How to Install Ford F150 4.6 Performance Upgrades In 2023 [+Options & Review]

Through Ford F150 4.6 performance upgrades, you can drastically improve your truck’s performance. Unfortunately, choosing the right upgrades is no easy task. As a result, drivers end up wasting thousands of dollars on useless modifications.

Don’t worry, though. We’re here to boost your performance with our top picks for the Ford F150 4.6.

You won’t look like a fool once you’ve gotten the upgrades we chose for this guide. Want to learn more about these upgrades? Check this out:

Contents

Best Spark Plugs for Ford F150 4.6

Choosing and installing spark plugs can be challenging for some folks, but let us do all the work for you.

Below, you’ll find our favorite spark plugs for the F150 4.6 and how you can install them.

How to Install Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils

You don’t need many tools for this job since it’s pretty simple. To install a spark plug, get a ratchet, a spark plug socket, a few extensions, dielectric grease, and anti-seize. That said, make sure you’re working on a cool engine.

Next up, disconnect the negative terminal before getting started. Do not skip this step, or you might get electrocuted.

After that, disconnect the electrical connector from the ignition coil and then remove the bolts holding the ignition coil together.

Now grab your spark plug socket and put it inside the plug, and then remove the spark plug inside.

Once that’s done, put some dielectric grease on the ignition coil and then shove a screwdriver inside and move it around.

Additionally, put some anti-seize on the spark plugs. That way, they’ll come out quickly next time you replace them.

Next, load the spark plug into the socket and then put it back in. Make sure to tighten it down using a torque wrench.

With that out of the way, install the new ignition coil and install the bolt you removed earlier. Finally, plug the electrical connector and then the battery terminal.

01. MAS DQ50101 SP413 Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils

 

Highlighted Features

  • OEM spark plugs
  • Heat-resistant ignition coil
  • Wear-resistant
  • Ride quality boost

Following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is an excellent way to protect against expensive repairs.

That said, if you’re looking for spark plugs, this set from MAS is your best bet.

Featuring a high-heat-resistant body for reliable performance, this set of spark plugs should last you for many years to come.

Moreover, this kit includes ignition coils which are made from durable materials, providing a trouble-free experience.

While other kits are tough to install, these ignition coils are super easy to install. With the help of a YouTube video and some beers, you’ll breeze through the assembly process.

Finally, this kit is an excellent upgrade boost. For instance, consumers have expressed an enormous improvement after the installation.

“If you thought about getting OEM spark plugs and ignition coils, you’re in the wrong place. The Spark plugs are OEM, but the ignition coils are not. So, keep that in mind before purchasing the kit.”

What We Liked

  • Easy to install
  • Hold up to heat
  • Improves ride
  • Perfect for higher fuel mileage

Cold Air Intake Kit for Ford F150 4.6

If you are looking for Ford F150 performance upgrades, then consider getting a cold air intake. That said, here’s how to install one and our top pick for the F150 4.6:

How to Install Cold Air Intake

Installing cold air intake is one of the easiest jobs out there, making it perfect for beginners. That said, you’ll need a drive ratchet, an 8mm socket, a T20 Torx bit, a 3mm and 4mm Allen key.

The first thing you have to do is unplug the MAF sensor. To do this, pop the little red tab using a screwdriver.

After that, pull out the MAF sensor. With that out of the way, disconnect the clamp holding the intake tube together and then pop the breather hose.

Once that’s done, proceed to pop off the top of the airbox by releasing the little tabs. Next up, pull out the entire intake.

Next up, install the little adapter into the tube. After that, put the MAF sensor in place. Make sure to tighten it down using the 3mm Allen key.

Now grab the intake tube, hold it against the adapter for the air filter, and then feed the screws. Building upon that, install the intake filter.

Now install the heat shield. When doing this, make sure to attach the clamps to secure the airbox.

Next up, install the rubber couplers. One must be installed on the throttle body and the other one on the airbox. After that, put the intake tube in place.

Finally, install the extension for the MAF sensor and then plug the breather hose. Need help setting it up? Then watch this video:

02. K&N 57-2580 Cold Air Intake

 

Highlighted Features

  • Horsepower boost
  • Louder engine sound
  • Towing improvement
  • Engine protection

One of the best Ford F150 performance upgrades you can install on your Ford F150 4.6 is this cold air intake from K&N.

Easier to install than an exhaust header, this cold air intake is the most straightforward upgrade for a beginner.

In less than an hour, you’ll get this performance upgrade running on your car.

Moreover, this cold air intake is perfect for towing as it’ll increase your performance.

This performance boost is largely thanks to the massive throttle response improvement you get after installing it.

You don’t necessarily have to clean your cold air intake every 12,000 miles.

In fact, you only have to clean the filter after you’ve hit 100,000 miles. So, in that regard, maintenance is easy.

For more outstanding performance than the stock cold air intake, this one is your best bet.

By installing this model, you’ll get rid of all the restrictions imposed by the original one, robbing you of your dear horsepower.

“If anything, some consumers have reported that their vehicles are using more gas than normal. Still, not a deal-breaker since you’re getting a massive horsepower enhancement.”

