Need Help upgrading 88 F150

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Jul 30, 2015 | 11:39 PM

Adam Spurgeon

Thread Starter

New User

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Need Help upgrading 88 F150

Hello,

I'm buying my uncle 1988 f150 5.0 302 crew cab long bed 4x4 manual with 160,000 miles. It hasnt been driven in 3 years and is a little shotty. I plan on restoring the body, redoing the interior, and fixing up/ upgrading the mechanical.

I am wondering what tips you may have as to what to upgrade, brands to use, and maybe a total estimated RWHP im looking at towards completion.

I plan to:
Drain and flush coolant and fill with a Universal.
Replace all tubes, belts, wires
Replace distribution cap
Replace Plugs and wires with high performance
High performance air filter
Replace spring leafs and shock absorbers
Ceramic front brakes
all new tie rod and drag link assembly's
Headers, flomasters, and over sized cams
cool air intake
maybe new fuel injectors
high milage oil change with seafoam and change every 750 miles for 3 times in a row.

Anything else I should do?
What brands do you recommend?
What Hp and possible mpg am i looking at?
premium fuel with seafoam for a few tanks

THANKS!

Jul 31, 2015 | 12:22 AM

Truck Guy99

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 1,219

Likes: 2

From: Elk City, OK

Tires. They are definitely rough after 3 years and flush out the Trans and transfer case as well. I also suggest draining the differentials and filling them with fresh oil. Also flush out the brake system and fill it with fresh brake fluid because it's probably black by now and it should be clear. Only other thing off the top of my head is pull or replace the thermostat and check the water pump

Jul 31, 2015 | 07:13 AM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 20,786

Likes: 1,751

From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Spurgeon

Always a good idea to freshen up the ignition system. No reason to use anything other than copper core plugs. Platinums, Multi-Electrode, etc. are a waste of money.

Your best "high performance" filter is a new paper one. Again do not waste money on a fancy K&N Hot Air intake.

Headers, always a performance booster.

Over sized cam? What are you considering as over-sized?

Why do you think you need new injectors?

Your engine came rated at ~210 HP from the factory. It is choked with a tiny cam, restrictive heads and low-flow catalytic converters.

HP costs money, what is your budget?

Jul 31, 2015 | 07:15 AM

rla2005

Fleet Owner

Joined: Oct 2005

Posts: 20,786

Likes: 1,751

From: Kentucky

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Spurgeon

Hello,

I'm buying my uncle 1988 f150 5.0 302 crew cab long bed 4x4 manual with 160,000 miles.

There was no crew cab F150 available in 1988. I do not think Centurion made one until 1992?

4 door Bronco perhaps?

Photos, please

Jul 31, 2015 | 08:33 AM

seagiant

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 371

Likes: 4

Hi,
I have a 89 Ford F-150 XLT Lariet.

I just did the 65 amp to 130 amp alternator upgrade.

If you run any after market stereo in that truck you WILL burn up the little alternator!

Not that hard to do and plenty of info here on this forum! Just sayin!!!