More power, minimum mods
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
More power, minimum mods
Hello,
I have a 1988 F250 with 351w - currently stock. From the research that I have done - mostly on this site - I gather that I can get power improvements with a Crane 444232 cam and some exhaust modifications. I don't want to do any more than the minimum and want the truck to behave - no surging idle, etc. Question, will I need new springs with this cam? How much of the exhaust should I replace. Thanks for all the good info on this site! DR
I have a 1988 F250 with 351w - currently stock. From the research that I have done - mostly on this site - I gather that I can get power improvements with a Crane 444232 cam and some exhaust modifications. I don't want to do any more than the minimum and want the truck to behave - no surging idle, etc. Question, will I need new springs with this cam? How much of the exhaust should I replace. Thanks for all the good info on this site! DR
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Valve springs are an often overlooked part of engine maintenance or rebuilding. They work hard. Weak springs, or worn out springs, act like a natural rev limiter. The engine will spool up no higher than the weakest valve spring out of 16, basically.
Check with the camshaft manufacturer for their spring or spring pressure recommendation. Take the time to measure each valve springs pressure and the "installed height" and then shim as required. An inexpensive digital scale and a drill press will work for this in lieu of a dedicated $$$ valve spring tester.
May not need fancy springs for your application, but you might need fresh new ones after all this time. I wouldn't install old springs on a new camshaft, they aren't very expensive as far as that goes either. Getting them all within spec and consistent across every cylinder is one of those "attention to detail" things that makes for a smooooth running engine, better cold starts etc.
Check with the camshaft manufacturer for their spring or spring pressure recommendation. Take the time to measure each valve springs pressure and the "installed height" and then shim as required. An inexpensive digital scale and a drill press will work for this in lieu of a dedicated $$$ valve spring tester.
May not need fancy springs for your application, but you might need fresh new ones after all this time. I wouldn't install old springs on a new camshaft, they aren't very expensive as far as that goes either. Getting them all within spec and consistent across every cylinder is one of those "attention to detail" things that makes for a smooooth running engine, better cold starts etc.
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