Whats to do first?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 145
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From: Dothan, Alabama
Whats to do first?
I have posted a couple times and have not done any modifications to my truck. Its all stock except for 2 saddle gas tanks that are not in use. I have a 1978 2wd f150 Custom with 351m. The old man I bought the truck from completely replaced the engine at 100K. So the new motor only has 35 K on it. I do not have a lot of experience in mechanics and want to know what I should do first? I thought about replacing the 2bbl carburetor with a 4bbl? Any suggestions guys?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Axtell, TX
If you could give a goal of what you are wanting out of it maybe we could help you better. Are you wanting more power? better mpg?(there's a short ceiling on this one) What kind of budget are you on?
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Dothan, Alabama
Well... I do not have any specific plans for it. I do use it for hunting and I plan on pulling a 30 ft tongue pull camper with it. I am going to get some 31X10.50's for it all the way around. I really do not expect to get great MPG's out of it. I do know I want to put dual exhaust on it. I just dont know if thats the best thing to do first? I just want it to be a reliable and dependable truck that looks good/vintage. An all around truck I guess. I do know I need to replace the sending unit on the main tank but other than that I have no other ideas.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 1
From: Axtell, TX
It sounds like your end goal would be something like this: 4bbl carb and intake, rv cam, headers. Headers wouldnt be a bad place to start at all. You'll have more power and MPGs when your done. You might also check out the 335 series engine forum if you havent already.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Dothan, Alabama
Ok if I get headers first will they match my stock exhaust until I can get dual all the way back? What is a good header? I saw some Heedmans in LMC catalog.. those any good? What should I expect to spend on headers and are they hard to replace?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,501
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From: Axtell, TX
I would save until you could do the entire exhaust system. It'll be cheaper and easier that way. As far as brand goes, everybody has their favorites. Alot of people like Hedmans and they seem to be quality. A ceramic coated header will last longer and resist rust but is more $$. Non coated are cheaper but rust quicker. Prices range from $175-550 or something close.
Headers generally arent very difficult to install. Sometimes you may have to jack one side of the engine up a little bit. You could find someone with the headers you are looking at getting who has them and find out what all was involved with the install. Thats what this forum is great for.
Headers generally arent very difficult to install. Sometimes you may have to jack one side of the engine up a little bit. You could find someone with the headers you are looking at getting who has them and find out what all was involved with the install. Thats what this forum is great for.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 1
From: Axtell, TX
The muffler you choose could change the price a lot, but I would expect to pay around $400-500 around here for everything if you dont get the ceramic. Call some local shops and see what their prices are to get a better idea of your area. The ones that arent ceramic, have the hi heat paint, but that only lasts so long. Mine arent ceramic coated and I've had them 5yrs so it's not like they will instantly wear out. But mine are starting to get a light rust over them, and if they were ceramic coated they would probably look pretty clean still.
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
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From: W. Central FL.
If it runs good, drive it and enjoy it. It is never going to be a "hot rod" Save your money for gas. JMO
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Dothan, Alabama
I do not intend on it being a "hot rod". I just want to fix it up and make it look and perform better under the hood. I also have these dual tanks and curious to know if I should keep them or get rid of them? 
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,514
Likes: 398
From: W. Central FL.
If you plan on a lot of long road trips where you don't want to stop for fuel keep them. Otherwise it is, IMO, not a good idea to carry several hundred pounds of extra weight around.