Upgrades
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Upgrades
I got a 1973 f250 2wd with a 390, I bought it about six months ago. It has an edelbrock carb and intake, k&n air filter but they seem stock, stock exhaust system is all oe, everything runs fine but what are some things I can do to upgrade the performance. I'm looking at the exhaust system, maybe dual exhaust if thats better but whats good? what will fill fit? And how? I'm no expert when it comes cars but its been fun working on it and learning. So any ideas let me know.
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From: Kempner/Waco, TX
Headers and a nice free flowing exhaust system are the first thing that should be done. An exhaust shop should be able to set you up with what you need. Since your two wheel drive the dual exhaust should be pretty easy for you if you want to do it yourself. I would say long tube headers ran to 2.5 inch duals ran to an X of an H pipe to help scavenge some more torque. I lean towards the H because it helps scavenge more in the low RPM which is where these motors sit in their stock configuration. Put an open element air filter, around 3 inches tall i think is what everyone recommends. An electronic ignition such as a Pertronix module helps also. I set mine up with a buddy and the truck ran like a champ after that. After that you could look at getting a 4 barrel intake manifold and carb. The next step after that would be a decent cam.
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From: Schweinfurt Germany
I would upgrade the cam before I upgraded the exhaust. While the K&N and edelbrock will flow more than the stock intake set up. To really get the use of headers a more aggressive cam would be beneficial.
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From: Kempner/Waco, TX
I was really just trying to set up the upgrades in a way that would be easiest in install. I believe a 4 barrel carb is all you really need on these things until you start to get into the engine (cam swap).
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Headers and a nice free flowing exhaust system are the first thing that should be done. An exhaust shop should be able to set you up with what you need. Since your two wheel drive the dual exhaust should be pretty easy for you if you want to do it yourself. I would say long tube headers ran to 2.5 inch duals ran to an X of an H pipe to help scavenge some more torque. I lean towards the H because it helps scavenge more in the low RPM which is where these motors sit in their stock configuration. Put an open element air filter, around 3 inches tall i think is what everyone recommends. An electronic ignition such as a Pertronix module helps also. I set mine up with a buddy and the truck ran like a champ after that. After that you could look at getting a 4 barrel intake manifold and carb. The next step after that would be a decent cam.
Upgrade the exhaust first cuz it is the foundation for all the other upgrades. My 73 had a Eddy 1406 and 2105 dual plane when I got it but the owner never installed the Hedman headers that were still in their orignial box. I installed them along with a 2.5 inch exhaust system (and Moroso Spiral Flows) and WOW! Did it ever wake up!!!
Yep, a 3 x 14 open element air cleaner adds a few more ponies cuz the stock air cleaner is REALLY restrictive. Get yourself a nice vintage Ford-style open element base and lid at Mustangs Plus for like $24. 'comes with a 2-inch air filter but that's easy to replace.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Axtell, TX
x3.
Headers and dual exhaust first. The stock manifolds are terrible. Then probably electronic ignition via Pertronix or switching to Duraspark. Then cam and straight up timing set, or at least the timing set if you don't want to get into a cam swap.
Just curious, which Edelbrock intake do you have?
Headers and dual exhaust first. The stock manifolds are terrible. Then probably electronic ignition via Pertronix or switching to Duraspark. Then cam and straight up timing set, or at least the timing set if you don't want to get into a cam swap.
Just curious, which Edelbrock intake do you have?
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im not sure what kind of intake it is i looked around for a stamp or something. how would i be able to tell?
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Fleet Owner
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From: NorCal
Look at the top of the intake manifold and read the numbers cast into the runners. Post your results and we'll give it a shot decodng the castings.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Axtell, TX
A photo works too.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
It could have been read both ways but we got our answer...
Arrightee.... a 1406 is a 4-bbl with an electric choke and tuned for economy. Prolly a good thing since we have a spike in gasoline prices but your right foot is still your right foot 
. The intake is a 2105 and slightly better than stock but weighs like 50 pounds less that a cast iron 4-bbl behemoth.
Back to the issue... install headers and a dual exhaust system and you'll be pleasantly surprised. A mild cam if ya like afterwards but that requires undressing the front of the engine. Your call.
Do it.
. The intake is a 2105 and slightly better than stock but weighs like 50 pounds less that a cast iron 4-bbl behemoth.Back to the issue... install headers and a dual exhaust system and you'll be pleasantly surprised. A mild cam if ya like afterwards but that requires undressing the front of the engine. Your call.
Do it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Well engineered and well built... too bad JBA doesn't spec 'em for our rigs. Is your next question will one for an FE-equipped Mustang fit? Dunno.. call'em up