T.J. Smith Posted January 24, 2015 Report Share Posted January 24, 2015 I just picked up a 2008 Edge SEL with the panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound, and all leather. So far I really like the vehicle, but I'm wondering what mods I should do to it. Performance:Will a programmer help boost my MPG? I'm not a huge car guy so I just need to get something that I can plug in and say "give me more MPG" and be done with it, so if it will help, which one should I get? (I've lurked on the forum and got a little overwhelmed by all the info) Different Air Filter? From what I've read, some say it will help the performance of the vehicle, some say it doesn't. It would be nice to get a little bit of a boost from a stop light, but mostly looking for increased MPG Exterior: I will say that the headlights are not as bright as I would like them to be. I came from an '08 Escape, and feel like I could see a lot better at night with that than this. Would some new headlights help with that? Can a non-mechanical idiot like me install them? Mudflaps? I hate having snow all down the side of my vehicle and have had mudflaps on most of my vehicles. Any recommendations on ones that don't make the vehicle look stupid? Which vent visors should I get? The glue on or the ones that go in the window track? I've never had vent visors, but have always wanted some. Any recommendations on brands? Interior: The factory floor mats are shot, suggestions at a replacement? Cell Phone Holder: The one I had on the Escape clipped to the air vent, but it is too short for the vents on the edge. Anybody have any suggestions on a good one for the Edge for my iPhone 6? I was tempted to get one that goes in the cup holder, but I think my GF will kill me if I take away her cup holder. Are there other ones that clip on the vents that work with the Edge that you know of? Maybe something I haven't thought of? I know I don't like ones that suction cup to the windshield. Thanks in advance and I can't wait to hear from you! On a side note, I liked my Escape, but the Edge is way better. Sure, I lost 4x4 for AWD, but I don't go off roading, but I gained a TON of comfort, a MUCH smoother ride, and A LOT more storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWWPerfA_ZN0W Posted January 24, 2015 Report Share Posted January 24, 2015 (edited) Welcome to the community, congrats on your '08 SEL! Pics? If you are looking to mod just for mpg, it will be hard to recover the investment in short order, as you are looking at a minimum of $400 or so for a competent tuning device/tuner/tune. Say you are getting 20 mpg now, and the tune increases to 22 mpg. Instead of spending (12,000 mi/year, $3/gal) $1,800 in fuel, you will be spending about $1,637, saving you $163 yearly. So your payback period is approximately 2.5 years. If the cost of fuel is less (say $2/gal like I am paying right now), it becomes 3.5 years. Now, if you are looking for better shifting, the tune is definitely worth it. You are better served with: Changing air filter/oil/oil filter regularly. 5W20 part or full synthetic motor oil with the Motorcraft filter will do a fine job. Depending on mileage, change the spark plugs/PCV valve. Run a tankful or two with a quality Fuel Injection cleaner (BG or Techron) to clean out the injectors. Wheel alignment Tire pressures checked regularly, as colder weather can cause a drop of 10% or more Look at the throttle body plate make sure it's not sticking or gunky, clean if so Depending on mileage, drain/fill transmission fluid (no flushing) Recommend PTU fluid drain/fill if AWD Air filters/intakes: I wouldn't definitively say use other brands for any performance gains. Sound, definitely. Some folks have gotten their K&N and GreenFilter upgrades to work for them. An AEM DryFlow definitely makes the Edge sound more aggressive in-cabin. If you can, get the OEM Ford air filter, which I hear is a bit better than the Motorcraft replacement. Headlamps: Probably old bulbs in the Edge. Put in fresh ones, or replace them with LED 20/40 watt equivalents. Very easy. The only "difficult" ones are the fog lights, but a little patience will help. If the headlamp housing is pitted, consider having them polished for better clarity. But just as important, make sure the headlamps are aimed properly, often a reason for poor lighting/visibility. You can do it yourself following instructions in the owner's manual. Vent Visors: I have the inchannel Weathertech ones. Takes a bit of angling to get them in there. They look almost flush against the vehicle and work fine. I do always have a bit of trepidation when the window first comes up against them whether they will mate perfectly. Also, you will need to clean sand/grit regularly, as it does get caught with inchannel visors. Floor Mats: Very happy with my all-weather Weathertechs, only problem is with logos coming off. Others are using Husky liners with good success. HTH. Edited January 24, 2015 by WWWPerfA_ZN0W Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ls973800 Posted January 24, 2015 Report Share Posted January 24, 2015 Welcome! Just about every question asked, if not in fact all of them, have been discussed in many posts already. If you haven't done it yet, try the SEARCH function to find many of those posts. The mud flaps are a good example of previous posts. Tells which ones to buy and which to avoid, good places to buy them, how to install them, and has pictures. There is also a very good discussion regarding the cell phone holder options. If you have trouble and can't find the posts, come on back and I will find them for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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