hey guys i got an 89' F150 5.0 with an upgraded exhaust and ignition system. and i was wondering if there are any upgrades available to seriously crank up low end torque and horsepower?

 

You'll need a 300-6cyl if you want low end torque and power

 

How much are you willing to spend and what kind of power level are you after?

A Free and easy one would be to bump the base timing up; 87 will tolerate a few degrees and higher octane fuels will tolerate more.

 

i have already bumped the timing.. and im willing to spend a few hundred bucks. and my hp right now is around 220.. id like to get closer to 300

 

GIve a little more info on your truck; cab type, transmission, 2 or 4 wheel drive and what is the truck used for.

 

I 2nd that opinion! That motor is darn near bullet proof as long as you keep all the fluids topped off.

 

With some upgrades the 302 will make alot of torque and HP , its just not going to be at 1000 rpm , they make there power in the higher rpms

 

Long tube headers will boost low end. What have you done specifcally to your truck?

 

HA!.. I got some bad news for ya there.. a stock 5.0 of this vintage was rated at 185hp but I seriously doubt it made anywhere close to that.. more like 150hp. And a catback exhaust and ignition advance isn't gonna get you 35hp, I doubt it adds any HP actually though it will add some TQ.
The single best thing you can do to this motor is change the cam, the comp 31-255-5 C&L kit will give you exactly what you want in terms of low-mid rpm boost particularly when paired with longtube headers, and it won't break the bank either. It's a lot of work to change a cam but no other single upgrade will provide as much gain on this engine... it should put you into the 250-260hp range and 325-350tq range with longtubes.

 

okay heres the details.. its a regular cab longbed. rear wheel drive. and its strictly a street truck. 4 speed trans. 5.0 with completely rebuilt top end. msd iginition and flowmaster exhaust. but i still have the original manifolds and cat on there. and yea i wish i could just add more punch in the low end. i mean its not that powerful until i hit about 40-45 mph. then it just takes off. and as far as cams are concerned.. what can i get that will work with the whole speed density engine management?

 

The cam and lifter kit conanski just suggested...

 

Also swapping your rear end gears will shift your trucks powerband down a bit for more off the line speed.

 

okay soo basically a cam swap and some headers should be the way to go.. but what cam to get? anybody know of any good ones for the 5.0? and for the swap, can you do it with the engine still in? or would be the best way to go. thanks

 

Are you just ignoring Conanskis advice or can you not see it? Without changing the SD system to a MAF system, you're pretty much limited on cam selection.

the comp 31-255-5 C&L kit will give you exactly what you want in terms of low-mid rpm boost particularly when paired with longtube headers

As Conanski said, that cam and long tubes are your best bet. Yes you can do a cam swap with the motor in, just have to remove the radiator and such.

 

ohhh i didnt see that other post... thanks for all the help guys. really appreciate it