351W easy upgrades
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351W easy upgrades
I just got an 86 f250 with a 351 in it(carbed). I was wondering as to what upgrades I could do to it that would be really easy but give it a little more juice. I am mechanically inclined but I have spent most of my life figuring out how to make dirt bikes go faster not trucks. Any help is appreciated. I did do a search and couldn't find anything exactly what I need to know. Thanks
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I just got an 86 f250 with a 351 in it(carbed). I was wondering as to what upgrades I could do to it that would be really easy but give it a little more juice. I am mechanically inclined but I have spent most of my life figuring out how to make dirt bikes go faster not trucks. Any help is appreciated. I did do a search and couldn't find anything exactly what I need to know. Thanks
So, the easy route would be to do a leak-down test to see if everything is correct, meaning the rings are sealing well and the valves aren't leaking. If it passes that test then put new plugs in it, and maybe new wires. Beyond that there is very little that can be done easily.
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There are two points of view - those who like headers and those who don't. Most of those who don't like them include that it is very unlikely that you'll find a set that fits correctly, and apparently impossible to find a set that doesn't hang down quite a bit. On the other hand, those that like them say they give more power, albeit really only at somewhat higher RPM's.
I'm going to be running single exhaust into a Magnaflow muffler and dual exhausts from there. But, that's on Dad's truck which sports a 351M.
I'm going to be running single exhaust into a Magnaflow muffler and dual exhausts from there. But, that's on Dad's truck which sports a 351M.
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So I just want to make sure you have looked into this part, because if you have inspections, it may not pass after you spend all this money on a exhaust system.
Ford engines are good for what they are, reliable grocery getters and low rpm engines for pulling stuff with the truck. If you want to change the personality of any original Ford engine in this time frame(smog engines) you will have to get into the engine and raise the compression ratio, and change the cylinder heads out for something better.
A free flow exhaust may help you out some, but like was said you already have a 4bbl carb, so if it's working correctly you can't gain much there. If it was a 2bbl engine, adding a 4bbl carb is the normal thing to do.
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I wouldn't mind doing headers. It isn't going to be an offload truck so clearance isn't too much of an issue. I saw somewhere that 302 headers bolt right up? Maybe a set of bbk shorties would do me good? I really have no idea
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I no longer have to worry about emissions or anything because it is registered as an antique and in CT you no longer have to pass. So I am alright there. And yes... I am the new guy, reaching for any and all information you guys can throw at me
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The shorties don't hang low, but while they have better flow characteristics than most factory manifolds don't flow as well as long-tube headers. So, there seems to be no one "right" solution that gets all the benefits of headers w/o the fitment problems.
True dual exhaust systems are tough to fit through beside the tranny as well as at the rear due to the rear gas tank - assuming you aren't taking both out on the passenger's side.
True dual exhaust systems are tough to fit through beside the tranny as well as at the rear due to the rear gas tank - assuming you aren't taking both out on the passenger's side.
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When I was exhaust shopping, I got some good info from the Exhaust forum here on FTE.
From what I remember, small-diameter, long-tube headers are better for low-RPM torque (which is what I was after).
Exhaust Systems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
From what I remember, small-diameter, long-tube headers are better for low-RPM torque (which is what I was after).
Exhaust Systems - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
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IIRC about 302 headers - I think they'll physically bolt to the heads just fine but won't clear the bell housing or starter or some such. But that's just my recollection, do some more research.
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Yes, and no. The heads are the same between the 351W and the 302, so the headers bolt up. But, the 351's block is ~1" taller than the 302's, so the heads are higher and the header may well hit something. Go to Summit's site, or someone that sells the headers you are thinking of, and see if they have a different unit for the 302 vs the 351W. Most use the same unit, but from all I've heard there are usually fitment problems.
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Here's an experiment I did: Had an '82 F150 351W w/a 2bbl and factory single exhaust, inc cat. I ported the heads, and even had them flow-tested which showed benefit, and replaced the exhaust system with true duals and glass packs. While it would then wind like it had a 4bbl, and you could hear it coming blocks away, the fuel consumption did not change even 1/10th of an MPG. NADA.
Yes, that wasn't with headers. But, don't let anyone tell you that the MPG will go up with better flowing exhaust system. It won't - at least not on these trucks as the factory system wasn't "bad". However, ported heads and a free-flowing exhaust can help the engine breath, but that means at higher RPM - not where most truck engines live.