What kind of performance chip should I use for a mercury cougar?

What performance parts should I use for my 1999 Mazda B4000 (Ford Ranger XLT) pickup truck?

• I have a 1999 Mazda B4000 (Ford Ranger XLT) SE V6 two-wheel drive. The B4000 (XLT) has a Ford Cologne 4.0L V6 stock engine. I am interested in making this a nice looking and performing race truck kind of style. Just wondering what would be the best 'performance chip' I should get (looking for an extra 40-50 horse power) and what kind of exhaust would give it a nice growl (currently looking into FlowMasters Super 44)? Also if you could include the prices as well, that would be perfect! [Also, are there any problems with lowering kits? I know, depending on how low you lower it, you could mess up stuff by driving over it but what about suspension? Would the suspension need a lot of maintenance?]

• Answer:

  Don't even consider hopping up the stock engine. Not much potential in any of the engines available in this truck. You will only wind up spending big bucks for marginal gains. Mufflers won't do all that much for you. A little six banger is always going to sound like a little six banger no matter what you do. All this muffler is going to do is make it sound like an old tractor. The little six banger will never have the rumble or the snort of a V8. Have you considered a V8 swap? A 5.0 out of a Mustang GT maybe. Use the Mustang GT transmission and rear end while you are at it. Lots of great aftermarket parts available for the 5.0. Lots of power potential too. Lots of forums out there pertaining to a Ford Ranger V8 swap. Air ride suspension is the only way to go. You can adjust the ride height any way you like. See the link below.