4.9L performance
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 32
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4.9L performance
The 4.9 L I6 is big enough to warrant some performance attention from me. To put it simply, what can I do to gain a few more HP/TQ for cheap or free? I need to retain the torque figure or improve it, as I tow a 3500# frequently and 8000# trailer on occasion. Getting the jump on a Civic or 3 would be nice too. Also, where is the fuel pressure regulator located, can I get an adjustable one, for how much and where?
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,172
Likes: 4
4.9L performance
Forget about dusting imports , the 300 was never designed as a speed engine . Freeing up the breathing & exhaust , Maybe an MSD ignition system , K&N Air Filter , are a few of the more cost efficient ways . Clifford Performance specializes in 4 & 6 Cyl upgrades . They can probably offer as much as your check book will allow .
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 1
From: Texas
4.9L performance
I had looked at upgrading the Six my truck used to have, but found that the $$$ were not in my budget. The engine swap was extremely easy. I have a little bit more torque, and some extra horsepower, plus mods for the 5.0 are everywhere!
Just my opinion though....
1988 F-150 Custom to XLT Lariat conversion, 5.0 EFI (formerly 300 I6), 5-speed M5OD, 3.08 rear gears (will be upgraded to 3.55's), Summit headers, Flowmaster muffler W/ dual 3.5" tips 24" long.
Pioneer CD, AC, Tilt, Cruise, Mobile Radio, Lightbar (Force 4 LP6000), Federal Signal PA300 Siren W/100W Siren Speaker. Caution Customizing in progress, Watch for flying tools & Parts!
Just my opinion though....
1988 F-150 Custom to XLT Lariat conversion, 5.0 EFI (formerly 300 I6), 5-speed M5OD, 3.08 rear gears (will be upgraded to 3.55's), Summit headers, Flowmaster muffler W/ dual 3.5" tips 24" long.
Pioneer CD, AC, Tilt, Cruise, Mobile Radio, Lightbar (Force 4 LP6000), Federal Signal PA300 Siren W/100W Siren Speaker. Caution Customizing in progress, Watch for flying tools & Parts!
Elder User
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 780
Likes: 1
4.9L performance
Go with a cat-back exhaust, there is some low end to found there.
I have a Crane Cams adjustable fuel pressure regulator (bought from Jeg's) made for a 5.0, but I haven't dropped it in yet, so I can't tell you for sure yet if it will fit.
The FPR is located toward the front of the engine, passenger side, atop the fuel rail, nestled in the space created by the curved piping for upper and lower intake manifolding.
The 4.9L runs at 45-60psi, rather than the 30-45 psi speced for most other Fords, and prefers 57-60.
Eddie
I have a Crane Cams adjustable fuel pressure regulator (bought from Jeg's) made for a 5.0, but I haven't dropped it in yet, so I can't tell you for sure yet if it will fit.
The FPR is located toward the front of the engine, passenger side, atop the fuel rail, nestled in the space created by the curved piping for upper and lower intake manifolding.
The 4.9L runs at 45-60psi, rather than the 30-45 psi speced for most other Fords, and prefers 57-60.
Eddie
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 32
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4.9L performance
I was thinking of a 5-0 swap, for quite some time actually. Get a new or rebuilt 5-0 or 351, get a wrecked parts truck, and swap in anything I need from the parts truck. Can I make the stock tranny work with a bellhousing swap?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,504
Likes: 1
From: Texas
4.9L performance
Yes, the sotck transmission will work with the 5.0 or the 351. They both have the same bolt pattern as the 300 I-6. Ford makes doing the engine swap easy! Really all you need is the engine, engine mount frame brackets, radiator, & wiring harness & computer, & the front part of the exhaust system. I used the six cylinder fuel pump on mine which puts up the 45-60 psi the other guy talked about, and I've never had so much as a burble out of this engine.
Just make sure that you don't go more than 2 years above or below your year model with you wiring harness though. I found this out the hard way, my headlights would come on with the fuel pumps and then go out.
1988 F-150 Custom to XLT Lariat conversion, 5.0 EFI (formerly 300 I6), 5-speed M5OD, 3.08 rear gears (will be upgraded to 3.55's), Summit headers, Flowmaster muffler W/ dual 3.5" tips 24" long.
Pioneer CD, AC, Tilt, Cruise, Mobile Radio, Lightbar (Force 4 LP6000), Federal Signal PA300 Siren W/100W Siren Speaker. Caution Customizing in progress, Watch for flying tools & Parts!
Just make sure that you don't go more than 2 years above or below your year model with you wiring harness though. I found this out the hard way, my headlights would come on with the fuel pumps and then go out.
1988 F-150 Custom to XLT Lariat conversion, 5.0 EFI (formerly 300 I6), 5-speed M5OD, 3.08 rear gears (will be upgraded to 3.55's), Summit headers, Flowmaster muffler W/ dual 3.5" tips 24" long.
Pioneer CD, AC, Tilt, Cruise, Mobile Radio, Lightbar (Force 4 LP6000), Federal Signal PA300 Siren W/100W Siren Speaker. Caution Customizing in progress, Watch for flying tools & Parts!
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