I bought a high milage 2001 escape xlt 3.0 for the soul purpose of driving it on the beach out here on the wa. coast so i did a few things to it to help it in deep sand and mud...1 1\2 inch leveling and lift kit, 1 inch wheel spacers new suspension all the way around, 16 inch mud and snow tires on the stock wheels and off road lights. I also replaced the valve cover and intake gaskets and replaced the coil packs and spark plugs. As far as actualy modifying the motor to get more hp out of it i dont know i suppose a cold intake wouldnt hurt and guys are modifying ford escorts with the 3.0 wich is basically the same motor