I would like to get more horsepower out of my 96' rodeo with a 3.2l v6.Can you guys give me some good advice on what i should do to it.Where and what to buy? Maybe a different muffler set-up,a supercharger? I already have the K&N in the box.
thanks

It pains me to say this, but we are almost SOL on these older rigs. They make a supercharger for the DOHC motors, but not for ours. A muffler MIGHT give you a lil but is usually just good for making more noise. You could strap some NOS to it, but I honestly don't think our motors could take the abuse. Other than that, not a whole lot unless you are talking about high $ custom stuff.

Don't overlook the rear end gear, or the front and rear end gears if you are 4wd.

If you have lifted your truck and put bigger tires on it you could get quite a bit of that power back by going to numerically higher rear end gears. Say you have 4.10's you could get 4.56's or 4.77's.

Joe

don't forget the Jet Performance computer reflash... $300+

I'm looking into this when I get a little extra cash <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

List your mods (k&n,exhaust...performance cat, etc) & they'll flash according to your mods. The stock computer doesn't really recognize any add-ons such as the filter & muffler to compensate for performance...the computer needs reprogrammed to "learn" the upgrades. If the computer senses additional air flow from the filter, it'll adjust the fuel flow to correct it to factory settings, thus putting an end to the performance "gains" you thought you may have achieved.

http://www.jetchip.com/products.asp?pid=14478&make=27&model=231#231

thanks for the tips.actually this weekend i will take my rodeo to a muffler shop to get some ideas on what i could use.but if like you guys say it will mostly increase the noise i might not get it.o dont know yet.i kind of like the idea of the jet chip tunning but i am afraid that it will do some damage to my 3.2l which has the kncking and oil problem.so maybe i will investigate it little more and try out the diesel oil /rotella 15w-40/ first.not like that is gonna give me more power but might help the engine.
by the way my only real problem with the hp is not on the trail but on the hwy when going up on a hill and can not do more than 55,sometimes less.anyway thanks for the advice

huh? I don't think 15w-40 (diesel or not), is necessarily a great idea. IIRC, you won't find this as a recommendation in your owner's manual. most around here prefer the 5w-30 or even the new 0w-30 weights to reduce the classic isuzu lifter chatter. I would stay away from 40w oil though, just too thick and not what these import motors are designed for.

-Rob

i was just reading the discussion about the disel oil for troopers and rodeos and everyone seemed to agree that it is a great thing.now i dont mean to argue about it since i do nt know much about oil science but i would try anything to reduce "my" oil consumption

oh, well maybe i'm behind the times. I'm no oil expert either, but was always told 40w is too much for these motors. i've been wrong before though.

-Rob

Rob, I think you are confusing the cold and hot numbers. With 15w-40, 15w is the winter (cold) weight, 40 is the hot weight. I have never seen a 40w-anything before. I run the 5w-50 Castrol Syntec and get very little oil loss in my 98 Rodeo. The 5w makes it start easier in the cold weather and the 50 protects the engine better in the extreme heat.

As for some more power from a 3.2l, for a little more money on the air filter you can get an HP boost from a Green or K&N style filter. These style filters have been discussed to death here at 4x4 Wire, so try the search function for more info.