I am the Prowd new owner of my first diesel f-250, and being that it is not exactly new, 86, i have a few kinks I want to work out. I was curious on how much torque and horsepower they have? What could I do to the bone stock diesel to pep it up some? Does anyone have any pictures of an 80's f-250 lifted? And when it try to get on it a little, black smoke comes out the wazoo, anything I could adjust? Also I have the 4 speed and am thinkin about 4 11 gears, how would i do highway driving, as far as rpm ranges. And lastly does anyone know how to hook up a factory tach? Thanks

 

Huh - My 85 that I recently nabbed had a rev chart on the back of the visor....

I dunno why either - it's a C6 tranny!

If I can I'll copy it to here (if it's relevent to anything in the first place)

 

4.11's will effectively render the T19 a granny gear first trans, with 3 useable gears, if you still will be using a stock diameter tire. I often start out in second when unloaded and I have 3.54's with stock tires.

Easiest things to do pep it up would be a better flowing air cleaner setup and removing the muffler and/or going to a larger exhaust system. I haven't done either since I can drive my race car or street car if I want to go fast. I kinda like my truck stock I did have the shop which replaced my injection pump with the upgraded model (the OEM's had a plastic sleeve inside which broke) flow the system and adjust the pump timing; the engine ran substantially better after and fuel mileage bumped into the 18 mpg range combined, where it has remained. I get about 13-15 hauling the camper, depending on terrain and elevation. Smoking upon acceleration subsided a bit as well after the injection pump change. BTW, over-fueling is common with these NA diesels until the driver learns to drive the smoke, down shifting and pedaling the throttle for the best balance between power and smoke. More isn't always better, throttle-wise.

Stock HP was 175 IIRC, according to the sticker on the valve cover.

The pickup (or tach) on my truck died a number of years ago, occasionally arising from the dead for a few days before returning to slumber. I've tried repairs on occasion but haven't been successful. Not really that interested as a tach isn't really required IMO.

Haven't seen a lifted early truck other than the OEM 4WD units with larger than stock tires...they do look pretty cool IMO, especially the SC's and CC's.

Enjoy your new (old) truck!

Pat

 

I have an 86 with a 4 speed and 4.11 in the rear...

at 65 on the freeway, I am turning around 2700 rpm, thats in 4th gear

with a 4.11 rear end, I get around 12-15 mpg combined. I always start in 2nd unless I have a load or I am on a steep hill.

 

Hey thanks for all yalls replies, they are really helping, I was wondering what about rpm, i may be turning with the 3:55? I have 33x12.50s so that may help a little bit. I kinda like have the 18 mpg and i was wondering if it really would be worth it to have 4:11s I am not sure so if yall have good and bad input i'd love to hear it

 

I think you might be running 3.55s right now. I though that the diesels came with the lighter rear gear because of the excellent bottom end they have