I have a 1988 460 EFI in an E350 that could use a little boost in power. I have been investigating the different options and would like to go with a better air intake and cat back exhaust to start. Maybe headers later but that would be all.

I would like to try some things on my own before I go and spend $500 - $600 on a "system" that might give me a minimal increase in performance.

Questions:

1. There is a plastic plate right in front of the air intake on my E350. Seems to me that would restrict air flow. So, why is it there and can I remove it without screwing something up?

2. My muffler is a 2.5 inch "in" and 3 inch "out". I have noticed that some of the cat back systems on the market have the same in/out and others go 1/2 inch bigger. Is it the pipes or the muffler that makes the biggest difference?

Any information, suggestions, opinions, or experience would be appreciated.

 

I Know It's Price Is A Shocker, But The Banks Power Pack Is The Only Way To Go In A Gas Powered Motorhome. It's The Difference Between Night And Day All Around. The Banks Kit Has Been Sucessfully Used On Motorhomes For Years And Comes With Everything Needed. I Know It's Expensive, But Doing Things Right The First Can Also Come Out Cheaper In The End.

 

I hear what you are saying about Banks but... Banks doesn't have headers for my Motorhome so what they will sell me is a basically an improved air intake and a cat back exhaust. The results will be about half of what I could expect if I could also get the headers. I am not sure that I would be happy with the investment for a minimal improvement in performance so I wanna try some stuff myself and see what improvements I can achieve without spending $600.

 

I Was Sure Banks Had A System Your Your Motorhome, But Try A Single In Single Out Magnaflow 3" Muffler. They Make A Stainless Steel Muffler With A 6" Round Case That Will Sound Good Yet Not Be Too Loud. The Muffler Will Handle All The Heat That Will Be Produced. If You Cat Exits At 2.5" Magnaflow Also Makes A High Flow Cat That Is A Factory Replacement Exiting At 3". As For The Intake, Inside The Two Rubber Intake Tubes There Is A Cone Shaped Reducer Thing That Restricts Some Air And I've Seen Them Removed. As For The Plate, It's Probably There To Minimize The Size Of Things That Can Enter The Airbox. (namely Small Animals)

 

My muffler shop also recommended Magnaflows for my '86 with the 460. The guy said that the Magnaflows are better than the Flowmasters...

I also ordered a set of Doug Thorley headers.

I've an appointment next Tues for the installation. Can't wait...

Ben

 

I was also sure that Banks had headers for my Motorhome but I talked to the factory guy and he said "nope". Thanks for the input on the mufflers and cats. I am going to check around and see if anyone can fit headers into this thing but I have mixed emotions about spending that much money. I will see what the simple stuff does and then go from there.

 

Oops, almost shared some wrong facts.

 

In the process of trying to fix another problem I may have answered my 460 power problems to some extent.

My transmission would have the kickdown function one day and the next day it wouldn't work. I had my wife press the accelerator all the way to the floor while I was under the vehicle watching the kickdown lever. It didn't move at WOT.

I got out from under the vehicle and asked her to show me what she did and she pressed the accelerator all the way to the floor.

THEN IT HIT ME.

In an effort to dress up our motorhome a little, and provide a little insulation from the engine heat, my wife added carpet, pad, and a floor mat. When I would work on the vehicle and test drive it I would remove the carpet and floor mat. Yup, you guessed it. With the carpet in WOT was not actually WOT but about 3/4 of an inch less.

I had her cut out a square under the accelerator. I'll bet it runs a lot better now that I can give it a little more gas.

 

Had That Problem Before With A Bunched Up Floor Mat. I Thought I Had A Real Problem And After An Hour I Figured It Out. Sux