Hello,
I just got a 95 5.8 4x4 with manual transmission and I want to give it some more zip. I have been researching for a few weeks about modifications and my head is spinning. I am sure the information is already in the forums but I am at the point where I need some more direct advice. Basically what can/should I do to gain more power with 2000 dollar budget. It has SD and F4TE block. Also it 4.10 gears. I am also curious what is the minimum hp/tq that needs to be gained for you to actually feel the difference. I have called a few different shops/mechanics and had no luck with guidance thus far. This is my daily driver and is a great truck but it is in desperate need of more pull. Thanks!

 

Anything that can be done to a fox body 5.0 Mustang can apply to your truck. Heads, intake,etc.

 

The factory roller cam is good. Very good for low end torque, no need to change this. The heads are lack luster. For fairly cheap, you can find a set of GT40 heads and put a set of low buck long tube headers on and redo the exhaust. The little bump in compression ratio and better flow in the ports will give you a noticeable gain in torque. Also, you could put a set of 1.72 ratio roller rockers on the heads and gain a little lift at the valve. This can be done fairly cheap, and can also be done on the stock E7 heads if you don't want to swap yours. The stock intake is not stellar, but it flows enough air for the factory 19# injectors. Between the heads, headers, and rockers, you'll be close to 85% duty cycle on the injectors at high RPM, which is about as high as you want to go. Should close in on 300ish HP at the flywheel.

Other things to consider:
If you don't know the last time the truck had a tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil) you should do one. A lot of these old engines have been poorly maintained and having them performing at the factory power level will feel a whole lot better than one that is running a bunch of worn out parts.
If you're in an area that doesn't have emission tests, a lot of power can be freed up by losing the catalytic converter, removing the awful factory Y pipe, and ditching the smog pump.