Are there any performance mods i can do to my truck to gain more horsepower. my truck is a 1984 f150 with a 302 and a 2 bb carb. I don't have all that much money to spend so the mods have to be cheap. thx in advance




------------------------------------------------
If the Trucks a rockin' don't come a knockin'

 

a 4bbl carb would probably help the most. Freing up exhaust and intake would also.

 

Buddy, I would go a step at a time, but if you have basic tool skills and know how to use a torque wrench - I'd start with an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold. There's a simple plate that goes over the yawning hole that a 4 Bbl would normally go on made by Mr Gasket.

SHOP for that part though (the manifold). Most parts places claim they can match prices with anyone. Reference JEG's, or order direct from them.

This allows you to make a big change, without altering the 2 barrel setup YET. (YET!)

Next, start scanning the papers, and ask around for someone with a good running used 4 Barrel. You'll probably find that part for twenny bucks somewhere, if you don't find some-one giving one away outright...

The next step down this road (later on in the process) is to shop for a cam. Ideally, you want the matching one for the manifold - but if you look up the spec's on that cam, a machine shop can re-do your existing cam to the same specifications and probably cheaper.

At this point, except for racing heads, you have a matched set that should be faster than all get out!!!

NOW would be the time to look at headers (after the above is done) remember that you'll need plugs that are insulated for hotter running.

I got my Dynomax headers for pretty cheap right out of the box at a regular parts house.

You can piece-part a bigger exhaust on after that, and PRESTO!!!

Mucho horse power amondo...
(And it will sound radical)

-Please bear with me, even though this all sounds like it belongs in the 302 engine forum so far....

Once you have the motor pretty right, and it breathes good, you need to plan out your power train. I'm not an expert there, so the forums for those will be helpful.

My major point here though, is that once you get through the above, however long that takes, you can start looking for the tranny, diff, and tire and wheel target size you are after.

And my second point is this - ALWAYS HORSE-TRADE! If you can find someone selling a part in the paper cheaper than a scrap yard offers -SNAG IT!!!! It will usually have been taken better care of than what you'll find in a salvage yard. Trucks end up there for a reason - They were owned by LOSERS. And you need to avoid their leavings...

But anyway;

Maximise your engine assets FIRST, then look at what you can do with them.

And to do that, take full advantage of every forum here that applies, you will find loads of good advice.

Don't neglect your suspension. Good luck!

 

Greywolf,

What type of plugs are you running that are better insulated?

 

I have a 302 motor in the truck.I have standard plugs in it, not sure what they are just picked up the cheep ones. Do you think that if i took the cats off the truck i would get better performance (freeing up the exhaust)or would my valves burn up like i was told by someone. Also while i am thinking about it my plugs keep getting fouled up all the time. i just replaced them like 3 months ago and they need to be again. I think it may be the carb. It was rebuilt by a friend of mine a while back. I think he messed it up when he did it casue it wouldn't pass inspection. But i got it to pass finally. The kit i put into the carb was $72, expensive i know. But what i am getting at is does anyone have a 2bb carb cheep. I don't want to put out no $72 for another kit. Let me know if you have one cause i think that is part of my problem i am having. thx.





------------------------------------------------
If the Trucks a rockin' don't come a knockin'