Howdy! just new so not sure how everything works. I have a 1991 F-150 4x2 5.8L EFI auto. I'm pretty dissapointed with the power. Had the cat removed and installed a high performance air filter, so I'm looking for some tips to enhance the performance with-out having to spend thousands of dollars or tear down the engine. I've talked to some Parts guys and it's been suggested I change the computer module or have it reprogramed. Any comments on this or any other tips would sure be appreciated.

 

Put on a set of headers and get the exhaust redone. I did this and cost me about $400 and was very noticable. edelbrock makes a nice truck intake for that motor for about $500 +. those two things would really wake it up . You didnt say how many miles are on the motor , that could have a lot to do with it being underpowered. messing with the computer on a stock motor is kinda pointless . save that expense for after you install a few goodies on the motor.

good luck
later

 

Thanks for the tips and replying so fast, that's awesome! The engine has about 100,000 miles and has been very well maintained. I've been told that I can remove some of the polution hoses and crap that's on there as it steals a lot of horsepower. Guess I'd better buy a good manual unless you know of some good websites

 

Here ya go

 

i have a truck just like u'rs and am wanting what u'r wanting ,ponys and torque. so far i have knn filter, forced cold air intake and true duals no cats, crossover with 40 series flowmasters exiting the rear,with 4" echo chamer tips..right now i am still trying to get my exhaust just right , i unknowingly put pipes that where to large3 1/4" which drastically reduced the back pressure and took her out for a test run.she performed really really bad on the low end(take off,low rpm),BUT.... the top end, soon after 55mph boy oh boy,i never thought an f-150 could do that.
check out the article in the exhaust postings tittled "a good article on exhausts". correct exhaust system ,intake,ignition stuff should be starters.
correct me if i am wrong someone.

 

thnx for the response forddytube, so far I've got the KNN and removed the cats and put on DynaMax exhaust...has helped somewhat. Just trying to figure out if I can remove some of the antipollution crap as I've heard it's a performance robber. Will check out the site 90f150moneypit sent me. Do you know of any ignition tweaks that I can use? I've installed Bosch Platnuim
plugs but haven't changed the leads.

 

i know of the d.u.i.ignition system that go for about$200 at any auto parts store.don't know if the smog crap ,ie pump takes anything away but space.ijust kept mine incase. they're starting to talk pollution in new mexico, just to be safe.
let me know what you come up with.

 

forddytube, will do. Only in the bigger cities like Vancouver do they have what they call "Air Care" where your vehicle must meet certain emmision standards. Where I live, on Vancouver Island, we don't have that....yet. Will let you know what I come up with. Also, will check out different ignition systems. Thnx

 

Usually the emissions stuff is necessary to keep the computer happy. So unless you want to ditch ALL the emissions stuff, just keep it working and it'll be fine.
I have an '89 and it still has full smog stuff-cept the cat.
It was plugging up so I removed it.
I have been very happy with MSD ignitions.
A KN FIPK kit does help it breathe better.
Good luck!!