Need more power
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New User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: South Carolina
Need more power
I have a 1999 f150 with a 4.6. What is the easiest way to gain horse power without breaking the bank? I'm at a loss. I'm old school and i don't know where to even start. 
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: NE Iowa JD Country
only one I know of...For something on the cheep that helps intake flow and minor gains , maybe 1/2 MPG , depending on your driving The Gotts Intake with pics - F150online Forums
Is this a "new to truck" or have you had this for awhile?
I'm digging for the over all feeling of over all health of your truck. No sense in putting money into something that going to need major repairs. In that case, it stir up different suggestions.
If the over all health of your truck is good...probably would suggest a good tuner.
something that accepts custom tunes for whatever (modifications) /improvements are made.
then maybe different gear ratio in the punkins ....373 or 410 will do wonders for the seat of your pants feel.
If you intend to tow...more towards the 410 or higher. If towing is your more consistent choice..then long tube headers ...but this would dictate a whole new exhaust with high flow cats.
Electric fans will gain you some power too How To Install An Electric Fan
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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dear old school, these modern computer controlled engines are difficult to make any changes to that respond like old school engines.
The program will often readajust for mods you make so you don't get the improvements you expect.
Program changes along with mods do the best but you can't do that without an aftermarket programmer and a program.
What happens is you get so much invested for the small returns you get it's not worth it.
The best mods for the investment is lower gear ratio and a trans that shifts a lot more firm by either program change or a valve body mod.
Remember the trucks are 6000 lbs +/- , small displacement motors and run on conservitive programs for truck application.
Good luck.
The program will often readajust for mods you make so you don't get the improvements you expect.
Program changes along with mods do the best but you can't do that without an aftermarket programmer and a program.
What happens is you get so much invested for the small returns you get it's not worth it.
The best mods for the investment is lower gear ratio and a trans that shifts a lot more firm by either program change or a valve body mod.
Remember the trucks are 6000 lbs +/- , small displacement motors and run on conservitive programs for truck application.
Good luck.
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New User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: South Carolina
Thanks;
I wasn't sure how all that worked everybody kept telling me to change the throttle body and add a spacer plate. all they would say is it should help. I can't afford should. so thank you very much.
I wasn't sure how all that worked everybody kept telling me to change the throttle body and add a spacer plate. all they would say is it should help. I can't afford should. so thank you very much.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
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avoid the "spacer plate" at all costs. I dont care if it is free. A larger throttle body would only help if you engine was modified enough that it required more airflow, as in a turbo, blower, radical cam/higher compression. Horsepower ain't cheap.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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Spacer plates come from the carbed motors where they made a difference in airflow to the runners and changed plenum tuneing.
In these engines the intake runners are so much longer that a small change would never be noticeable.
As well, any attempt to sweril the air at the throttle body is long lost by the time the air column reaches the intake valve.
As a reference, normally you can't feel less that a 10 hp increase and then that is usually at higher rpm.
Bottom line is you can't break into a system from the outside and get any 'great' gains unless it's integrated in by design.
In these engines the intake runners are so much longer that a small change would never be noticeable.
As well, any attempt to sweril the air at the throttle body is long lost by the time the air column reaches the intake valve.
As a reference, normally you can't feel less that a 10 hp increase and then that is usually at higher rpm.
Bottom line is you can't break into a system from the outside and get any 'great' gains unless it's integrated in by design.
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New User
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: South Carolina
I want to thank everyone for their input. I guess the way to go is going to cost a pretty substantial amount of money. I have no problems doing that just wanted to know which way I should go. At least now I won't be throwing money away, I know which way to head. Thanks again for your input it was very helpful.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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In perspective, there is way to much money spent on air intakes and other items in the search for power and mileage that is never cost effective.
The companies laugh all the way to the bank when there 2 and $300 intake systems and filters are purchused for truck use.
Good luck.
The companies laugh all the way to the bank when there 2 and $300 intake systems and filters are purchused for truck use.
Good luck.
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