Early Mods

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Apr 14, 2003 | 02:09 PM

BigBadBamaBronco

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I have had my '87 XLT for two years now, but have just now saved enough money to start modifying it. I was wondering what would be some good (hopefully relatively inexpensive) modifications to make. It has a 302, and while I really like the truck, it doesn't have the power i wish it had. And i have 32s on it, but other than that, I have not made many mods. Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed.
Drew.

Apr 14, 2003 | 02:16 PM

Broncomule

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From: Mechanicsville

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If you're not to concerned with economy a change in gearing will liven up the bad boy. Probably about a thousand dollars will do both front end and rear end.

Apr 14, 2003 | 04:23 PM

Kemicalburns

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From: Bend,OR

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That would be a good start, also getting a good exhaust system with headers all the way out the back would help out a bit. cheaper then gears . although if you have the money and you plan on going to bigger tires down the road the gears would be your best starting point.

later

Apr 14, 2003 | 08:48 PM

BigBadBamaBronco

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Yeah, I have looked into gears, but finances are not that good right now. College is a significant drain. And I have already modifyed the exhaust somewhat, I chopped off the muffler and ran a pipe out in front of the right rear tire, at the edge of the rocker panel. It sounds great and improves my departure angle. The trails near my home have some nice ruts, and stock tailpipes never fair well out there. Thanks a lot, any more suggestions are more than welcome.
Drew

Apr 15, 2003 | 09:11 AM

Kemicalburns

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From: Bend,OR

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well a set of headers would help, msd ignition upgrade , msd distributor, port/polish the heads, edelebrock intake, 51 mm throttle body. the list goes on and on and on. just depends on cash and where you want to start.

good luck
later

Apr 16, 2003 | 01:21 AM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

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For the best bang for your buck, start with simple maintenance.

Get a Haynes manual & do EVERYTHING in Ch.1, then read Project MPG.

Apr 16, 2003 | 04:49 PM

BroncoMTR

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Whoa there! Did I just read what I thought I did? An exhaust setup coming out in front of the tire?

I was just asking if anyone had done that, and couldn't find anyone who has. Although I did get some insight on the idea. Anyway, how is it working out? Any exhaust coming in the windows? Any heat damage to the paint ot chrome? Performance difference? Sorry that this doesn't answer your question, it's just that I've never got the opinion of someone who has the setup.

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Apr 16, 2003 | 07:16 PM

BigBadBamaBronco

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Not a problem, happy to offer some info. I completely cut the muffler and kept all 3, yes 3 cats. Its got a great tone to it, though when first started it will backfire if revved. It hasnt damaged the paint, but will slowly leave marks where oil has burned in the engine. It comes off easily if you clean it once every couple of weeks. I only get exhaust inside if the windows are all up and the passnger door is left open, I was afraid it may come in through the rear window, but it doesn't. Some performance increase, but with out headers, and 3 freakin cats, I can only tell a slight difference. Feels like about 10 more forses at best. I love the sound though, its great when you are in 4H and crawing though some thicker stuff, or up a steep hill. Everyone knows my Bronco because of it.
Bama