What We Liked

  • Super easy to install
  • Increases horsepower
  • Needs to be cleaned after 100,000 miles
  • Car sounds louder

Performance Exhaust for Ford F150 4.6

Simply put, a set of headers is one of the most efficient Ford F150 4.6 performance upgrades

to make more power. But if you’re not sure how to install an exhaust header or choose one, then check this section:

How to Install Exhaust Headers

Before getting started, get jack stands and a floor jack. You also want to grab a bunch of sockets, ratchets, and extensions. Finally, get a breaker bar and wrenches.

Start by unplugging the negative terminal of your battery and then throw it aside.

Next, jack up your truck, put it on jack stands, and then remove the signal cable, the positive wire, and the safety cap.

Next, unplug the ground cable and then take off the bolts from the starter. With that out of the way, remove the starter.

From there, head over to the driver’s side of the transmission and then remove the O2 sensor and the wires.

Now before raising the engine, remove the intake tube. After that, loosen the bolts so that you can raise the mount and then pull out the manifold.

Once that’s done, take off the shield from the vehicle’s manifold.

That said, proceed to remove all the manifold nuts. With that out of the way, remove the studs to install the header.

From there, remove the bolts from the shield and then try to squeeze the new header in. Finally, put everything back on.

03. BBK Performance 3515 Exhaust Headers

 

Highlighted Features

  • Performance boost
  • Different finishes available
  • Aggressive noise
  • Airflow improvement

One of the best performance upgrades for Ford F150 you can get without spending thousands of dollars is exhaust headers. They’ll make your vehicle sound more aggressive and increase your horsepower.

Thanks to its compact and efficient design, this exhaust header can improve your horsepower by 10-15, making it one of the most reliable performance exhaust headers.

This model is made from durable materials for a more efficient and durable design than what you typically found in the aftermarket world.

Apart from that, these exhaust headers are designed to sound like a raging demon. Taking a peek at the Amazon feedback section is enough to give you a good idea of what it sounds like.

And last but not least, this exhaust header is available in a gorgeous chrome finish. If somebody ever pops the hood of your vehicle, they’ll point out how cool it looks.

“The installation process is by no means easy. Seriously, it’ll take you several hours before you can get this thing working. But the same goes for most exhaust headers out there anyway.”

What We Liked

  • Improves car’s sound
  • Massively improves HP
  • Includes head gaskets and bolts
  • Dyno tested

What We Didn’t Like

  • Installation is hard

Other Performance Upgrades to Consider

All the Ford F150 performance parts we covered above are good enough for most drivers but if you still need more horsepower, then make sure to check these mind-blogging upgrades for the F150:

Diablo Tuner

If there’s anything car enthusiasts love, that’d be a Diablo tuner. This is one of the easiest, although expensive, ways to get more horsepower.

In fact, it’ll make a more significant impact than installing an intake and exhaust.

Cat-Back Exhaust

Installing a cat-back exhaust is more complicated than installing a Diablo tuner, but you’ll be glad you took the time to do so.

So why install one? A cat-back exhaust is an excellent way to increase your exhaust noise — the sound is not as loud as you’d think, but it’s more aggressive than the stock.

Finally, the cat-back exhaust will increase your horsepower. All things considered, it’s an excellent upgrade.

High-performance Intercooler

Another excellent upgrade to increase your horsepower is a performance-oriented intercooler.

However, keep in mind that you won’t notice that much of a difference if you haven’t installed other mods on your vehicle.

Bigger Throttle Body

Why stop with a high-performance intercooler when you could install a bigger throttle body and improve your car’s performance?

As you might know, the stock one is not the best for making more power.

On the other hand, a larger throttle body will allow more air into your engine, which increases your overall HP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You know pretty well the stock parts of your vehicle don’t cut it anymore, but learning about performance upgrades is somewhat tricky. So, here’s some exciting information to give you a head start:

How can I make my 4.6 F150 faster?

One of the easiest ways to make more horsepower is to install a Diablo tuner and a cold air intake. Those two upgrades will increase your vehicle’s horsepower.

Do spark plugs increase performance?

Sparks plugs alone won’t improve your performance unless the previous ones are bad.

That said, after changing them, you will get a slight boost. At the end of the day, they are key to keeping your car in great shape.

Do cold air intakes really increase horsepower?

Yes, cold air intakes increase horsepower. Keep in mind that these intakes are designed to flow more air into the engine, thus eliminating all the stock intake restrictions. And they’ll make your car sound louder.

Can exhaust headers increase horsepower?

Yes! Exhaust headers are designed to increase horsepower. In fact, if you’ve already done your exhaust and intake, installing a set of headers will drastically improve your vehicle’s performance.

Conclusion

If you want to take your truck to the next level, get our Ford F150 4.6 Performance Upgrades. And more horsepower shall come your way

For instance, you’ve got pretty much every upgrade you’ll need to get started.

You got a cold air intake to get rid of the restrictive stock one, performance-oriented spark plugs to smooth out your idle, and exhaust headers to make your vehicle sound like a beast and increase performance.

All in all, you’ll rule the streets.

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