Upgrades to 1999 stock V10

Many folks find that by installing exhaust headers and a free-flow exhaust system coupled with reprogramming the PCM (computer) with a 5-Star tune does wonders waking up the older v10's.

Did it with our v10 powered 2000 coach and very pleased with the results.

I'm sure some other forum members can provide you with additional suggestions.

Good Luck & Safe Travels...

Haven't heard of "5 star tune" is this an available product?

I had a 99
IMO, there is no modifications that are really affordable.

What you have is the first version of the V10, which means it has the spark-plug thread issue and the dip-stick issue (some where shipped with the wrong length dip-stick).
It also has the original crank and 2 valve cylinders.
The next model year had the improved crank, which improved the power and mileage.
After that came the improvement in the valve, moving from two to three.

Notice that at no time did Ford change either the intake or exhaust. IE, nor "improved flow" headers or "more air" filter.

Notice also the no time did Ford do a recall to re-program the engine.

Well gee Ford is all knowing. Ford is all done by lawyers that are there to keep Ford out of trouble. The multitude of folks out there to improve what was once not so good is uncountable. Which is why I asked the question. The mechanic at Ford dealership had better aftermarket fix for s plugs than Ford offered.
Think I'll wait for some other thoughts. But hey thanks.

I read on a Ford truck forum somewhere that there was a way to improve the engine to stop the plug problem but I do not remember what it was, perhaps try Googling it or asking some Ford techs. I have the 2008 V10 and plug do not have that problem.

I read on a Ford truck forum somewhere that there was a way to improve the engine to stop the plug problem but I do not remember what it was, perhaps try Googling it or asking some Ford techs. I have the 2008 V10 and plug do not have that problem.

1BryNelson wrote:
Well gee Ford is all knowing. Ford is all done by lawyers that are there to keep Ford out of trouble. The multitude of folks out there to improve what was once not so good is uncountable. Which is why I asked the question. The mechanic at Ford dealership had better aftermarket fix for s plugs than Ford offered.
Think I'll wait for some other thoughts. But hey thanks.

If you don't like answers from people that have actually owned the same engine, looked at the same questions, got quotes in the four to five figures for these "improvements", don't listen, it's your money after all.

n7bsn wrote:

1BryNelson wrote:
Well gee Ford is all knowing. Ford is all done by lawyers that are there to keep Ford out of trouble. The multitude of folks out there to improve what was once not so good is uncountable. Which is why I asked the question. The mechanic at Ford dealership had better aftermarket fix for s plugs than Ford offered.
Think I'll wait for some other thoughts. But hey thanks.

If you don't like answers from people that have actually owned the same engine, looked at the same questions, got quotes in the four to five figures for these "improvements", don't listen, it's your money after all.

X2, it has been shown time after time that aftermarket products never deliver on claims and rarely improves anything at all and the auto engineers really do know their products. The Banks power system is the only one that has any credibility at all in improving performance that I am aware of for this motor and it is limited and very expensive. Keep it well maintained, have the plugs checked regularly and keep enjoying a reliable power plant. The only other choice is to waste a bunch of money on minimal gains.

Why can't I not like some answers. Where is it said I have to blindly accept what someone says. Always thought it was good to question and maybe even point out to others when I see what I consider "not to good" advise. Always have preferred to look to the positive than the negative. Like what's the solution to a problem rather than just BMC'ing bout the problem.

Yeah, ford doesn't include a set of tuned headers when the F53 leaves the factory. Does that mean that headers don't offer an improvement?

They do on the 1st gen 1999 V10 that the OP is asking about. Putting headers on the 99 also has the side benefit of "fixing" the exhaust manifold bolt issue.

Custom tunes have shown verified Dyno improvements in power (Usually not that much though) on just about every modern engine and the gains can be significant when the engine has been modified of course.

Anyhow, we have the full Banks system on our 99 F53 which is intake, K&N cone filter, headers, stinger and transcommand. The power improvements on such a system are usually only greatest at peak output but in the motorhomes, we are often asking near peak power from our engines. I'm not sure how much the air intake and cone filter help but they are there. I think the real boost is in the tuned headers.

I seem to remember they dyno'ed a 1999 Pace Arrow before and after adding the banks kit and the gains were something like 50hp and 70 lb-ft of torque.