[TanVan03]

Hello All,

Found the Old board sometime last year and thought it was pretty cool - so glad to see that someone is keeping it going!!

I did find a bunch of good information on the old board...and am just getting ready to do some performance upgrades.

I have a 2003 Astro AWD, and am starting a three stage project (would like to do it all at once, but something something called money is keeping that from happening!!)

We just ordered a brand new Travel Trailer, and am looking to rev up the Van to handle the 4000 lb. trailer.

Stage 1 - Just ordered a JetChip performance Programmer to update the computer on the van. Hopefully, this will not only bring up the performance, but help with the gas mileage as well.

Stage 2 - Looking to add a Volant cold air intake, along with a Granatelli Mass air flow sensor that is tuned for a cold air intake.

Stage 3 - Looking to install a Gibson Swept Side exhaust system to help with low end torque for towing.

I will post updates as these projects progress....

 

[d3athm3talh3ad]

welcome!!
i'll be watching to see how well the programmer works...i was looking at a similar programmer for my van... :layrubber: have any pics of your van?

 

[TanVan03]

No Pics yet...will post them soon.

I am really hoping all the mods also help with the gas mileage...with the AWD the van only gets about 12 mpg around town, and only about 15-16 on the highway....from what I have read on the old board, this is pretty typical for the AWD version.

 

[gtkane]

Welcome aboard!
I had to chuckle a bit when you said 3 stage project...that's how they all start!
I was going to do a quick "freshen up" over a weekend...that idea went out the window about 4 hours into it!

 

[Astrogurl]

Hello!

 

[Sarge]

Wisconsin -
Which Granatelli MAF are you using?
I see black, red, and blue ones.
I have an 01' AWD Safari.
I'm doing the Volant cold air, new Magnaflow 3" exhaust (single pipe) and converter, Corvette servo, and tranny cooler.
I want to order the MAF, but not sure which one to order.

 

[Sarge]

I see the difference in colors is only that. Color. I heard back from Granatelli and got the right part #. It's 350116-C.

 

[TanVan03]

Sarge, I was planning on ordering the Granatelli tuned for the cold air intake....

I should be receiving my JetChip programmer tomorrow, March 21st....and will get the van computer programmed over the weekend...I would do it tomorrow, but they are predicting up to TEN inches of snow....

I am really curious to find out how the Volant intake and the Granatelli help with gas mileage....so keep me posted please!!

 

[TanVan03]

What exactly is the corvette servo.....and what does it do for performance?

 

[Sarge]

Corvette servo - I was going to get a B& M shift kit for the tranny to get a little firmer shifting.
Then, I read on here that a Corvette servo will accomplish the same thing. I don't want neck breaking shifts, just a little firmer.
Way back when I had my '85 shorty Astro, I put a B & M shift kit in and always got second gear scratch with 60 series tires.

 

[phrog]

Man that bad mileage.
I have a 99 AWD with 3.73 gears and a detroit locker rearend and it gets 16 in town or out. Before it I had a 93 AWD that got 24 on highways. !st item I don't know much on programming chips for astros, but know they do nothing for full sized Ford vans.
Astro engines have a pretty straight cold air path and racers have told me aftermarket MAF's aren't a good buy.
The first thing I would do though is the exhaust, a free flow cat and muffler would be the best Idea in my book....

 

[cherokeexj]

So any update on all the mods you listed?

ROB