Upgrades to increase towing power

[Robspana]

Was wondering about some upgrades I can do to my TV to give it a little extra towing power, that won't void the warranty.
I don't necessarily need it, it tows fine, but I figure a little extra power couldn't hurt...

Does changing exhaust after cat back actually help with power and gas mileage?

Thanks...

[Bluepill]

Larger cat back system might give you a few more HP and Torque, and maybe 1/10 of an MPG. I doubt that you will notice any difference except exhaust tone.

Note that some manufactures have now added anti-tamper rationality checks to their engine management computers. They can detect changes from stock tuning and can potentially void a warranty.

[NMWildcat]

I agree. Haven't seen any after market add-ons or replacements that I felt gave you enough bang for your buck.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it I have always felt staying stock with the newer vehicles is best in the long run.

[Lins]

It really depends on the vehicle I find. All vehicles should benefit somewhat. My '02 Ram with the 4.7l did great after intake, throttle body, complete exhaust (from header to tip), cams, programmer, etc. It will almost always become louder so be aware of that. Re-gearing is probably better than exhaust.

As for warranty it all depends on your dealer. Most are getting into selling and installing aftermarket add-ons and they will probably gladly install it for you (for a nice price) but still honour your warranty if anything ever happens.

[Black]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I agree. Haven't seen any after market add-ons or replacements that I felt gave you enough bang for your buck.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it I have always felt staying stock with the newer vehicles is best in the long run.

Same here...totally agree !

[moondog2000]

A K&N air filter gave me horse power I can feel & gas milage improvment. I like to also run Marvel mystery oil on my trips and that helps also. Going to the Grand Canyon I was getting 9-10 mpg, now 12-13 mpg and I don't don shift as much.

[Kenrod]

I agree that it likely helps some more than others. Bolt on parts won't void a warranty unless they can actually prove the part caused a failure Look up the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
I tow a 17FQ Clipper with a 2011 Ford Ranger. I have installed a Gibson cat-back exhaust system on it and even the wife could tell a difference. Also installed an AFE cold air intake system. Again, even the wife could tell a difference.
Gained roughly 1 mpg towing and in everyday use.
Were not talking earth shattering differences but I am happy with the results and just that little bit more pull than was there before. It is now out of warranty so I may look into one of the tuners out there to maximize use of premium fuel.
Those will certainly void a warranty so I have not considered them before.
Your results may vary.

[W5CI]

If what you have tows your TT fine I wouldn't do anything to kill the warranty, if it doesn't get a Bigger truck

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

I agree. Haven't seen any after market add-ons or replacements that I felt gave you enough bang for your buck.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it I have always felt staying stock with the newer vehicles is best in the long run.

For once I agree with you 100%...lol

The new stuff is sensitive to modification of any kind and the ECM can detect it and the dealer can download it and deny warranty claims for engine and drivetrain components impacted.

Why I have a 1997 F350 OBS 7.3 diesel. No emissions whatsoever, chipped, K&N Cold air tuned intake, straight 5" exhaust, built transmission, oversize turbo, full Banks kit including air to air limited slip front and rear with old school locking hubs and mechanical FWD.21 mpg empty and 18 pulling. Every day, any day.

...and it sounds wicked too.

I'll take old school over new school anyday.

[Nurek]

I have a 2011 Xterra with the 4.0l v6

Remove the restrictive airbox and filter system and put in a K&N Filtercharger system. It will gobble up air and sound like a hungry beast doing so.

I put on a Flowmaster muffler to the stock exhaust plumbing.

My final mod was installing a BullyDog onboard tuner. It allowed me to remove the engines restrictions like the WOT, change shift points, and change the timing. It makes a noticeable difference. Lots of get up and go now. Haven't done some highway hauling with it yet. Gimme after the May Long weekend to report in.

[kamper00]

I have done many mods on vehicles over the years, the only time I really ever noticed a real difference is when I added a blower to a 5.0L Mountaineer years ago that was my tow vehicle for a hybrid camper. Blower, cat back exhaust and headers...was very costly but added aprox 100hp...(according to the dyno)

[SidecarFlip]

Originally Posted by kamper00

I have done many mods on vehicles over the years, the only time I really ever noticed a real difference is when I added a blower to a 5.0L Mountaineer years ago that was my tow vehicle for a hybrid camper. Blower, cat back exhaust and headers...was very costly but added aprox 100hp...(according to the dyno)

A blower or a hair dryer (turbo)? Blowers are mechanical supercharging that compress the charge mechanically, turbo's are gas driven and compress the charge air with centrifugal compressor wheels.