What mods should I make?
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What mods should I make?
I just got my truck its a 86 F250 with the 351 and four speed manual transmission. I have alot of questions and would appreciate any input. What modifications do people recomend to improve mpg, hp, and general performance? i have heard several poeple mention the K&N filtercharger and exhaust systems are these worth the money? Will i still be able to plow if i give it a body or suspension lift? Which is better a body or suspension lift if i want to add 2-4"?
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Philip
Thanks in advance for any advice,
Philip
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 28
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What mods should I make?
I donno if you can lift much and still plow. I would suspect that most lift kits inlcude softer, taller springs. If you just lift the body you'll probably be OK.
As far as engine--you bought a winner. I would recommend a full scale tune up with Autolite Platinum Pros, HP cap & rotor (Accel part #8233), Motorsport 9mm wires and a HP coil (Accel part # 140012), fuel filter and a K&N Filtercharger. Accel, MSD, Mallory, Holley and Edelbrock all make tons of aftermarket mods. Edelbrock makes a Stainless HD exhaust for the 351W. There is a ton of possibilities, just look for the companies online, get some catalogs and when you get the part numbers figured out order away. You should be able to mod the engine to get around 15 MPG at least. I have even heard of people changing thier tranny over to synthetic gear oil for better performance. Good luck
As far as engine--you bought a winner. I would recommend a full scale tune up with Autolite Platinum Pros, HP cap & rotor (Accel part #8233), Motorsport 9mm wires and a HP coil (Accel part # 140012), fuel filter and a K&N Filtercharger. Accel, MSD, Mallory, Holley and Edelbrock all make tons of aftermarket mods. Edelbrock makes a Stainless HD exhaust for the 351W. There is a ton of possibilities, just look for the companies online, get some catalogs and when you get the part numbers figured out order away. You should be able to mod the engine to get around 15 MPG at least. I have even heard of people changing thier tranny over to synthetic gear oil for better performance. Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 1,100
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From: Durham
What mods should I make?
Here's a few of my bookmarks that can get you started. Also, use your search engines, you never know what yo will find. I would suggest first to get your 351 breathing right. A new set of headers, hi-flow cats, dual exhaust, and hi-flow mufflers (from $200-$1500, should run about $800 for a good quality exhaust system); then look at the intake and heads if you are so inclined; maybe a power chip, power ignition; and rear gears.
Good luck,
www.fordauto.com
www.ford-outlet.com
www.godmanhiperf.com
Webstore.JEGs.com
www.kaufmannproducts.com
www.msdignition.com
store.summitracing.com
www.truckworld.com
www.wrenchhead.com
www.zigsstreetrods.com
www.zoops.com
'82 F150 w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
Good luck,
www.fordauto.com
www.ford-outlet.com
www.godmanhiperf.com
Webstore.JEGs.com
www.kaufmannproducts.com
www.msdignition.com
store.summitracing.com
www.truckworld.com
www.wrenchhead.com
www.zigsstreetrods.com
www.zoops.com
'82 F150 w/351W (orig 300 I6)
Slik
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
What mods should I make?
You can buy a lot of gas with $1500.When your exshaust needs replacement get a true duels and only where emission are not tested.That always works good.And get a good high perfromace air filter setup.A full size truck just are gas hogs unless you spend a ton of money and may not see a return.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
What mods should I make?
I would say add just enough suspension lift to accomodate whatever rim and tire setup you plan to use.
If you intend to tow, or plow, avoid aluminum rims on the rear axle - go with steel "Wagon Wheels", they can take a lot without "smashing".
Your rear end and tranny will determine not only highway MPG, but also how much torque you have in low. The more gears you have, the longer legs you've got on the interstate. 4 speed + overdrive helps a lot. Standard is better than an automatic, hands down!
Survey says don't go over 3 inches on a body lift no matter what (it can be done, but WHY?).
To plow, you need low end torque, so look at the gear ratio's for the differential real close - and bear in mind that a locker rear can be your best friend in some situations. Towing also....
No matter what, you're going to end up juggling numbers back and forth. Have a brew, try again, and try not to take things too seriously! You CAN do better than 11 MPG.
And always ask questions, the only DUMB question at Club FTE, is the one you didn't ASK....
Welcome!
Have a blast, man
If you intend to tow, or plow, avoid aluminum rims on the rear axle - go with steel "Wagon Wheels", they can take a lot without "smashing".
Your rear end and tranny will determine not only highway MPG, but also how much torque you have in low. The more gears you have, the longer legs you've got on the interstate. 4 speed + overdrive helps a lot. Standard is better than an automatic, hands down!
Survey says don't go over 3 inches on a body lift no matter what (it can be done, but WHY?).
To plow, you need low end torque, so look at the gear ratio's for the differential real close - and bear in mind that a locker rear can be your best friend in some situations. Towing also....
No matter what, you're going to end up juggling numbers back and forth. Have a brew, try again, and try not to take things too seriously! You CAN do better than 11 MPG.
And always ask questions, the only DUMB question at Club FTE, is the one you didn't ASK....
Welcome!
Have a blast, man
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