351 Windsor
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Lake County, Florida
351 Windsor
Hey Ford guys. I have a 1997 F250 HD 2wd super cab long bed. powered by 5.8 EFI /E4OD. This has been absolutely the best and most reliable truck that I have ever owned. Used to be a GMC/Chevy fan until this F250. My question is: how can I get more pulling power from my 351. She has 234K miles and am ready to see the sights of the USA while pulling a 10k pound travel trailer. Are there any upgrades to this engine that can be done to increase HP and Torque. Gonna have the engine re-built anyway before we hit the road.
Elder User
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Hey Ford guys. I have a 1997 F250 HD 2wd super cab long bed. powered by 5.8 EFI /E4OD. This has been absolutely the best and most reliable truck that I have ever owned. Used to be a GMC/Chevy fan until this F250. My question is: how can I get more pulling power from my 351. She has 234K miles and am ready to see the sights of the USA while pulling a 10k pound travel trailer. Are there any upgrades to this engine that can be done to increase HP and Torque. Gonna have the engine re-built anyway before we hit the road.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: NC
^ +1. I have a 1994 F-series sale booklet that lists a F250 HD (5.8/SuperCab/2WD) with a max towing weight of 7,800 with 4.10 gears and 6,300 with 3.55's. Interestingly enough, the same truck with a 7.5 and 4.10's is rated at 10,000 lbs. Now what are those numbers worth in real life..? You're call.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
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At 234,000 miles time for a refresh. Build it as a either a 393 or a 408. The strokers make a lot more torque and by staying with the same engine family you don't have to change a lot of stuff. The kits are not terribly expensive. The trickey part is staying with efi. But it can be done.
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From: Canadian Rockies
At 234,000 miles time for a refresh. Build it as a either a 393 or a 408. The strokers make a lot more torque and by staying with the same engine family you don't have to change a lot of stuff. The kits are not terribly expensive. The trickey part is staying with efi. But it can be done.
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From: Lake County, Florida
This is the route I'm going to end up taking. RGAllen1960, I got some good advice on my build, though your EFI system will be OBDII and different than mine.
Thanks for the link Danny. My truck is actually OBDI. I was told it is because of the over 8500 GVW. I do have a 4:10 rear end. For the miles on her, she runs perfect. Doesn't even burn a drop of oil although she does drip a few in the driveway everyday. Definitely gonna have the rebuild done with the upgrades. Just waiting for it to crap out on me.
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From: Canadian Rockies
That's interesting, I didn't know the higher GVWR trucks retained OBDI longer. Good to know, and might help me out, thank you!
I know what you mean about these engines, I have 2 and they are great. The one I am rebuilding has around 340k kilometers on it, and is solid as a rock. Just need a little bit more go behind it afterward!
I know what you mean about these engines, I have 2 and they are great. The one I am rebuilding has around 340k kilometers on it, and is solid as a rock. Just need a little bit more go behind it afterward!
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That's interesting, I didn't know the higher GVWR trucks retained OBDI longer. Good to know, and might help me out, thank you!
I know what you mean about these engines, I have 2 and they are great. The one I am rebuilding has around 340k kilometers on it, and is solid as a rock. Just need a little bit more go behind it afterward!
I know what you mean about these engines, I have 2 and they are great. The one I am rebuilding has around 340k kilometers on it, and is solid as a rock. Just need a little bit more go behind it afterward!
Now for the OP I'm gonna tell you now, I'm no expert on towing but a 10K trailer and a stock or only slightly modded 351W is not gonna be fun to tow around. You either want a good diesel engine with the power to move it or a big block with some mods to it if you want it to tow up a hill worth a toot. Just my two cents.
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From: Lake County, Florida
Lead Driver
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From: Roseville, MN
I towed 4000 lbs while carrying another 2500 or so in an F-150 with a 351, E4OD and 3.55 gears. I loved that setup. It wasn't ideal for that load, but it was very competent, and it was great empty. I wouldn't hesitate to tow 10,000 with a stock 351 and 4.10 gears (not that a stroker build wouldn't make the truck more fun).
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From: Lake County, Florida
That they did in fact do, I remember there being a huge forum discussion about it a few months back.
Now for the OP I'm gonna tell you now, I'm no expert on towing but a 10K trailer and a stock or only slightly modded 351W is not gonna be fun to tow around. You either want a good diesel engine with the power to move it or a big block with some mods to it if you want it to tow up a hill worth a toot. Just my two cents.
Now for the OP I'm gonna tell you now, I'm no expert on towing but a 10K trailer and a stock or only slightly modded 351W is not gonna be fun to tow around. You either want a good diesel engine with the power to move it or a big block with some mods to it if you want it to tow up a hill worth a toot. Just my two cents.
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