passes without anything done on his part! The tune for my Gen 4s will have to go back to factory settings for smog & the intake will have to be changed back to factor for the smog test it appears!
Thanks for the info! Much appreciated!!

In my opinion, for the ease of Smog testing, I would do the tune and use a K&N panel filter. The stock intake will flow more air then the stock turbos need. The K&N can be swapped with a cheap filter if it is an issue. The tune will require a 3 bar MAP if you push it (the stock 2 bar will max out at 14.5 psi boost and boost spikes won't be read and may cause issues). The MAP is one electrical connector and 1 screw. You can change it real fast. Swapping intakes would be a pain for no gain (it even may cause loss due to heat, none of the systems I have seen for this application are true cold air intakes).

As far as exhaust, Ford Performance has a system that goes after the third cat. Dynomax has a muffler replacement system that goes after the third cat and resonator. May be something to consider in case your guy ever is not available (retires, goes out of business, gets in trouble with CARB, etc.).

 

[kryptto]

In my opinion, for the ease of Smog testing, I would do the tune and use a K&N panel filter. The stock intake will flow more air then the stock turbos need. The K&N can be swapped with a cheap filter if it is an issue. The tune will require a 3 bar MAP if you push it (the stock 2 bar will max out at 14.5 psi boost and boost spikes won't be read and may cause issues). The MAP is one electrical connector and 1 screw. You can change it real fast. Swapping intakes would be a pain for no gain (it even may cause loss due to heat, none of the systems I have seen for this application are true cold air intakes).

100% agree, personally no experience with inspections, been living in FL since 92, inspections stopped in 95 if I recall. Well said Ta2

 

[802SHO]

100% agree, personally no experience with inspections, been living in FL since 92, inspections stopped in 95 if I recall. Well said Ta2

That’s the way it should be everywhere, no inspection, just registration and insurance.

 

[kryptto]

That’s the way it should be everywhere, no inspection, just registration and insurance.

Here is the truth as I see it @802SHO I only have 3 vehicles, 2 are compliant though I live here with no inspections. No one just rips the pollution controls off their vehicles for fun. Maybe they are out there, but 97% of all vehicles comply. Commercial vehicles 100% agree with inspections. The micro managing of all citizens is just nutz.