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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 12:05 PM
  #1  
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BurlyBoy
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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!
 
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 12:15 PM
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DW2455
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From: Independence, MO
yes a cloged cat would rob you of power, the biggest bang for your buck would be a cam swap, along with a k&N filter and ugrade your exhaust system. Good luck DW
 
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 12:18 PM
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What are the various ways to determine if your CAT is clogged?
 
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 12:32 PM
  #4  
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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
 
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Old Apr 26, 2004 | 11:02 PM
  #5  
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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)
 
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 03:25 AM
  #6  
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Capone
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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.
 
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 01:41 PM
  #7  
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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.
 
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Old Apr 27, 2004 | 05:18 PM
  #8  
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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.
not usually, the Y pipe will need to be redone
 
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