need help with a project
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New User
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need help with a project
hey guys I have a 95 F-150 ext cab project truck and im looking for some inexpensive performance upgrades for my 302 im not wanting to turn this truck into a monster just one that has a punch. im looking to spend about 500 to 800 dollars on the engine any and all suggestions would greatly be appreciated thanks for taking the time to read this.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,784
Likes: 1,751
From: Kentucky
Welcome to FTE!
This subject comes up just about everyday. The short answer is your 5.0L is barely adequate to function well in a truck. With that said the most common upgrades are bumping the timing to 12-16 degrees, copper plugs gapped to ~.055", headers, a high flow converter and a single exhaust. Some will argue whether it should be 2"/2.5"/3". My opinion is almost anything is better than the factory 2 converter setup.
After that gears are your friend....
Stay away from "cold air intakes" and throttle body spacers. Pure junk.
Another common suggested upgrade is swapping in a 5.8L engine....
This subject comes up just about everyday. The short answer is your 5.0L is barely adequate to function well in a truck. With that said the most common upgrades are bumping the timing to 12-16 degrees, copper plugs gapped to ~.055", headers, a high flow converter and a single exhaust. Some will argue whether it should be 2"/2.5"/3". My opinion is almost anything is better than the factory 2 converter setup.
After that gears are your friend....
Stay away from "cold air intakes" and throttle body spacers. Pure junk.
Another common suggested upgrade is swapping in a 5.8L engine....
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New User
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thanks man im kinda new to full size truck scene I have built a s10 from the ground up but never have worked on a full size and I when it comes down to it all I could use as much advice as I could get.
Freshman User
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I'd recommend just saving up for the 5.8L because by the time you pump your 500 to 800 into the 302 you may not be pleased with the results and won't be able to get the money back out of it. Even so you'd still benefit from gears and an exhaust!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
Your truck should have a roller cam so one other thing to add: 1.7 roller rockers.
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would you have a suggestion on the brand of converter that has the most bang for the buck
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Fleet Owner
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From: Kentucky
I am a big fan of Magnaflow products.
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New User
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yea I have duel flowmasters on it at the moment they sound really good. I might go with the some brand of converter but not for sure. the trans at the moment is the only thing wrong with the truck it wont shift down into first gear and the od light is flashing I think that it is the neutral safety switch any thought on that problem.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Kentucky
Check for codes.....
The transmission and engine are controlled by the same Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Warm up the truck then do this: How To run A Self Test
Or purchase a code reader such as the Equus/Innova 3145
Your truck will display 3 digit codes they can be decoded here: Ford 3 Digit Codes
The transmission and engine are controlled by the same Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Warm up the truck then do this: How To run A Self Test
Or purchase a code reader such as the Equus/Innova 3145
Your truck will display 3 digit codes they can be decoded here: Ford 3 Digit Codes
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jun 2014
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Check for codes.....
The transmission and engine are controlled by the same Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Warm up the truck then do this: How To run A Self Test
Or purchase a code reader such as the Equus/Innova 3145
Your truck will display 3 digit codes they can be decoded here: Ford 3 Digit Codes
The transmission and engine are controlled by the same Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
Warm up the truck then do this: How To run A Self Test
Or purchase a code reader such as the Equus/Innova 3145
Your truck will display 3 digit codes they can be decoded here: Ford 3 Digit Codes
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