Performance increase
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Victoria Canada
Performance increase
Hi All. I've got a 1989 Bronco, 351 Windsor, fuel injection, stock. I recently rebuilt the engine but am still not happy with the power. What's the single biggest change I can do to this engine to get more horsepower. I'm pulling a 22' trailer up and over hills.
Would a clogged CAT rob me of horse power? If so, how do I tell if its' not working?
cheers!
Would a clogged CAT rob me of horse power? If so, how do I tell if its' not working?
cheers!
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Victoria Canada
btw: the truck has 257,000 KM on it. I'm not sure if the CAT is original, but it appears to be welded to the down pipe. Can I just remove it and replace it with a straight pipe, or will this cause a problem with the engine operation or cause nasty looking smoke from the tail pipe?
I only use the truck for summer camping. (in Canada)
cheers
I only use the truck for summer camping. (in Canada)
cheers
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
HI,I have a '91 with the 351.I noticed a huge differance in power with a combination of headers,free-flow cat,3' exhaust.(these were done together so I might have done something that didnt really help).I also put in an aftermarket ignition/coil and noticed another increase.no dyno,just my opinion for what it is worth.It made a noticable difference in towing my boat(about 4000 pounds)
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 649
Likes: 1
From: Monterey bay area
YOu will definitely notice the difference in power with some JBA headers along with a Bassani Y pipe with built in cat converter.
This is a bolt on setup
it isn't the cheapest but it is worth it.
This is a bolt on setup
it isn't the cheapest but it is worth it.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Start with a 3" exhaust and see what happens. That's all I've done so far, and the improvement was significant.
In my case, the local muffler shop cut off the stock 2-1/2" cat and replaced it with a 3" high-flow cat. They then followed with a 3" stock-type muffler and 3" pipes througout. I think he said the muffler is an OEM replcament for late-model GM diesel pickups.
I will probably do headers next, but hopefully they will bolt up to my current exhaust.
In my case, the local muffler shop cut off the stock 2-1/2" cat and replaced it with a 3" high-flow cat. They then followed with a 3" stock-type muffler and 3" pipes througout. I think he said the muffler is an OEM replcament for late-model GM diesel pickups.
I will probably do headers next, but hopefully they will bolt up to my current exhaust.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
Originally Posted by RVCams
Start with a 3" exhaust and see what happens. That's all I've done so far, and the improvement was significant.
In my case, the local muffler shop cut off the stock 2-1/2" cat and replaced it with a 3" high-flow cat. They then followed with a 3" stock-type muffler and 3" pipes througout. I think he said the muffler is an OEM replcament for late-model GM diesel pickups.
I will probably do headers next, but hopefully they will bolt up to my current exhaust.
In my case, the local muffler shop cut off the stock 2-1/2" cat and replaced it with a 3" high-flow cat. They then followed with a 3" stock-type muffler and 3" pipes througout. I think he said the muffler is an OEM replcament for late-model GM diesel pickups.
I will probably do headers next, but hopefully they will bolt up to my current exhaust.
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