So I just purchased a 1993 F-150 ext cab 4x4 with a 5.8L and i'm looking to get a few more pony's outta her. Really I will probably stick to upgrading the exhaust system.
Anyone have an suggestions for headers long vs short also I've heard people having trouble because of transfer case and 2 gas tanks for having space for an dual exhaust.
would like to hear back from someone who's done these upgrades. Like to get the best bang for buck if anyone has any ideas maybe i'm off with my thinking.

 

Since you just got the truck, you should consider starting with a nice tune up and making sure you don't have any vacuum leaks, check the timing etc...Although not the exciting advice you were hoping for, with a truck of that age, you should yield some great results with the above mentioned. Once the truck is running efficiently, upgrade the exhaust.

 

How are your fab skills? If they're pretty good go get yourself some longtubes, mendrel bends, a 2 into 1 collector, muffler and straight pipe and build a system for it. I have done a couple of them now and they performed well. I'd suggest nothing bigger than a 2.5" single on a stock motor to preserve low rpm grunt. Do not use cheap headers(Flowtech or Hooker) they fit very poorly and hang way too low. Check out my gallery.. https://www.flickr.com/photos/motors...7602458567072/

 

nice work I don't have the tools to pull that off but i was talking to a guy I work with who is much more of a gear head then me and he recommended taking it to a muffler shop and have some made up for my truck.
I agree with having it tuned up first that's my first step.