'97 5.8L engine control ?'s
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, NE
'97 5.8L engine control ?'s
Hi guys,
I have a '97 F250HD with the 5.8L/E4OD. I've done some minor work, such as a chambered muffler, complete tune-up, 180deg stat, K&N filter and a cold air intake mod. I want to bump the timing to take advantage of the potential. I know it's still a SD system (I assume OBDI/EECIV) and it has a distributor and single coil. There is a sticker under the hood that says "timing is computer controlled and can not be adjusted". Is this system different than like the older 5.0L SD EECIV Mustang? Will turning the distributor not adjust the base timing, or is the sticker just to keep people from messing with it for emissions purposes? I thought I would ask before I start messing with it!
BTW- Never was a big 351W fan, but I must admit that this thing runs strong for a small block and still makes 17MPG in a F250. I'm impressed.
I have a '97 F250HD with the 5.8L/E4OD. I've done some minor work, such as a chambered muffler, complete tune-up, 180deg stat, K&N filter and a cold air intake mod. I want to bump the timing to take advantage of the potential. I know it's still a SD system (I assume OBDI/EECIV) and it has a distributor and single coil. There is a sticker under the hood that says "timing is computer controlled and can not be adjusted". Is this system different than like the older 5.0L SD EECIV Mustang? Will turning the distributor not adjust the base timing, or is the sticker just to keep people from messing with it for emissions purposes? I thought I would ask before I start messing with it!
BTW- Never was a big 351W fan, but I must admit that this thing runs strong for a small block and still makes 17MPG in a F250. I'm impressed.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
BTW- Never was a big 351W fan, but I must admit that this thing runs strong for a small block and still makes 17MPG in a F250. I'm impressed
If I were getting "17mpg" with mine...... even close to it...... I wouldn't touch it......
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, NE
Thanks! I couldn't figure out how turning the dist would NOT change the base timing. Didn't make sense.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,728
Likes: 8
From: Cleveland, TN
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, NE
Actually, 17 is pretty much the best it ever does. Summertime, and on a long highway road trips. I drive 100 miles/day to work, with some city traffic, and it averages around 15 regularly. I lost a little MPG when I went to 255/70R16s, but gained a little power. My Festiva gets 46 to 48 MPG, so fuel mileage is not an issue for me. I only drive the truck if I need to haul something!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Beatrice, NE
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Highland, IL
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
I just filled back up, got 12, rather just a tad shy of it.
I've been using that one for hunting (don't care about tree branch marks), towing a small trailer with a quad on it and involves few miles on gravel (loose/sandy surface) and some brief off roading to get back to the property and back out again.
44 mile round trip, can do it four times on a tank 14 to 15 gallons, dependent on dirt road/field conditions. If its a muddy year, I gotta put my foot in it now and then as needed, climb up out the valley! (in and then back out)
Gets muddy enough I leave the truck by the road, use the quad from there.
I've been using that one for hunting (don't care about tree branch marks), towing a small trailer with a quad on it and involves few miles on gravel (loose/sandy surface) and some brief off roading to get back to the property and back out again.
44 mile round trip, can do it four times on a tank 14 to 15 gallons, dependent on dirt road/field conditions. If its a muddy year, I gotta put my foot in it now and then as needed, climb up out the valley! (in and then back out)
Gets muddy enough I leave the truck by the road, use the quad from there.
