MORE POWER FROM BOTH 3.0's

[giddyup50]

I have a 97Taurus 3.0 Duratec DOHC 24V, and an 03Taurus 3.0 Vulcan (base engine). I'm a Mustang guy and I know all the horsepower tricks but I'm having trouble finding stuff for a Taurus. So far I've found K&N filter, some exhaust (BUT I DON'T WANT LOUD EXHAUST ON A TAURUS). That is all I can find. Besides those two things what and where can I find parts for more power for a Taurus? I'm more concerned with the DOHC 24V because that's mine and my wife drives the the 03. ANY HELP FOR ONE OR BOTH IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!THANKS!!

[denisb]

There is a member here drdisque who seems to know a lot about the Duratec and Vulcan motors. If you can find him he'd probably be able to help.

Denis

[drdisque]

The biggest gain for both the duratec and vulcan (but even more so for the vulcan) is building an intake that bypasses the stock intake snorkel as the snorkel gets down to about 1" in diameter down there in the bowels of the fenderwell. I have dual 2.5" Powerflo mufflers on my duratec (on the stock dual piping) and its quiet at idle (can't hear exhaust with windows up) but noticably louder at medium and full throttle. For my intake, I simply attached K&N Part #0940 (for a '94-'95 Mustang GT if you're interested) to my MAF using machine screws and retained the factory gasket to seal it up. I believe this mod would work on a vulcan too, but I've never done it myself. I've built 3 of these intakes for various Duratec owners.

[giddyup50]

Thanks drd, I've thought about doing something like that cause I've looked for cold air kits or just a bigger air inlet tube, but they just don't don't make them for a Taurus, they do for a Focus, but not a Taurus. Besides those three things (filter, inlet tube, exhaust) where can I find mass air, throttle body, and bigger injectors also what size injectors should I go with? I know I'm wanting to do what I did with my Mustangs to a Taurus, but hey, since I won't have another Mustang until next year I need to have something to mess around with, so this is it until then. Oh, almost forgot, what kind of power increase did you get? 10, 15, 20? Thank You!!

[giddyup50]

Oh yeah, I'm not sure if I want to drill holes in the mass air to connect the cone filter or end of the new (home made) inlet tube. Is it possible to use big hose clamps to tighten them together like the stock piece?

[drdisque]

you don't have to drill holes in the MAF, it already has holes in it where it bolts to the airbox. Pro-Flow makes a larger MAF that theoretically should work with a taurus. Larger TB would have to be custom done though, maybe you could use the TB off a Mazda 6 S if it uses a bigger one. I believe the stock injectors would be good for any NA mods you'd do.

From my 1/4 mile time (15.77) compared to a typical stock duratec (15.95), the mods probably gave me about 4 or 5 hp.

Also, if you're going to drive either of your tauri hard, I highly suggest an auxilliary transmission cooler. I used a Permacool, B&M's are supposed to be better, but they're a lot more expensive.

[mwt878991]

I agree with removing the intake silencer but just bolting the filter to the MAF will result in a HOT Air Intake. You will not be happy with the response as all you are doing is sucking in Hot air from the engine comparment.

to build a True CAI.

You need to get the adapter,
some 3" silicone tubing, 3" aluminum tubing, a 3.5 to 3 silicone reducer,
and a 90 Degree 3" elbow as well as a cone

I also put an AEM 3" bypass in mine in cse I ran into some water
The tranny cooler is a must but your best answer is a

calibrator or chip
Mike

[drdisque]

Of course, I think the way most chips are designed in the way of fuel curves and spark advance is hideously shoddy and would never run one in my car. If you want a diablosport dealer to make a chip that just modifies your trans behavior, they'd probably do it though. That would be the best option in my opinion if you wanted a chip.

[mwt878991]

[quote=drdisque]Of course, I think the way most chips are designed in the way of fuel curves and spark advance is hideously shoddy and would never run one in my car.

You need to do your homework. There are two very reputable people that come to mind that are doing chips/programmers for the taurus and although the horsepower gain is less than 10 horses ,the torque increase and curve as well as shift points and firmness is well documented.


Mike

[drdisque]

I just don't like the idea of running in what basically amounts to Open Loop all the time. There's a lot more to a chip than putting down good dyno numbers. I never argued that it couldn't help the trans, there's a lot of room left for improvement there.

[giddyup50]

Thank mtw, and drd!! Gotcha on the screws, thanks! As for the silicone (blue hoses) where do you get that stuff? I know we're talking about two different cars here but on both of my 5.0 Mustangs (89 and 92) I used a 12 inch cone K&N and Flowmaster mufflers and gained atleast 5-10(filter) and 5-10(mufflers), so around 15hp I'm guessing. So wouldn't we get atleast 10-15hp on the 3.0? Also with the 12 inch cone I did not have a cold air kit, just the cone, and I noticed a big difference. Yes it was getting some hot air, but it was also getting alot more air in general to help it breathe. Yeah, I know cold air kit is better, and I probably will make one but I have no problem just using the filter at the end of the mass air, that's what I did with my 5.0's and they let me know that they were happy! I have looked EVERYWHERE for a chip or programer and no luck! My goal is to get 250hp and 225tq=50more hp or 25more tq. My goal is to beat a guy I know who has an 05 VW Jetta 1.8Turbo-6spd. It is stock and has 185hp and 165-170tq. Yeah, he has less power and torque but also less wieght and the turbo on the 1.8 spools up quick. Stock they run high 14-low 15 seconds in the 1/4 mile. The DOHC Taurus stock runs high 15-low 16's. We plan on going to a track to race, so that would be my only advantage. He has never raced at the track before, I have plenty! So I should be able to get him off the line. So am I chasing my tail or do I have a chance, assuming I do the mods you told me? THANKS GUYS!!

[giddyup50]

Hey guys, how the hell do I get to the back plugs on the DOHC? THANKS

[mwt878991]

Originally Posted by drdisque

I just don't like the idea of running in what basically amounts to Open Loop all the time. There's a lot more to a chip than putting down good dyno numbers. I never argued that it couldn't help the trans, there's a lot of room left for improvement there.

Once again, You need to do your homework.
I am talking about reporgramming the ECU not wiring in some 25 cent resitor off of ebay.

A properly prgrammed chip is not putting the car in open loop.

It does optimize the A/F ratios and timing.

You can change over 50 parameters with a quality program like the X Calibrator.

Mike

[mwt878991]

Originally Posted by giddyup50

Hey guys, how the hell do I get to the back plugs on the DOHC? THANKS

Before someone says you have to take the Upper Intake Manifold off YOU DON"T

I have done it twice on my Duratec and all you have to do is use a small ratchetand a couple of different extensions and do most of it by feel.

I did the back ones on my car last time in about 15 minutes.

Mike

[giddyup50]

Thanks mtw, someone did tell me to take the upper intake off, I though "great, all that work to change plugs". I'll try going from the top and/or bottom of the car. But how about the blue tubes you used for the air inlet tube, where do you get those? THANK YOU SIR!!