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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Need help finding some upgrades.

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Old Feb 20, 2012 | 10:22 AM
  #1  
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Lmkonzen
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Need help finding some upgrades.

I have a 1996 F250 XLT 7.5l Gas. This truck is 4x4 Ext. cab with a long bed. I have been trying to find an aftermarket muffler for this truck but nothing has popped up. All i want is something that will give me a nice deep sound for a reasonable price. I have found some kits but that is the whole set from header to tips and i dont want all of that.
Also, are there any other upgrades out there that are worth investing in? I am planning on putting a 4" lift kit with 35" tires on it soon.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2012 | 10:44 AM
  #2  
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Freightrain
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Back when I bought my 96 F350 new, I put a Dynomax muffler on it with a simple turndown(since truck comes with dual outlet and Dynomax is single). You can have a tailpipe made? Or maybe they offer it now? I just cut the pipe and slid it on.


Couple simple upgrades for some power:

Remove the inlet piping from airbox to the middle piece. You'll notice these restriction tubes(look like old school air cleaner inlets) that are to reduce noise. Using a hacksaw, cut them off leaving enough there to reattach the tubing. Remember flipping the air cleaner lid back in the day? Gave you that "4bbl noise", well now you can have that back with taking those restrictors out. It basically allows more air into motor now.

Remove the timing spout(grey connector plug over on left inner fender), advance timing to about 10*. Shut off truck and install plug again.

Just those two things will give you a notice improvement in power/acceleration.

My '96 F350 SC dually was a dog. With those simple changes, it would actually break the tires loose if you stomped on it from a light. That was back when it was new, so you might have to watch the timing advances with fuel these days. I drug my '40 Haulmark trailer with it back then.
 
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Old Feb 20, 2012 | 08:02 PM
  #3  
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UNTAMND
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From: Lansdale, PA
The awesomest thing I did on a few of my 460 trucks is to buy a diesel exhaust kit for it. eBay and 250-300 dollars later you're done. It bolts in place with factory hangers, and you just need to buy a 3"-4" adaptor. You can either cut it off after or before the cat. Up to you, there is plenty of pipe.
If its an auto trans then a punisher valvebody is what a lot of people like. I'll be picking one up soon as well.
Timing increase and airtube mod is good.
I prefer to use a drop in aftermarket air filter... Don't care what brand as long as its washable. Make sure it seals around the lid (if it's loose then put some spongy foam window sealer around it)
 
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Old Feb 21, 2012 | 09:08 AM
  #4  
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Freightrain
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Oh, the best power upgrade was a Vortech supercharger! That ol supercab would haul the mail back in the day. Ran 15.8's in the 1/4 and that was nip'n on the heels of the Lightnings of the day(they ran mid 15's stock). Back then they didn't make squat to help out that stock E4OD. Real PITA to get it to shift good. Always had to let off throttle, then punch it again.




Sure do miss that truck
 
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Old Feb 21, 2012 | 09:15 AM
  #5  
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UNTAMND
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From: Lansdale, PA
Oh man. I've wanted to boost a 460 since the first time I see the dual vortecs on one of them (in a pic).
I'll do it sometime. I bought a diesel and it kinda sidetracked me.
 
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Old Feb 21, 2012 | 09:23 AM
  #6  
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Freightrain
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Ya, it only took a weekend to get it all on there, including running the oil line and adding booster fuel pump, etc.

Just around town, it would go 1/2-1# of boost just normal driving. It was quick off a light, it did have 4.10 gears though.

Like mentioned, the tranny was the only drawback. Back then they didn't have anything available to help it. B@M had a controller, but it was a failure(didn't do a thing). That slight "whir" under the hood and the rumble from the Dynomax muffler was just "right". It always sucks when you think back to the things you had and gave up(for whatever reason). I traded it on a new '99 Superduty V10/5pd/CC/DRW.
 
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