Performance Question

[jimb726]

So I have a question, I am new to the extended length Fords/Lincolns, but not new to Expeditions. We have had several, most recently a 2006 EB that we just traded in on a 2007 Navigator L. My question is, for those of you who have gone from a standard length to an extended length or vice versa, did you notice a significant difference in acceleration, especially from a stop? Mine just seems to lack oomph. It has 90K on it, I replaced all 8 plugs and coil packs a couple of weeks ago with Motorcraft parts, and I had it in at the dealer last week for some warranty work and they said they couldnt find anything wrong with it. I realize that being a foot longer adds some weight but this seems to be really noticable, especially compared to my 06.

Thanks in advance for any insight

 

[GAINMOB]

only seems right with the same motor but extra weight for extension of vehicle...

 

[jimb726]

only seems right with the same motor but extra weight for extension of vehicle...

Yeah thats kinda what I was thinking. I guess we will find out this upcoming week. Taking it on a 2500 mile round trip. The main reason we got this was for the 6 speed in hoped for slightly better fuel economy. Fingers crossed.

 

[jglopic]

I find that the EL's feel a good bit slower. Also, the brakes feel weaker. Admittedly, I am not sure how much of it is actual performance difference and how much just feel, but they do leave some to be desired in terms of performance.

 

[FordandPolaris]

Well like Freeway said, they have the same figures as the 5.4L in a non-extended Ex from the same year, but the extended length adds some extra weight. Probably atleast a few hundred pounds. Naturally it should feel a little slower.

 

[mtondreo]

could possibly be a different rear end also. I went from an 06 4x4 (standard length 4sp tranny) to an 11 2wd (standard 6sp tranny) and the 06 definitely was quicker. Odd thing is my 4x4 had 3.73 reard end and no tow package, my 11 has tow package but 3.31 rear end. Never thought to even check that. The tuner has offset a little of that though.

 

[GaryH2]

I find that the EL's feel a good bit slower. Also, the brakes feel weaker. Admittedly, I am not sure how much of it is actual performance difference and how much just feel, but they do leave some to be desired in terms of performance.

I came from a 4.6 2002 Expy so the 5.4 EL is a rocket in comparison! I;ve found that I get better mileage with the EL and it does better with a load when we're traveling. No surprise there since its got 75 more HP.

Interesting comment about the brakes. One of my ongoing frustrations is the squishy brake pedal and overall feel in my EL.

 

[Dib52]

I'm in the "check the rear ratio camp". If not mistaken(and I'm sure I could be) the EL came 3.31 or 3.55. Special order available for the 3.73. The oomph you lack at the line is offset by the taller gear at cruising speed. I like the 3.73 and ordered it that way.

 

[01yellerCobra]

From what I've been told all EL's come with 3.73's.

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[jimb726]

I'm in the "check the rear ratio camp". If not mistaken(and I'm sure I could be) the EL came 3.31 or 3.55. Special order available for the 3.73. The oomph you lack at the line is offset by the taller gear at cruising speed. I like the 3.73 and ordered it that way.

And at the risk of sounding like an idiot, how do I know? Is there a code I am looking for or do I need to look for a tag on the rear end? I thought I had 3.73, but if I had 3.31 or 3.55 that would explain it.

 

[Dib52]

Ok, went back and researched, you have a 3.73, that's how they came. You're just fighting the extra weight penalty for the EL. I have a programmer for ya to help offset if interested. It will make a difference.

 

[jimb726]

Dib, thanks for verifying. I suspected it was the original weight. Ironically I bought a programmer yesterday to offset, but I appreciate the offer.

Thanks Everyone.

 

[rayt]

i don't have the extended, but i do have a super chips
i ran stock tune for a while, the car was slow all around!
i put maybe 8k on the 87 octane tune on superchips, it was a improvement in shifting but not by much in terms of pedal feel
i put about 3k on the 91 performance tune, and holy smokes the big difference! awesome pedal feel, and shifting, who would have figured that a tune can do so much.

 

[GAINMOB]

maybe cuz i have 2nd gen but i feel diff on 87 perfomance with my superchips 1950

 

[01yellerCobra]

I ordered a Flashpaq yesterday. It should be here next week. I'm curious to see how much it helps since we're going to Az on the 5th.

 

[jglopic]

According to the Ford website, all EL's come with the 3.73 rear end. A 3.31 would certainly improve off the line acceleration!

The only reason I can figure that the EL has a different rear end is highway fuel economy - the taller rear end yields lower RPM's which help offset the extra weight.

 

[01yellerCobra]

According to the Ford website, all EL's come with the 3.73 rear end. A 3.31 would certainly improve off the line acceleration!

The only reason I can figure that the EL has a different rear end is highway fuel economy - the taller rear end yields lower RPM's which help offset the extra weight.

You have that backwards. The 3.73's give better off the line acceleration. The 3.31's give lower cruise rpm.

 

[RI-Matt]

I have a programmer for ya to help offset if interested. It will make a difference.

Dib52 how much you looking to get for the programmer ?



Matt

 

[Dib52]

Dib52 how much you looking to get for the programmer ?



Matt

PM sent...I think, phone went weird.

 

[FordandPolaris]

+1 on YellerCobra's post. 3.73 gears will have better acceleration. My truck has the HD towing package with the 3.73's from the factory for that reason.