351 needs more power
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Junior User
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351 needs more power
Hello I have a 1996 ford f250xlt with the famous 351 windsor backed up to the E4OD trans with 3.55 gears the trucks a great runner but really not that much fun in the power department I would like to at least get 1 hp per cubic inch or more without doing anything crazy no real budget limits but i would like to keep my stock efi system if possible where should I start cam,heads,headers I just dont know where to begin any advice would be helpful thanks in advance
Matthew
Matthew
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
If you go with the typical upgrades such as heads cam intake and exhaust you will probably need bigger fuel injectors or a higher pressure regulator and then recalibrate the MAF sensor and retune the EEC to accommodate the changes
FTE Legend
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
1hp/cu in is not hard at all but pretty much everything related to the EFI system will have to be replaced, the only part of it that could potentially remain(depending how you go about the task) is the wiring harness.
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Junior User
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I think I have speed density system because I don's have a MAF sensor I believe. I was going to start with bigger injectors and something like an E303 cam but in doing research i cant really find a good cam compatible with my EFI any suggestions on a cam I would like a pretty lumpy idle with a good power curve im planning on getting a different set heads so if I need stiffer springs thats fine
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
Or start by regearing the rearend. What gear ratio does it have now ? An F250 to start with is handicapped by the extra weight of the chassis, so you may never get it to where you're satisfied. I had a similar situation with my 96 E150 conversion van. I did a GT40 head swap, 1.7 Cobra roller rockers, shorty headers and a full 3" single exhaust, followed up with changing the rear gears from 3.55 to 4.10's. Its a lot quicker out of the hole, but it's no tire burning speed demon. I would also suggest doing a stroker kit as well as heads to give it more torque.
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Also looking at heads im torn on what to put on it I would like higher compression something like 10.5 to 1 and with good air flow
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Junior User
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I really would like to keep it a true 351 if I need to overbore it because of wear thats ok but I really dont want to stroke it but really anything to make it more powerful im ok with would pistons make a difference or do the stock ones have potential?
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Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,141
Likes: 25
From: south louisiana
Overbore isn't going to give it what you want. Maybe 5 hp. 10.5 to 1 comp ratio's only going to cause it to need premium fuel only. Forget towing anything heavy. The Mass Air sensor will be plumbed right out of the aircleaner box if it has it.
Hotshot
Joined: May 2003
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From: south louisiana
Comp ratio for regular fuel ? keep it around 9 to 1
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 279
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From: Shawnee KS
Unfortunately you've got the "worst" version available on these trucks as the stock speed density ECU struggles with mods, particularly cam upgrades. The later mass-air setups are more forgiving as far as being able to add mods without causing running issues. The most capable option is a modern ECU like someone linked to above (as seen in my signature).