Hey everyone, I've been browsing these forums for a while now but finally decided to make an account. I have a 1995 F150 that's just my weekend desert toy (25% hwy / 75% dirt), and wanted to get some opinions on which supporting engine mods will get me the best "bang for my buck?"

I bought this truck from my brother a few years back, and haven't really touched the engine since I've had it, but it could definitely use some help. It runs great on the top end, it feels like its just seriously lacking on torque.

The specs are:

Freshly rebuilt 351W (<8,000mi)
MAF, OBDI
AFR 185cc heads
Everything else is basically bone stock

My thought is to swap the cam, intake manifold, and throw some shorty headers on then go get it dyno tuned. Any recommendations?

Here's some pics of my truck just for the hell of it...

Thanks!

 

The cam will be the best bang for your buck at this point but don't stop there, the motor needs a complete exhaust system including headers for sure and then a better intake manifold.. and then 30lb injectors and a tune to make it all cooperate. That should take you well into the 350-400hp level depending how much cam you select which will be close to double what it's making now.

 

Thanks for your input, any specific cams you would recommend? I plan to do a whole new exhaust setup (crossover pipe, high flow cat, muffler dumped before the axle) when I swap the headers. I found a good deal on some stock Lightning headers, just not 100% sure if they're compatible?

As far as intake manifolds go, I would love to run an Edelbrock setup but its out of my budget right now. I've heard that some uppers work off of 5.0 explorers, but what is everyone doing for a lower?

and yes, injectors and a tune are definitely on the list!

 

Save your $$ and get a complete intake setup, I have a Typhoon for sale in case your interested.. it's a copy of the Eddy Performer. The Explorer intake is a version of the GT40 and there is a matching lower for the 5.8 but it's out of production now and expensive to buy when it does show up on the used market.
As for what cam to use the Comp 35-320-8 would be a good candidate for a broad powerband.

 

Okay sweet, thanks for the info. Yeah I might be interested in that intake setup, when the time comes I'll definitely get in touch with you.

Yesterday I just discovered that my driver side axle tube is separating from the center section on my 8.8 housing. So now I've got a new rear end setup to figure out before I can start these motor mods.